Work in Progress. Last updated: 17 May 2020
1
Auxiliaries numbers in Ireland now stood at 1,500 men, organised in 15 divisions of which 7 were stationed in the Martial Law area under the control of the Military Government in the area. It was widely accepted among the Irish Volunteers that surrender to the Auxiliaries or Black and Tans was not an option due to fact that they were usually shot out of hand or if they survived, they would face the firing squad within weeks. This gave an added edge of desperation to any encounter with British forces.
While reprisals continued throughout the country led by the Auxiliaries and Black and Tans, the attacks were officially condoned by London but little was done to prosecute the offenders. During the Spring and Summer, any attacks by the IRA were countered by reprisals in the local areas led by British troops, leading to phrase ‘ official reprisals’. As to the ‘un-official reprisals’ by the Auxiliaries and Tans, these continued just the same but there were less.
A series of remarkable blunders by both Dublin Castle and the British Government began, ending in a face-off between London and Washington. Convinced that the Irish White Cross was little more than a front operation for Sinn Fein, and that funds received were being taken by the I.R.A, Dublin Castle now banned any Irish contributions to the American Committee for Relief in Ireland and the Irish White Cross. This action was soon capitalised by Sinn Fein and de Valera used it to demonstrate ‘an effort to prevent aid to sufferers’.
Dublin Castle next proceeded to exacerbate the situation further by banning the Irish White Cross from any distribution of relief funds raised by the American Committee for Relief. Within days, the ACRI approached the US State Department, citing British refusal to allow the White Cross administer relief and requesting US assistance to administer the relief in Ireland.
Washington presented a US relief distribution proposal to the British Government where Lord Curzon ( the Foreign Minister and last of the aristocratic administrators whose actions were allegedly governed by a sense of imperial responsibility ) joined with Hamar Greenwood in rejecting US involvement. On receiving notification of London’s refusal, the US Secretary of State, Charles Evans Hughes called in the British Ambassador and advised that if the British Government tried to prevent the distribution of relief funds, this action ‘would rebound seriously on American opinion and hence on Anglo-American relations’.
London and Dublin Castle soon backed down and allowed the White Cross distribute relief funds.
Inadvertently, British trade unions hindered the Government in fighting the Irish independence movement through a series of strikes in Britain that required additional troops to deal with any potential industrial disorder.
In Clonakilty, West Cork, the Michael Collins family home at Woodfield was destroyed by soldiers of the Essex Regiment commanded by the 33 year old Major Arthur Percival. Collins brother, Johnny, a widower was in Cork city attending a city council meeting and left his eight children in the care of a young housekeeper. The soldiers raided the home, ordering the children out in their bedclothes and rounded up the neighbours. Troops then forced these people at bayonet point to throw straw into the house, pour petrol on it and set fire to it. An attempt was made to rescue a cradle made by Collins father years before, but this too was taken and thrown back on the flames. Weeks later, Collins visited the scene and commented ‘They knew how to hurt me most.’
Percival, nicknamed ‘Rabbit’ due to his prominent teeth, was hunted by Collins and several attempts were made to assassinate him – all un-successfully. A ‘Hit’ unit followed him to England during leave, but he remained in barracks throughout the visit. In Cork, an IRA man ordered to observe his movements was spotted and became a victim to Percival and his troops. Percival was later promoted to Lieutenant-General and in 1942, unconditionally surrendered the Singapore garrison of 90,000 men to a much smaller force of Japanese.
Sturgis met again with J.J.Parkinson in Cuffe’s home where a request for personal assurances from Lloyd George on fiscal autonomy and Dominion Home Rule was made. ‘Labour is all for going to London …but there is great jealousy from Sinn Fein and moreover there has been difficulty in getting at the leaders. We have been raiding to some purpose this week and have not only got a lot of ammunition etc but have frightened McDonagh, Michael & Co into a degree of elusiveness which even their friends have found it hard to overcome…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 151
De Valera in a newspaper interview stated that Lloyd George had never offered Dominion Home Rule.
Southern Unionists including Sir William Goulding visited the Cardinal to discuss the situation in Ireland.
Sinn Fein announced that the party would contest all seats in any forthcoming elections.
Airship R36, the first to carry a British civilian registration (G-FAAF), makes her maiden flight in Scotland.
London announced that Lord French would retire from his position as Lord Lieutenant or Viceroy on 30th April 1921 and be succeeded by Lord Edmund Talbot.
Constable Michael Kenny (33) from Leitrim was killed in an IRA attack on the Lecky Road RIC Barracks, Derry.
Sergeant John Higgins (49) from Mayo was killed off duty in the Creggan Road, Derry.
IRA O/C Swinford Battalion & East Mayo Brigade Commander, Sean Corcoran was killed at Crossard near Ballyhaunis.
Vice Commandant Maurice Mullins also captured and almost beaten to death. Later that day, Michael Coen an IRA volunteer from Lecarrow, Ballyhaunis was captured, tortured, murdered and his body mutilated in retaliation for the killing of William Stephens in Ballyhaunis on 29 March.
Michael Lynch during the period 1st April 1921 and 11th July 1921 was on continuous active service ‘under Michael Collins, Hedqrs Dublin and Florence O’Donoghue, Adjutant Cork Brigade’ in ‘Cork, Dublin etc’ and ‘engaged in intelligence work and the bearer of secret disptaches’
Statement by Michael Lynch – part of application for Military Service Pension Certificate, December 1935. Lynch Archives.
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Auxiliaries numbers in Ireland now stood at 1,500 men, organised in 15 divisions of which 7 were stationed in the Martial Law area under the control of the Military Government in the area. It was widely accepted among the Irish Volunteers that surrender to the Auxiliaries or Black and Tans was not an option due to fact that they were usually shot out of hand or if they survived, they would face the firing squad within weeks. This gave an added edge of desperation to any encounter with British forces.
While reprisals continued throughout the country led by the Auxiliaries and Black and Tans, the attacks were officially condoned by London but little was done to prosecute the offenders. During the Spring and Summer, any attacks by the IRA were countered by reprisals in the local areas led by British troops, leading to phrase ‘ official reprisals’. As to the ‘un-official reprisals’ by the Auxiliaries and Tans, these continued just the same but there were less.
A series of remarkable blunders by both Dublin Castle and the British Government began, ending in a face-off between London and Washington. Convinced that the Irish White Cross was little more than a front operation for Sinn Fein, and that funds received were being taken by the I.R.A, Dublin Castle now banned any Irish contributions to the American Committee for Relief in Ireland and the Irish White Cross. This action was soon capitalised by Sinn Fein and de Valera used it to demonstrate ‘an effort to prevent aid to sufferers’.
Dublin Castle next proceeded to exacerbate the situation further by banning the Irish White Cross from any distribution of relief funds raised by the American Committee for Relief. Within days, the ACRI approached the US State Department, citing British refusal to allow the White Cross administer relief and requesting US assistance to administer the relief in Ireland.
Washington presented a US relief distribution proposal to the British Government where Lord Curzon ( the Foreign Minister and last of the aristocratic administrators whose actions were allegedly governed by a sense of imperial responsibility ) joined with Hamar Greenwood in rejecting US involvement. On receiving notification of London’s refusal, the US Secretary of State, Charles Evans Hughes called in the British Ambassador and advised that if the British Government tried to prevent the distribution of relief funds, this action ‘would rebound seriously on American opinion and hence on Anglo-American relations’.
London and Dublin Castle soon backed down and allowed the White Cross distribute relief funds.
Inadvertently, British trade unions hindered the Government in fighting the Irish independence movement through a series of strikes in Britain that required additional troops to deal with any potential industrial disorder.
In Clonakilty, West Cork, the Michael Collins family home at Woodfield was destroyed by soldiers of the Essex Regiment commanded by the 33 year old Major Arthur Percival. Collins brother, Johnny, a widower was in Cork city attending a city council meeting and left his eight children in the care of a young housekeeper. The soldiers raided the home, ordering the children out in their bedclothes and rounded up the neighbours. Troops then forced these people at bayonet point to throw straw into the house, pour petrol on it and set fire to it. An attempt was made to rescue a cradle made by Collins father years before, but this too was taken and thrown back on the flames. Weeks later, Collins visited the scene and commented ‘They knew how to hurt me most.’
