1920s Sheffield: Gang Wars Ruled "Little Chicago"

In the years following World War One, Sheffield endured a harsh reality of overcrowded housing and scarce employment. Amidst these struggles, criminal enterprises flourished under notorious gangsters George Mooney and Sam Garvin. These gangs preyed on residents, demanding protection money from businesses like chip shops and profiting from illegal gambling.

The lucrative gambling trade, particularly the game of pitch and toss, fueled a violent territorial dispute. This conflict, erupting in 1923 between Mooney and his former ally Garvin, transformed West Bar into a battleground known as "Little Chicago." The intense rivalry involved brutal attacks, including beatings and razor slashings.

A turning point arrived on Christmas Eve 1923 with a major raid on George Mooney's home. This event significantly shifted power, with Garvin's Park Brigade gaining dominance. The ongoing violence and lack of police intervention frustrated citizens, culminating in the 1925 murder of William Plommer.

Plommer's fatal stabbing, following a pub dispute, sparked widespread outrage and a massive funeral protest. This tragedy spurred the creation of a Special Duty Squad, later known as the Flying Squad, to combat organized crime. Although gangs adapted by becoming more discreet, their influence persisted, with illegal gambling remaining a fixture.