Although many of the Crown forces involved were of Special Ulster Constabulary and there technically already 'home'. Pettigo was likewise overwhelmingly Protestant and 'Orange', and celebrated the evacuation of Free State/IRA forces. One witness, a schoolgirl at the time, would write two years later of how:
>You can imagine our delight to behold British Military armoured cars, etc. filling the streets. All rebels got 15 minutes to clear out while Loyalists were ordered to keep to their homes. The exodus which then commenced was amusing. Men who had been looking so many but a short time before could be seen running helter skelter in all directions. In about 10 minutes the marauders had been cleared out. Our fervent prayers for the morning were answered. The Tommies were entertained, praised and cheered for the great and timely help which they had brought to the unfortunate loyal population.
From Dan Dowling, Neighbours in Pettigo: Living With Conflict and Division in a Border Village (2018), p. 126