Percival, nicknamed ‘Rabbit’ due to his prominent teeth, was hunted by Collins and several attempts were made to assassinate him – all un-successfully. A ‘Hit’ unit followed him to England during leave, but he remained in barracks throughout the visit. In Cork, an IRA man ordered to observe his movements was spotted and became a victim to Percival and his troops. Percival was later promoted to Lieutenant-General and in 1942, unconditionally surrendered the Singapore garrison of 90,000 men to a much smaller force of Japanese.
Sturgis met again with J.J.Parkinson in Cuffe’s home where a request for personal assurances from Lloyd George on fiscal autonomy and Dominion Home Rule was made. ‘Labour is all for going to London …but there is great jealousy from Sinn Fein and moreover there has been difficulty in getting at the leaders. We have been raiding to some purpose this week and have not only got a lot of ammunition etc but have frightened McDonagh, Michael & Co into a degree of elusiveness which even their friends have found it hard to overcome…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 151
De Valera in a newspaper interview stated that Lloyd George had never offered Dominion Home Rule.
Southern Unionists including Sir William Goulding visited the Cardinal to discuss the situation in Ireland.
Sinn Fein announced that the party would contest all seats in any forthcoming elections.
Airship R36, the first to carry a British civilian registration (G-FAAF), makes her maiden flight in Scotland.
London announced that Lord French would retire from his position as Lord Lieutenant or Viceroy on 30th April 1921 and be succeeded by Lord Edmund Talbot.
Constable Michael Kenny (33) from Leitrim was killed in an IRA attack on the Lecky Road RIC Barracks, Derry.
Sergeant John Higgins (49) from Mayo was killed off duty in the Creggan Road, Derry.
IRA O/C Swinford Battalion & East Mayo Brigade Commander, Sean Corcoran was killed at Crossard near Ballyhaunis.
Vice Commandant Maurice Mullins also captured and almost beaten to death. Later that day, Michael Coen an IRA volunteer from Lecarrow, Ballyhaunis was captured, tortured, murdered and his body mutilated in retaliation for the killing of William Stephens in Ballyhaunis on 29 March.
Michael Lynch during the period 1st April 1921 and 11th July 1921 was on continuous active service ‘under Michael Collins, Hedqrs Dublin and Florence O’Donoghue, Adjutant Cork Brigade’ in ‘Cork, Dublin etc’ and ‘engaged in intelligence work and the bearer of secret disptaches’
Statement by Michael Lynch – part of application for Military Service Pension Certificate, December 1935. Lynch Archives.
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Edmund Bernard FitzAlan-Howard, 1st Viscount FitzAlan of Derwent KG GCVO DSO PC (1 June 1855 – 18 May 1947), known as Lord Edmund Talbot between 1876 and 1921, was a British Conservative politician and the last Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
On 27 April 1921 he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, the first Roman Catholic to be appointed to the position since 1685 during the reign of King James II. His appointment was possible because Section 37 of the Government of Ireland Act 1920 had been brought into force shortly beforehand. That provision provided that no British subject would be disqualified from holding the position on account of his religious belief. Concerning the announcement of his impending appointment, the Daily Chronicle observed that "the concillatory motive of his appointment [being a Roman Catholic] is obvious...it is an olive branch in place of a dictatorship." However, his tenure as Lord Lieutenant lasted only a year and a half. The post was abolished with the coming into existence of the Irish Free State and its constitution in 1922. The position was replaced by the offices of the Governor-General of the Irish Free State and the Governor of Northern Ireland. The day after his appointment as Lord Lieutenant he was raised to the Peerage as Viscount FitzAlan of Derwent, of Derwent in the County of Derby. In addition, during the minority of his nephew the 16th Duke of Norfolk, who succeeded to the dukedom in 1917, he served as Deputy Earl Marshal. |
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In an interview with Ackerman of the Philadelphia Public Ledger, Michael Collins stated that ‘ it is only a question of time until we shall have Ireland cleared of Crown Forces....the same effort which would get us Dominion Rule would get us a Republic..I am still of that opinion…compromises are difficult and settle nothing….our army is becoming stronger every day, it’s morale is improving and efficiency is increasing ...we do not intend to have Lloyd George put a little red spot on the map of one corner of Ireland and call it part of England as he does Gibraltar. We want a united Ireland. We have always said that Ulster would be given every guarantee..’
Ackerman visited Lloyd George’s personal private secretary, Kerr and discussed the meeting with Collins. Within days Kerr wrote to the Chief Secretary.
The I.R.A now began to create a divisional structure within the volunteer army, self-coordinating of course. 3 divisions were created. ‘The Commander of the 2nd Southern Division, Ernie O’Malley, was informed that his adjutant and himself would have to accept salaries; acceptance of this order was viewed by GHQ as a ‘disciplinary measure’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P276
Word came through to Dublin Castle that Craig was prepared to see anybody and to ‘agree to help de Valera to attack the Government’ to get anything short of a Republic which does not take away from Ulster anything she has already got. He would suggest a meeting in Louth. Amnesty was mentioned and Craig said that of course there would have to be an amnesty blotting out the past…Jonathan (Sir John Anderson ) tells me Ackerman [ American journalist of the Philadelphia Eagle ] has a direct message from Craig for de Valera.
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 152
An IRA informer, Vincent Fovargue (aged 20) from Dublin, was shot dead at a golf course near London, England. A note was left saying, "let spies and traitors beware, IRA"
In an interview with Ackerman of the Philadelphia Public Ledger, Michael Collins stated that ‘ it is only a question of time until we shall have Ireland cleared of Crown Forces....the same effort which would get us Dominion Rule would get us a Republic..I am still of that opinion…compromises are difficult and settle nothing….our army is becoming stronger every day, it’s morale is improving and efficiency is increasing ...we do not intend to have Lloyd George put a little red spot on the map of one corner of Ireland and call it part of England as he does Gibraltar. We want a united Ireland. We have always said that Ulster would be given every guarantee..’
Ackerman visited Lloyd George’s personal private secretary, Kerr and discussed the meeting with Collins. Within days Kerr wrote to the Chief Secretary.
The I.R.A now began to create a divisional structure within the volunteer army, self-coordinating of course. 3 divisions were created. ‘The Commander of the 2nd Southern Division, Ernie O’Malley, was informed that his adjutant and himself would have to accept salaries; acceptance of this order was viewed by GHQ as a ‘disciplinary measure’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P276
Word came through to Dublin Castle that Craig was prepared to see anybody and to ‘agree to help de Valera to attack the Government’ to get anything short of a Republic which does not take away from Ulster anything she has already got. He would suggest a meeting in Louth. Amnesty was mentioned and Craig said that of course there would have to be an amnesty blotting out the past…Jonathan (Sir John Anderson ) tells me Ackerman [ American journalist of the Philadelphia Eagle ] has a direct message from Craig for de Valera.
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 152
An IRA informer, Vincent Fovargue (aged 20) from Dublin, was shot dead at a golf course near London, England. A note was left saying, "let spies and traitors beware, IRA"
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
3
British forces raided one of Michael Collins offices and waited for his arrival. The landlady was more sympathetic towards Collins and the Republic than His Majesty and sent warning of the surprise reception. ‘They waited to interview me all day… the old lady says they were so frightened that they certainly would not have hit me in any case’ Collins later told de Valera.
Growing exasperation with the Irish situation led British Forces to more impractical proposals to contain Sinn Fein and I.R.A activities. Amongst them was to photograph every individual in the country and issue identity cards and the withdrawal of British forces to coastal cities and ‘starving the people into submisison’. As if to test the hypothesis, British forces cut off the Tralee peninsula in Kerry and the Greenore peninsula in Donegal. Both blockades failed as fishing boats broke the embargoes bringing in food and medical supplies. Alarmed by the potential, Dail Eireann contacted the American Committee for Relief to begin stockpiling supplies in New York in the event of a widespread blockade.
Sturgis commented ‘Jonathan’s (Sir John Anderson ) view of the future expressed to us after dinner was very interesting. If not peace now the Northern Parliament will be set up and there will be a real war blockade etc in the South on the South African model. A cordon across the North and in the South we might hold the ports only and blockade – but what an outlook!’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 153
Two British battalions were ordered back to England to help with the growing coal strike – one from Dublin and one from Belfast.
Hindsight proves that if the British Army had sufficient manpower, the Irish situation would be entirely different. Available were 32,000 troops, and 13,000 members of the RIC ( including 5,000 Black and Tans & 1,000 Auxiliaries). General Macready reported that he would need 100,000 soldiers to restore the country ‘to its prewar condition’
Coal rationing starts in Britain.
Lady Violet Bonham Carter, writing in the Daily news commented: ‘We have to feel sorry for the Black and Tans. They are risking their lives every day…and losing their souls in carrying out duties which no Englishmen should have been asked to perform’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p79
Sinn Fein vetoed any direct dealings between Irish Labour and the British Government and Craig.
Constable James Duffy (30) from Monaghan was killed near The Mall, Carlow.
The South Leitrim Brigade of the IRA hold up the Cavan and Leitrim Railway and intercept the Mail Car. A letter implicates a local farmer, John Harrison, as an informer; he is later killed
3
British forces raided one of Michael Collins offices and waited for his arrival. The landlady was more sympathetic towards Collins and the Republic than His Majesty and sent warning of the surprise reception. ‘They waited to interview me all day… the old lady says they were so frightened that they certainly would not have hit me in any case’ Collins later told de Valera.
Growing exasperation with the Irish situation led British Forces to more impractical proposals to contain Sinn Fein and I.R.A activities. Amongst them was to photograph every individual in the country and issue identity cards and the withdrawal of British forces to coastal cities and ‘starving the people into submisison’. As if to test the hypothesis, British forces cut off the Tralee peninsula in Kerry and the Greenore peninsula in Donegal. Both blockades failed as fishing boats broke the embargoes bringing in food and medical supplies. Alarmed by the potential, Dail Eireann contacted the American Committee for Relief to begin stockpiling supplies in New York in the event of a widespread blockade.
Sturgis commented ‘Jonathan’s (Sir John Anderson ) view of the future expressed to us after dinner was very interesting. If not peace now the Northern Parliament will be set up and there will be a real war blockade etc in the South on the South African model. A cordon across the North and in the South we might hold the ports only and blockade – but what an outlook!’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 153
Two British battalions were ordered back to England to help with the growing coal strike – one from Dublin and one from Belfast.
Hindsight proves that if the British Army had sufficient manpower, the Irish situation would be entirely different. Available were 32,000 troops, and 13,000 members of the RIC ( including 5,000 Black and Tans & 1,000 Auxiliaries). General Macready reported that he would need 100,000 soldiers to restore the country ‘to its prewar condition’
Coal rationing starts in Britain.
Lady Violet Bonham Carter, writing in the Daily news commented: ‘We have to feel sorry for the Black and Tans. They are risking their lives every day…and losing their souls in carrying out duties which no Englishmen should have been asked to perform’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p79
Sinn Fein vetoed any direct dealings between Irish Labour and the British Government and Craig.
Constable James Duffy (30) from Monaghan was killed near The Mall, Carlow.
The South Leitrim Brigade of the IRA hold up the Cavan and Leitrim Railway and intercept the Mail Car. A letter implicates a local farmer, John Harrison, as an informer; he is later killed
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
4
2 prominent Dublin businessmen, J J Parkinson (a prominent coal merchant ) and James Cuffe (auctioneer) met with Lloyd George in London in an attempt to broker an Anglo-Irish agreement. Nothing came of this.
4
2 prominent Dublin businessmen, J J Parkinson (a prominent coal merchant ) and James Cuffe (auctioneer) met with Lloyd George in London in an attempt to broker an Anglo-Irish agreement. Nothing came of this.
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5
de Valera raised at Cabinet his favoured ideas on military operations – large scale action attracting international coverage and attention. His proposal to attack the Beggars Bush barracks was rejected as being a suicidal operation but settled on an attack on the Customs House. Here were housed the Local Government Board and other Government agencies and as yet was unprotected. Collins and others disagreed citing the dangers of a large, organised guerilla attack in the capital but was overruled. The attack eventually took place on May 25th.
Thomas Jones, the British Cabinet Secretary noted that ‘Hamar Greenwood has dropped his optimism of six months ago and talks of pacification in years rather than months’ and adding his own comment ‘the tenacity of the I.R.A is extraordinary’.
Cardinal Logue met with Andy Cope and Mark Sturgis in the Vice Regal Lodge. ‘He is a wonderful old man and talked about all the world and the revolutionary spirit. He said there was no tyranny like the tyranny of a Republic and that he had said so at the White House to Roosevelt who had agreed. We did not go deep into Irish affair…to both the Cardinal and the Archbishop I said what a nightmare it all was as I was sure there was no material thing blocking a settlement. The Cardinal said the bar to negotiation was pride on both sides.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 153-4
International Red Cross conference proposes new limitations on warfare.
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5
de Valera raised at Cabinet his favoured ideas on military operations – large scale action attracting international coverage and attention. His proposal to attack the Beggars Bush barracks was rejected as being a suicidal operation but settled on an attack on the Customs House. Here were housed the Local Government Board and other Government agencies and as yet was unprotected. Collins and others disagreed citing the dangers of a large, organised guerilla attack in the capital but was overruled. The attack eventually took place on May 25th.
Thomas Jones, the British Cabinet Secretary noted that ‘Hamar Greenwood has dropped his optimism of six months ago and talks of pacification in years rather than months’ and adding his own comment ‘the tenacity of the I.R.A is extraordinary’.
Cardinal Logue met with Andy Cope and Mark Sturgis in the Vice Regal Lodge. ‘He is a wonderful old man and talked about all the world and the revolutionary spirit. He said there was no tyranny like the tyranny of a Republic and that he had said so at the White House to Roosevelt who had agreed. We did not go deep into Irish affair…to both the Cardinal and the Archbishop I said what a nightmare it all was as I was sure there was no material thing blocking a settlement. The Cardinal said the bar to negotiation was pride on both sides.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 153-4
International Red Cross conference proposes new limitations on warfare.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
6
At the Dail cabinet meeting, de Valera proposed that the American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic ( AARIR ) be presented with a fundraising request that the organisation ‘pledge’ a million dollars annually to the Dail Government. ‘ Specifically he called for each member to contribute $5 annually ( with the organisation claiming 500,000 members, the would amount to $2.5 million per year )
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P260
Collins meeting with Ackerman on April 2nd had immediate effect. Sturgis reports that ‘After breakfast went over to the CS lodge on a summons from the Lady. I found her and the CS convinced by a letter from Phillip Kerr that all chance of settlement at the moment dead – that all attempts at negotiation should cease as they (are) convince Sinn Fein that we are beat. The reason for this is that Ackerman has gone back to Kerr reporting Michael Collins whom he interviewed is very bobbery and had no desire to treat,sure of victory etc. At the Castle I found a different estimate of the situation. I;m told the churchmen decided at their meeting yesterday to urge upon Sinn Fein a visit forthwith to Criag; sent an emissary who returned with the news that after certain preliminaries, Sinn Fein would go…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 154
The Under-Secretary MacMahon ‘got hold of an out and out Shinner this morning – probably a gunman! To arrange for him to see de Valera himself tomorrow which he is confident will be arranged. He was asked would he see Michael Collins and he said indeed he would not – that if he was arrested when he was with him, both sides would call him a traitor. I asked about the Ackerman story and MacMahon said it was exactly what Michael Collins would say to any newspaper man…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 155
Constable William Pearson (30) from New Zealand was killed while on a patrol near Oughterard, Co. Galway.
An RIC officer was killed and four wounded in an IRA ambush in Dromore, County Tyrone.
At the Dail cabinet meeting, de Valera proposed that the American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic ( AARIR ) be presented with a fundraising request that the organisation ‘pledge’ a million dollars annually to the Dail Government. ‘ Specifically he called for each member to contribute $5 annually ( with the organisation claiming 500,000 members, the would amount to $2.5 million per year )
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P260
Collins meeting with Ackerman on April 2nd had immediate effect. Sturgis reports that ‘After breakfast went over to the CS lodge on a summons from the Lady. I found her and the CS convinced by a letter from Phillip Kerr that all chance of settlement at the moment dead – that all attempts at negotiation should cease as they (are) convince Sinn Fein that we are beat. The reason for this is that Ackerman has gone back to Kerr reporting Michael Collins whom he interviewed is very bobbery and had no desire to treat,sure of victory etc. At the Castle I found a different estimate of the situation. I;m told the churchmen decided at their meeting yesterday to urge upon Sinn Fein a visit forthwith to Criag; sent an emissary who returned with the news that after certain preliminaries, Sinn Fein would go…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 154
The Under-Secretary MacMahon ‘got hold of an out and out Shinner this morning – probably a gunman! To arrange for him to see de Valera himself tomorrow which he is confident will be arranged. He was asked would he see Michael Collins and he said indeed he would not – that if he was arrested when he was with him, both sides would call him a traitor. I asked about the Ackerman story and MacMahon said it was exactly what Michael Collins would say to any newspaper man…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 155
Constable William Pearson (30) from New Zealand was killed while on a patrol near Oughterard, Co. Galway.
An RIC officer was killed and four wounded in an IRA ambush in Dromore, County Tyrone.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
7
IRA shot dead a 60 year old woman in Castlerea, Co. Galway claiming that she had informed the army of an impending ambush.
An RIC sergeant shot a Catholic girl on the main street, Dromore, Co. Tyrone in an apparent sectarian attack. He was then shot dead by an IRA volunteer, the girl's brother. In reprisal, the USC kidnapped and killed three local IRA volunteers
7
IRA shot dead a 60 year old woman in Castlerea, Co. Galway claiming that she had informed the army of an impending ambush.
An RIC sergeant shot a Catholic girl on the main street, Dromore, Co. Tyrone in an apparent sectarian attack. He was then shot dead by an IRA volunteer, the girl's brother. In reprisal, the USC kidnapped and killed three local IRA volunteers
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
8
de Valera offered James O’Mara the position of official representative of the Irish Republic in the United States. While giving with one hand, de Valera advised O’Mara that a reduction in the Irish Mission costs to $150,000 to June 1921 and down to $100,000 annually for 1921/22. Mitchell reasons that this was ‘ a well thought out plan to provoke O’Mara into resigning’ to be followed by shifting Boland, leaving Diarmuid Fawsitt, the ‘only person remaining and very much persona grata with the Chief’ as the principal link with Dublin. O’Mara had had some difficulties with Fawsitt and de Valera in the preceeding year, as a result of which he almost resigned. Now O’Mara took de Valera offer under advisement, although he made clear his view that the budget reductions ordered by de Valera would render ineffective the organisation of a new loan campaign’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P259
Robert Brennan gives an insight into the growing sense of achievement and success which became evident in the late Spring and early Summer of 1921 in a letter to Gavan Duffy: ‘The position here continues excellent. The savage military regime has failed to cowe the people, who are more than ever determined not to flinch’
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P280
According to Sturgis, MacMahon was to meet with de Valera at 7pm at a venue unknown. ‘MacMahon did not talk to de Valera face to face but had a conversation with him on the telephone. De Valera was, he said, quite willing to see his old friend but not to talk politics. On this MacMahon did not go..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 157
Constable Frederick Lord (33) from London was killed while returning from leave near Macroom Co. Cork. He was due to leave the RIC 3 days later and emigrate to Canada.
Constable Hubert Wiggins (27) from Donegal was killed in Limerick city.
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8
de Valera offered James O’Mara the position of official representative of the Irish Republic in the United States. While giving with one hand, de Valera advised O’Mara that a reduction in the Irish Mission costs to $150,000 to June 1921 and down to $100,000 annually for 1921/22. Mitchell reasons that this was ‘ a well thought out plan to provoke O’Mara into resigning’ to be followed by shifting Boland, leaving Diarmuid Fawsitt, the ‘only person remaining and very much persona grata with the Chief’ as the principal link with Dublin. O’Mara had had some difficulties with Fawsitt and de Valera in the preceeding year, as a result of which he almost resigned. Now O’Mara took de Valera offer under advisement, although he made clear his view that the budget reductions ordered by de Valera would render ineffective the organisation of a new loan campaign’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P259
Robert Brennan gives an insight into the growing sense of achievement and success which became evident in the late Spring and early Summer of 1921 in a letter to Gavan Duffy: ‘The position here continues excellent. The savage military regime has failed to cowe the people, who are more than ever determined not to flinch’
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P280
According to Sturgis, MacMahon was to meet with de Valera at 7pm at a venue unknown. ‘MacMahon did not talk to de Valera face to face but had a conversation with him on the telephone. De Valera was, he said, quite willing to see his old friend but not to talk politics. On this MacMahon did not go..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 157
Constable Frederick Lord (33) from London was killed while returning from leave near Macroom Co. Cork. He was due to leave the RIC 3 days later and emigrate to Canada.
Constable Hubert Wiggins (27) from Donegal was killed in Limerick city.
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9
Diarmuid Lynch addressed the Clan na Gael Rally on the 5th Anniversary of the Easter Rising.
Bishop Gallagher writing to the Friends of Irish Freedom outlined the situation beginning with the departure of de Valera ‘ …but when he disappeared I surmised that he had gone back to Ireland and therefore decided to continue my former policy of silence. I was foolish enough to cherish the hope that all men of Irish blood, interested in the liberation of Ireland, would remember how the Parnell split served her enemies…. If ever Ireland needed help from the power of the American public opinion, it was during the last six months….but America, the champion of freedom…has done practically nothing. The reason is because President de Valera deliberately split the Irish movement in America, and all the energy of his followers has been wasted in the struggle to destroy instead of being expended for Ireland’s cause against the common enemy…. The new organisation is still spending thousands of dollars trying to wipe out the Friends of Irish Freedom. Anyone who suggest that de Valera is not master of the people of Irish blood everywhere; or that, like ordinary mortals, he ever made a mistake in his whole life, is overwhelmed with billingsgate and foul abuse in the de Valera press. I have therefore come to the conclusion that keeping silence about certain facts for the sake of more easily restoring harmony has not helped the situation but rather given opportunity for misrepresentation…’
Tansil. ‘America and the Fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’ Devin-Adair Press. 1957. P394.
This letter was reprinted as a circular by the Friends of Irish Freedom (copy below). As Eileen McGough observed:
"The statement shows that the public battle of words continued with each side striving to vindicate it's position regarding their differences"
Eileen McGough 'Diarmuid Lynch A Forgotten Irish Patriot' Mercier Press 2013. p151
Dr William John Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin since 1885 and outspoken critic of the British Government died in Dublin aged 80. The Archbishops chaplain requested that no official British representation be made at the funeral and in a meeting with Lord French said ‘that by an odd coincidence, he received two telegrams of condolence at the same moment from the two C in C’s, Macready and Mulcahy!’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 157
The only British representaive invited was Andy Cope.
A hastily organised flying column in Kildare led an ambush at Mullinaglown which resulted in the capture of the O/C and several IRA volunteers.
Diarmuid Lynch addressed the Clan na Gael Rally on the 5th Anniversary of the Easter Rising.
Bishop Gallagher writing to the Friends of Irish Freedom outlined the situation beginning with the departure of de Valera ‘ …but when he disappeared I surmised that he had gone back to Ireland and therefore decided to continue my former policy of silence. I was foolish enough to cherish the hope that all men of Irish blood, interested in the liberation of Ireland, would remember how the Parnell split served her enemies…. If ever Ireland needed help from the power of the American public opinion, it was during the last six months….but America, the champion of freedom…has done practically nothing. The reason is because President de Valera deliberately split the Irish movement in America, and all the energy of his followers has been wasted in the struggle to destroy instead of being expended for Ireland’s cause against the common enemy…. The new organisation is still spending thousands of dollars trying to wipe out the Friends of Irish Freedom. Anyone who suggest that de Valera is not master of the people of Irish blood everywhere; or that, like ordinary mortals, he ever made a mistake in his whole life, is overwhelmed with billingsgate and foul abuse in the de Valera press. I have therefore come to the conclusion that keeping silence about certain facts for the sake of more easily restoring harmony has not helped the situation but rather given opportunity for misrepresentation…’
Tansil. ‘America and the Fight for Irish Freedom 1866-1922’ Devin-Adair Press. 1957. P394.
This letter was reprinted as a circular by the Friends of Irish Freedom (copy below). As Eileen McGough observed:
"The statement shows that the public battle of words continued with each side striving to vindicate it's position regarding their differences"
Eileen McGough 'Diarmuid Lynch A Forgotten Irish Patriot' Mercier Press 2013. p151
Dr William John Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin since 1885 and outspoken critic of the British Government died in Dublin aged 80. The Archbishops chaplain requested that no official British representation be made at the funeral and in a meeting with Lord French said ‘that by an odd coincidence, he received two telegrams of condolence at the same moment from the two C in C’s, Macready and Mulcahy!’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 157
The only British representaive invited was Andy Cope.
A hastily organised flying column in Kildare led an ambush at Mullinaglown which resulted in the capture of the O/C and several IRA volunteers.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
10
Constables Joseph Boynes (23) from Northumberland and George Woodward (23) from Surrey were killed near Kildorrery, East Cork.
The IRA ambushed Ulster Special Constable officers outside a church in Creggan, County Armagh, killing one and wounding others with gunfire and grenades. The IRA had evacuated civilians from the area. In reprisal, the USC attacked nationalists and burned their homes in Killylea, where the officers came from.
Privates George Motley and John Steer, both of the East Lancashire Regiment, were captured by the IRA at Barraduff, County Kerry. Moved around the countryside for about six months[citation needed] before being shot, their bodies were dumped in Anablaha bog and not recovered until January 1927 when Motley was buried in Nab Wood Cemetery near his home town of Shipley, West Yorkshire, and Steer in Immanuel Church, Accrington, Lancashire, both with full military honours.
10
Constables Joseph Boynes (23) from Northumberland and George Woodward (23) from Surrey were killed near Kildorrery, East Cork.
The IRA ambushed Ulster Special Constable officers outside a church in Creggan, County Armagh, killing one and wounding others with gunfire and grenades. The IRA had evacuated civilians from the area. In reprisal, the USC attacked nationalists and burned their homes in Killylea, where the officers came from.
Privates George Motley and John Steer, both of the East Lancashire Regiment, were captured by the IRA at Barraduff, County Kerry. Moved around the countryside for about six months[citation needed] before being shot, their bodies were dumped in Anablaha bog and not recovered until January 1927 when Motley was buried in Nab Wood Cemetery near his home town of Shipley, West Yorkshire, and Steer in Immanuel Church, Accrington, Lancashire, both with full military honours.
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11
Below: This news shot of joking Black and Tans and Auxiliaries was taken outside the London and North Western Hotel, North Wall, Dublin as they surveyed the damage after an I.R.A. attack on their quarters. Written on the mount of this photo was "Tans glad to have escaped the bombs thrown at their headquarters in Dublin". The next day's Irish Times started a long report with these paragraphs: "... the hotel, which is at present occupied by Auxiliary police, was attacked shortly before eight o'clock yesterday morning by a party of men with bombs and rifles. The police returned the fire, and one of the attackers was seriously wounded and has since been taken to George V. Hospital. Two other men were also wounded and are now patients in the Mater Hospital. Another account from an authoritative source says that twelve bombs were thrown at the windows of the hotel, which is occupied by members of the Auxiliary police force employed on duty at the docks. Six men fired revolvers at the windows. Fire was returned by the police and one man was killed in the act of throwing a bomb, and one cadet was slightly wounded..."
The story was also carried by syndicated news agencies in the United States.
11
Below: This news shot of joking Black and Tans and Auxiliaries was taken outside the London and North Western Hotel, North Wall, Dublin as they surveyed the damage after an I.R.A. attack on their quarters. Written on the mount of this photo was "Tans glad to have escaped the bombs thrown at their headquarters in Dublin". The next day's Irish Times started a long report with these paragraphs: "... the hotel, which is at present occupied by Auxiliary police, was attacked shortly before eight o'clock yesterday morning by a party of men with bombs and rifles. The police returned the fire, and one of the attackers was seriously wounded and has since been taken to George V. Hospital. Two other men were also wounded and are now patients in the Mater Hospital. Another account from an authoritative source says that twelve bombs were thrown at the windows of the hotel, which is occupied by members of the Auxiliary police force employed on duty at the docks. Six men fired revolvers at the windows. Fire was returned by the police and one man was killed in the act of throwing a bomb, and one cadet was slightly wounded..."
The story was also carried by syndicated news agencies in the United States.
The world's first ever sports broadcast is made on KDKA by Florent Gibson of the Pittsburgh Star newspaper. The commentary is of a fight between Johnny Ray and Johnny Dundee at Motor Square Garden in Pittsburgh.
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12
Published daily were casualty lists, with the following from the Irish Independent of April 12th:
* Miss Kate Burke of Wexford, died of wounds sustained in a bomb explosion in Amiens Street, Dublin.
* Mrs Mary Patterson of Ballybough, shot dead in Dublin.
* Frederick C Stenning, assistant land agent, shot dead near Bandon.
* William Lattimer, farmer, shot dead in Co. Leitrim.
* James O’Loughlin, died in Thurles of bullet wounds inflicted by Crown Forces when he was alleged to be
trying to escape.
* Harry Carr, Ballybay, who was shot on Saturday, died of his wounds.
* Commandant Sean Finn, West Limerick Brigade I.R.A., killed in fight in Co. Limerick.
* Sergeant Shea and Constable Borles [of the R.I.C] killed in an attack on Rosscarberry Barracks.
IRA reprisals now included captured British officers. Ernie O’Malley’s force killed three near Clonmel. As they marched the men through the fields in the early morning dew, one of the officers remarked conversationally ‘Stiff banks those for hunting’. ‘Theres not much hunting now’ said O’Malley. Frank O’Connor’s ‘Guests of the Nation’ short story plays on the same theme.
British forces now adopted the policy of arresting locally prominent people, chaining them in troop transports and using them as ‘hostages’ during forays, raids and reprisals. Military presence on the streets of Cork and Dublin increased with troop trucks patrolling streets day and night. The IRA fought back, using hand grenades on the trucks. This was countered by the use of wire netting but the guerilla’s improvised by attaching rope and grappling irons to the grenades so that these could not be thrown off by the troops.
Sturgis met with J J Parkinson at Punchestown Races. ‘He and his are obviously disappointed and angry with the Shinns and he says the Prelates are too. He talked of de Valera’s swelled head and his desire to go and see Michael as the better man …’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 157
In Detroit, Henry Ford was producing one million cars a year.
Washington: Harding told Congress that the US will have no part in the League of Nations.
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13
Cabinet advised that the cost of the military campaign in Ireland is £20 million per year since 1919.
Constable George Rogers (25) from London was killed in an ambush near Fedamore, Co. Limerick.
Captain W.L. King, commanding officer of F Company Auxiliary Division, RIC, was tried by court-martial for the murder of James Murphy on 9 February. Murphy's dying declaration was ruled inadmissible. Two Auxiliaries provided alibis for Captain King at the time of the murder. King was acquitted
13
Cabinet advised that the cost of the military campaign in Ireland is £20 million per year since 1919.
Constable George Rogers (25) from London was killed in an ambush near Fedamore, Co. Limerick.
Captain W.L. King, commanding officer of F Company Auxiliary Division, RIC, was tried by court-martial for the murder of James Murphy on 9 February. Murphy's dying declaration was ruled inadmissible. Two Auxiliaries provided alibis for Captain King at the time of the murder. King was acquitted
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
14
Sir Arthur Vickers, former keeper of Dublin Castle was assasinated at his Kilmorna, Co. Kerry home.
Brig.Gen Ormonde Winter was apparently furious with the Under Secretary Sir John Anderson who told him ‘not to try and drag the Sinn Fein big wigs out of the procession (Archbishop of Dublin’s funeral) if they attend. He cannot see that to bait the mousetrap with a dead Archbishop and then promote a battle over the corpse would do us more harm, even if we succeeded in taking Michael Collins, than to leave them alone.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 158
Proclamation Number Three was issued by Macready stating that Crown Court Judges were not to hear cases involving claims of compensation against crown forces. This created a storm within the British administration in Ireland.
The American Commission of Inquiry issued its first reports following 3 months of hearings, with a blanket condemnation of British forces actions in Ireland.
Gaining creedence in Irish American circles was the supposition that de Valera’s leadership was under serious challenge from Michael Collins, and that the majority of Irish people supported Collins. John Devoy highlighted this in the Gaelic American.
In Britain, labour unions for mining, railway and transportation workers call for a strike; the government threatens to call in the army.
14
Sir Arthur Vickers, former keeper of Dublin Castle was assasinated at his Kilmorna, Co. Kerry home.
Brig.Gen Ormonde Winter was apparently furious with the Under Secretary Sir John Anderson who told him ‘not to try and drag the Sinn Fein big wigs out of the procession (Archbishop of Dublin’s funeral) if they attend. He cannot see that to bait the mousetrap with a dead Archbishop and then promote a battle over the corpse would do us more harm, even if we succeeded in taking Michael Collins, than to leave them alone.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 158
Proclamation Number Three was issued by Macready stating that Crown Court Judges were not to hear cases involving claims of compensation against crown forces. This created a storm within the British administration in Ireland.
The American Commission of Inquiry issued its first reports following 3 months of hearings, with a blanket condemnation of British forces actions in Ireland.
Gaining creedence in Irish American circles was the supposition that de Valera’s leadership was under serious challenge from Michael Collins, and that the majority of Irish people supported Collins. John Devoy highlighted this in the Gaelic American.
In Britain, labour unions for mining, railway and transportation workers call for a strike; the government threatens to call in the army.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
15
Word filtered through to Dublin Castle that the Chief Secretary ‘thinks we are peace plotting behind his back and says the PM does not like it…of course there are certain people we see and can't help seeing so long as our job is to wage war with one hand and welcome negotiation with the other…I told Lady Greenwood that I had heard we lads had been a bit too independent and incurred the wrath of the powers that be, but she scoffed at the suggestion…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 158-9
Captain W. King and the Auxiliaries on trial for the murder of two men in Drumcondra were aquitted.
Major John Mackinnon (32), Commanding Officer of ‘H’ Company, Auxxiliaries in Tralee, Co. Kerry was killed while playing golf from the third green. Known to the IRA simply as ‘The Major’, he had been targeted from assassination for some time. His dying words were reputed to be ‘Burn Ballymac…’
Constable Wilfred Jones (35) from London was killed while walking with his girlfriend near the RIC Barracks, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.
"Black Friday": Transport union members of Britain's 'Triple Alliance' refuse to support national strike action by coal miners.
15
Word filtered through to Dublin Castle that the Chief Secretary ‘thinks we are peace plotting behind his back and says the PM does not like it…of course there are certain people we see and can't help seeing so long as our job is to wage war with one hand and welcome negotiation with the other…I told Lady Greenwood that I had heard we lads had been a bit too independent and incurred the wrath of the powers that be, but she scoffed at the suggestion…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 158-9
Captain W. King and the Auxiliaries on trial for the murder of two men in Drumcondra were aquitted.
Major John Mackinnon (32), Commanding Officer of ‘H’ Company, Auxxiliaries in Tralee, Co. Kerry was killed while playing golf from the third green. Known to the IRA simply as ‘The Major’, he had been targeted from assassination for some time. His dying words were reputed to be ‘Burn Ballymac…’
Constable Wilfred Jones (35) from London was killed while walking with his girlfriend near the RIC Barracks, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.
"Black Friday": Transport union members of Britain's 'Triple Alliance' refuse to support national strike action by coal miners.
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16
Sinn Fein commented indirectly to Sturgis that they were unwilling to visit Craig but wanted to send three representatives (Wylie, O’Connor and O’Connell) to Downing Street to request fiscal autonomy for the 26 counties, a reduction of contribution and no army or navy.
Peter Ustinov, actor and writer born.
IRA volunteers capture Major Geoffrey Lee Compton Smith in Blarney, Co Cork and was held hostage in the Donoughmore area. The volunteers promised the Majors release in return for the release of 4 IRA prisoners. The request was refused and 8 prisoners were executed, in reprisal the IRA Volunteers executed the Major near Donoughmore, Co Cork on the 28 April.
Lord Derby* following requests by Edward Saunderson agreed to act as an intermediary and two Liverpool MPs, Sir James Reynolds and Colonel John Shute.
* Lord Derby: 1865-1948. Leading Conservative politician in Lancashire. Director-General for Recruiting 1915-16, Secretary for War in Coalition Government 1916-18, Ambassador to France 1918-20 & Secretary for War 1922-23.
16
Sinn Fein commented indirectly to Sturgis that they were unwilling to visit Craig but wanted to send three representatives (Wylie, O’Connor and O’Connell) to Downing Street to request fiscal autonomy for the 26 counties, a reduction of contribution and no army or navy.
Peter Ustinov, actor and writer born.
IRA volunteers capture Major Geoffrey Lee Compton Smith in Blarney, Co Cork and was held hostage in the Donoughmore area. The volunteers promised the Majors release in return for the release of 4 IRA prisoners. The request was refused and 8 prisoners were executed, in reprisal the IRA Volunteers executed the Major near Donoughmore, Co Cork on the 28 April.
Lord Derby* following requests by Edward Saunderson agreed to act as an intermediary and two Liverpool MPs, Sir James Reynolds and Colonel John Shute.
* Lord Derby: 1865-1948. Leading Conservative politician in Lancashire. Director-General for Recruiting 1915-16, Secretary for War in Coalition Government 1916-18, Ambassador to France 1918-20 & Secretary for War 1922-23.
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17
Aware of de Valera stand on the Republic, Sean T. O'Kelly wrote from Paris on the subject ‘ …I hold the firm stand we take ‘on an Irish Republic or nothing’ needs not change but development’
De Valera replied with a shot across the bows, saying he had been misunderstood but making it clear to O’Kelly that official representatives abroad must ‘carry out the instructions of the Department, whether they personally agree with policy or not’. If they did not agree with a major policy decision, then they could resign.
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P296
Constable John MacDonald (28) from London was shot in Cove Street, Cork. He died five days later.
17
Aware of de Valera stand on the Republic, Sean T. O'Kelly wrote from Paris on the subject ‘ …I hold the firm stand we take ‘on an Irish Republic or nothing’ needs not change but development’
De Valera replied with a shot across the bows, saying he had been misunderstood but making it clear to O’Kelly that official representatives abroad must ‘carry out the instructions of the Department, whether they personally agree with policy or not’. If they did not agree with a major policy decision, then they could resign.
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P296
Constable John MacDonald (28) from London was shot in Cove Street, Cork. He died five days later.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
18
IRA interned as of 18 April 1921 included:
18 Brigade Commanders
44 Brigade Staff Commanders
71 Battalion Commanders
166 Battalion Staff Commanders
1166 Company Officers
1479 Other ranks and ranks unknown
'Brig.Gen Ormonde Winter to Mark Sturgis - The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 160
Lord Derby travelled to Ulster and visited Cardinal Logue in Armagh following preliminary visits by Fr Hughes from Liverpool. Derby travelled incognito despite his large frame and numerous gaffes.
Derby’s meeting with Cardinal Logue, well known for his somewhat wavering support for both the leaders of, and the Irish Republic was a worry for some. De Valera was reportedly concerned lest Lord Derby draw Logue ‘into supporting some sort of Dominion status by the offer of fiscal autonomy or other means’.
Within hours of seeing ‘Mr Edwards’, Cardinal Logue declared ‘an Irish Republic they would never achieve so long as England had a man left to fight them’. De Valera told Collins privately ‘ The old man up North has given them his views. I would like to use bad language, but I wont.’ Archbishop Manix who was still in England urged de Valera to respond publicly, but the President thought otherwise.’… The Irish Bulletin (May 2 ) commented that Logue was ‘not at any time regarded as a wise statesman, and with advancing years he has become more and more a stranger to the ideals of his own people’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P287
The Auxilliaries raided a hotel in Co.Limerick hoping to capture some suspects. The plan was for 14 troops in plainclothes to enter the hotel while 21 others in uniform surrounded it. But as they approached the hotel, a number of men were spotted running across the fields and in the excitement, the original plan was forgotten as the uniformed troops chased them down. Meanwhile the plainclothes Auxies rushed into the bar shouting ‘Hands Up’. Unfortunately for all concerned, there were 3 RIC off-duty men having a few drinks who assumed the intruders to be IRA and both sides began shooting at each other. Eventually the RIC drove off the Auxilliaries. In the meantime, uniformed Auxilliaries arrived and the RIC men realised their mistake and went out to surrender along with the landlord. However the boys outside now assumed these 4 to be IRA and opened fire, killing the landlord and wounding one of the RIC. It ended with three dead and many wounded. The full story only came out when Lord Parmoor, brother of one of the hotel guests at the time, relayed the tale to the House of Lords.
However, it was also alleged that the Landlord was summarily executed by the Auxies.
Attack on Cabinteely RIC barracks in County Dublin
18
IRA interned as of 18 April 1921 included:
18 Brigade Commanders
44 Brigade Staff Commanders
71 Battalion Commanders
166 Battalion Staff Commanders
1166 Company Officers
1479 Other ranks and ranks unknown
'Brig.Gen Ormonde Winter to Mark Sturgis - The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 160
Lord Derby travelled to Ulster and visited Cardinal Logue in Armagh following preliminary visits by Fr Hughes from Liverpool. Derby travelled incognito despite his large frame and numerous gaffes.
Derby’s meeting with Cardinal Logue, well known for his somewhat wavering support for both the leaders of, and the Irish Republic was a worry for some. De Valera was reportedly concerned lest Lord Derby draw Logue ‘into supporting some sort of Dominion status by the offer of fiscal autonomy or other means’.
Within hours of seeing ‘Mr Edwards’, Cardinal Logue declared ‘an Irish Republic they would never achieve so long as England had a man left to fight them’. De Valera told Collins privately ‘ The old man up North has given them his views. I would like to use bad language, but I wont.’ Archbishop Manix who was still in England urged de Valera to respond publicly, but the President thought otherwise.’… The Irish Bulletin (May 2 ) commented that Logue was ‘not at any time regarded as a wise statesman, and with advancing years he has become more and more a stranger to the ideals of his own people’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P287
The Auxilliaries raided a hotel in Co.Limerick hoping to capture some suspects. The plan was for 14 troops in plainclothes to enter the hotel while 21 others in uniform surrounded it. But as they approached the hotel, a number of men were spotted running across the fields and in the excitement, the original plan was forgotten as the uniformed troops chased them down. Meanwhile the plainclothes Auxies rushed into the bar shouting ‘Hands Up’. Unfortunately for all concerned, there were 3 RIC off-duty men having a few drinks who assumed the intruders to be IRA and both sides began shooting at each other. Eventually the RIC drove off the Auxilliaries. In the meantime, uniformed Auxilliaries arrived and the RIC men realised their mistake and went out to surrender along with the landlord. However the boys outside now assumed these 4 to be IRA and opened fire, killing the landlord and wounding one of the RIC. It ended with three dead and many wounded. The full story only came out when Lord Parmoor, brother of one of the hotel guests at the time, relayed the tale to the House of Lords.
However, it was also alleged that the Landlord was summarily executed by the Auxies.
Attack on Cabinteely RIC barracks in County Dublin
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19
So long as Sinn Fein demands a Republic, the present evils must go on. So long as the leaders of Sinn Fein stand in this position, and receive the support of their countrymen, settlement is in my judgement, impossible.’
Lloyd George replying to protesting Church of England Clergy on British policy in Ireland.
Lloyd George spoke of the war as a war of secession but stated that Ireland could have full Home Rule within the Empire as soon as it was wanted.
Constables James Hetherington (31) from Tyrone and Thomas Kelly (37) from Mayo were removed from the Dublin to Sligo train at Ballisodare Railway station, Co Sligo and executed by the IRA.
Sergeant Stephen Kirwan (44) from Wexford was killed in Ballyboughal, Co. Dublin.
After a shootout near Loughglynn, County Roscommon, Black and Tans killed two IRA volunteers, John Bergin and Stephen McDermott, and injured two others, Joe Satchwell and Thomas Scally.
19
So long as Sinn Fein demands a Republic, the present evils must go on. So long as the leaders of Sinn Fein stand in this position, and receive the support of their countrymen, settlement is in my judgement, impossible.’
Lloyd George replying to protesting Church of England Clergy on British policy in Ireland.
Lloyd George spoke of the war as a war of secession but stated that Ireland could have full Home Rule within the Empire as soon as it was wanted.
Constables James Hetherington (31) from Tyrone and Thomas Kelly (37) from Mayo were removed from the Dublin to Sligo train at Ballisodare Railway station, Co Sligo and executed by the IRA.
Sergeant Stephen Kirwan (44) from Wexford was killed in Ballyboughal, Co. Dublin.
After a shootout near Loughglynn, County Roscommon, Black and Tans killed two IRA volunteers, John Bergin and Stephen McDermott, and injured two others, Joe Satchwell and Thomas Scally.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
21
Lloyd George’s private secretary (and mistress) Frances Stevenson wrote to Lady Greenwood of her pessimism ‘The PM has repeatedly said that he will willingly meet anyone who is authorised to negotiate for Sinn Fein. What he will not do is say beforehand what the Government will accept…de Valera’s refusal to meet Craig is not very encouraging….it will have to be a far more definite and official offer to really come to anything’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 259
Dublin Castle were advised that Lord Derby would be making an attempt to broker peace, having already made contact with Sinn Fein through an RC prelate in Liverpool, Fr. Hughes following urges to do so by two Catholic Liverpool MPs, Sir James Reynolds and Colonel John Shute and would be staying in the Gresham Hotel, Dublin from the 21st.
DMP Constable William Steadman (32) was killed in Mary Street, Dublin.
Constable Denis O’Loughlin (49) from Kerry was killed in Tralee, Co. Kerry
21
Lloyd George’s private secretary (and mistress) Frances Stevenson wrote to Lady Greenwood of her pessimism ‘The PM has repeatedly said that he will willingly meet anyone who is authorised to negotiate for Sinn Fein. What he will not do is say beforehand what the Government will accept…de Valera’s refusal to meet Craig is not very encouraging….it will have to be a far more definite and official offer to really come to anything’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 259
Dublin Castle were advised that Lord Derby would be making an attempt to broker peace, having already made contact with Sinn Fein through an RC prelate in Liverpool, Fr. Hughes following urges to do so by two Catholic Liverpool MPs, Sir James Reynolds and Colonel John Shute and would be staying in the Gresham Hotel, Dublin from the 21st.
DMP Constable William Steadman (32) was killed in Mary Street, Dublin.
Constable Denis O’Loughlin (49) from Kerry was killed in Tralee, Co. Kerry
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
22
Lord Derby*, disguised with just a pair of horn rimmed glasses and using the alias of ‘Mr Edwards’, travelled to Dublin to meet with De Valera to discuss the Anglo-Irish situation. However en-route, he mislaid his monogrammed cigarette case on the boat from Stranraer to Larne. At Strabane train station, he met with Cardinal Logue which set all the local newspaper hacks off and finally while staying in the Gresham Hotel, left his overcoat with his name on the neck hanging on the door of his bedroom. Allegedly he was most surprised and preturbed when a chambermaid addressed ‘Mr Edwards’ as ‘Me Lord’.
Derby met with de Valera at James O’Mara’s home in 43 Fitzwilliam Place…It was understood that he advised De Valera that the British Government were ready to offer more than the status provided by the Government of Ireland Act and something closer to Dominion Status. In turn De Valera made it clear that no settlement could be made other than full recognition of Ireland’s rights. Derby suggested that de Valera should travel to his home as his guest, incognito and it was agreed that the Irish leader would state his terms in a letter to Derby, which would be conveyed to Lloyd George before his next statement to the House. De Valera written answer amounted to a queston of his own, whether Lloyd George would agree to see him without any assurances on Irish willingness to be flexible.
Sturgis reported that he was told de Valera ‘the ass was ‘grand’ as usual and talked ‘republic’ and ‘no compromise’ at first anyway.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 164
Derby’s iniative fizzled out as both sides appeared unwilling to make the first move.
On the same day, de Valera’s office was raided by British Forces, confiscating the seal of the Republic and official stationery.
Many Police reports from previously quiet counties, now reported an upsurge in anti-government activities, violence, burnings and murders. Macready reported to Dublin Castle that the I.R.A. were ‘running the (western) country’ and in particular the network of roads which led from Mallow into Kerry and Limerick’
George Dangerfield “ The Damnable Question - a study in Anglo-Irish relations” Constable, London. 1977. p326
The US Consul in Dublin, Dumont met with Dublin Castle officials ‘saying the Shinns are all for settlement – it is only a question of tactics. He came asking for facilities for a peaceful Shinner called Keating to see John McNeil in prison. Keating's idea is to arrive at some arrangement before the elections by which Sinn Fein candidates can stand not definitely pledged to a republic.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 161
Sir John Ross ( 1854-1935 Irish Judge and Lord Chancellor of Ireland 1921-22 ) drafted an address which he suggested that the incoming Lord Lieutenant of Ireland issue to the people of Ireland that ‘he has taken the oath deploring the present state of bloodshed, saying that truce by negotiation is impossible at the present time bur that he will try the experiment of initating a truce himself – on and after such and such a date no curfew, no raids, no arrests etc etc. If t’other side keep this truce, which would be first for a month, it can be renewed from time to time till peace is made. During the truce men will be free to go about unmolested in an athmosphere conductive to final settlement’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 161
Edmund Talbot, Lord Fitzalan (1855-1947) the proposed new Lord Lieutenant was percieved as possibly being a peacemaking apointee. A Catholic and Conservative MP 1894-1921 along with the position of Conservative Whip 1913-21, he was the first Catholic appointee in the history of the post as the appointment was simply tokenism.
‘Sir John Ross..and Anderson saw Fitzalan’s arrival as an opportunity for an appeal for truce and negotiations to be made. A memorandum was drawn up but never acted upon.’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p192
District Inspector Gilbert Potter was captured following an ambush of troops near Clogheen, Co. Tipperary. One soldier was killed and another wounded. The IRA planned to exchange the DI for Thomas Traynor, due to be executed in Mountjoy on the 25th. In tentative approaches, Dublin Castle refused.
22
Lord Derby*, disguised with just a pair of horn rimmed glasses and using the alias of ‘Mr Edwards’, travelled to Dublin to meet with De Valera to discuss the Anglo-Irish situation. However en-route, he mislaid his monogrammed cigarette case on the boat from Stranraer to Larne. At Strabane train station, he met with Cardinal Logue which set all the local newspaper hacks off and finally while staying in the Gresham Hotel, left his overcoat with his name on the neck hanging on the door of his bedroom. Allegedly he was most surprised and preturbed when a chambermaid addressed ‘Mr Edwards’ as ‘Me Lord’.
Derby met with de Valera at James O’Mara’s home in 43 Fitzwilliam Place…It was understood that he advised De Valera that the British Government were ready to offer more than the status provided by the Government of Ireland Act and something closer to Dominion Status. In turn De Valera made it clear that no settlement could be made other than full recognition of Ireland’s rights. Derby suggested that de Valera should travel to his home as his guest, incognito and it was agreed that the Irish leader would state his terms in a letter to Derby, which would be conveyed to Lloyd George before his next statement to the House. De Valera written answer amounted to a queston of his own, whether Lloyd George would agree to see him without any assurances on Irish willingness to be flexible.
Sturgis reported that he was told de Valera ‘the ass was ‘grand’ as usual and talked ‘republic’ and ‘no compromise’ at first anyway.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 164
Derby’s iniative fizzled out as both sides appeared unwilling to make the first move.
On the same day, de Valera’s office was raided by British Forces, confiscating the seal of the Republic and official stationery.
Many Police reports from previously quiet counties, now reported an upsurge in anti-government activities, violence, burnings and murders. Macready reported to Dublin Castle that the I.R.A. were ‘running the (western) country’ and in particular the network of roads which led from Mallow into Kerry and Limerick’
George Dangerfield “ The Damnable Question - a study in Anglo-Irish relations” Constable, London. 1977. p326
The US Consul in Dublin, Dumont met with Dublin Castle officials ‘saying the Shinns are all for settlement – it is only a question of tactics. He came asking for facilities for a peaceful Shinner called Keating to see John McNeil in prison. Keating's idea is to arrive at some arrangement before the elections by which Sinn Fein candidates can stand not definitely pledged to a republic.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 161
Sir John Ross ( 1854-1935 Irish Judge and Lord Chancellor of Ireland 1921-22 ) drafted an address which he suggested that the incoming Lord Lieutenant of Ireland issue to the people of Ireland that ‘he has taken the oath deploring the present state of bloodshed, saying that truce by negotiation is impossible at the present time bur that he will try the experiment of initating a truce himself – on and after such and such a date no curfew, no raids, no arrests etc etc. If t’other side keep this truce, which would be first for a month, it can be renewed from time to time till peace is made. During the truce men will be free to go about unmolested in an athmosphere conductive to final settlement’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 161
Edmund Talbot, Lord Fitzalan (1855-1947) the proposed new Lord Lieutenant was percieved as possibly being a peacemaking apointee. A Catholic and Conservative MP 1894-1921 along with the position of Conservative Whip 1913-21, he was the first Catholic appointee in the history of the post as the appointment was simply tokenism.
‘Sir John Ross..and Anderson saw Fitzalan’s arrival as an opportunity for an appeal for truce and negotiations to be made. A memorandum was drawn up but never acted upon.’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p192
District Inspector Gilbert Potter was captured following an ambush of troops near Clogheen, Co. Tipperary. One soldier was killed and another wounded. The IRA planned to exchange the DI for Thomas Traynor, due to be executed in Mountjoy on the 25th. In tentative approaches, Dublin Castle refused.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
23
The Freeman announced that Lord Derby had been in Dublin as peace envoy.
Constable John Boylan (40) from Leitrim was part of a 14 man RIC cycle patrol when it was ambushed while searching for an IRA Flyig Column near Kilmilkin. Co. Galway.
In central Belfast, two IRA volunteers shot dead two Black and Tans; John Bales (23) and Ernest Bolam . They exchanged fire with other RIC men as they made their escape and two civilians were injured in the crossfire. Uniformed RIC men assassinated two republicans, the Duffin brothers, in revenge.
The Third Tipperary Brigade, IRA ambushed a small party of British soldiers accompanying two horse-drawn carts approached from Clogheen, near Curraghcloney, close to the village of Ballylooby.The IRA volunteers withdrew southwards towards the Knockmealdown Mountains leaving one British soldier dead and two others wounded, one fatally. By chance, RIC District Inspector Gilbert Potter was returning by car from police duties at Ballyporeen, drove into a section of the withdrawing Column. Potter was held as a hostage for the safe release of Thomas Traynor, an IRA Volunteer under sentence of death. Following Traynor's hanging, Potter was shot dead by the IRA.
23
The Freeman announced that Lord Derby had been in Dublin as peace envoy.
Constable John Boylan (40) from Leitrim was part of a 14 man RIC cycle patrol when it was ambushed while searching for an IRA Flyig Column near Kilmilkin. Co. Galway.
In central Belfast, two IRA volunteers shot dead two Black and Tans; John Bales (23) and Ernest Bolam . They exchanged fire with other RIC men as they made their escape and two civilians were injured in the crossfire. Uniformed RIC men assassinated two republicans, the Duffin brothers, in revenge.
The Third Tipperary Brigade, IRA ambushed a small party of British soldiers accompanying two horse-drawn carts approached from Clogheen, near Curraghcloney, close to the village of Ballylooby.The IRA volunteers withdrew southwards towards the Knockmealdown Mountains leaving one British soldier dead and two others wounded, one fatally. By chance, RIC District Inspector Gilbert Potter was returning by car from police duties at Ballyporeen, drove into a section of the withdrawing Column. Potter was held as a hostage for the safe release of Thomas Traynor, an IRA Volunteer under sentence of death. Following Traynor's hanging, Potter was shot dead by the IRA.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
24
Sergeant John McFadden (30) from Derry was killed in an attack on the RIC barracks at Kilrush, Co. Clare.
24
Sergeant John McFadden (30) from Derry was killed in an attack on the RIC barracks at Kilrush, Co. Clare.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
25
An Irish Volunteer, Thomas Traynor, was hanged in Mountjoy Jail. Father of ten, he was captured following an attack on Auxilliaries in Brunswick Street on 14th March which resulted in the deaths of two RIC men and three IRA. Sturgis commented that ‘I don't think they will make much fuss as there is no sort of alibi business this time – nor is he the usual ‘youth’ dear to the ‘Freeman’ as he is over 40 and has a pack of children, the poor deluded idiot.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 162
25
An Irish Volunteer, Thomas Traynor, was hanged in Mountjoy Jail. Father of ten, he was captured following an attack on Auxilliaries in Brunswick Street on 14th March which resulted in the deaths of two RIC men and three IRA. Sturgis commented that ‘I don't think they will make much fuss as there is no sort of alibi business this time – nor is he the usual ‘youth’ dear to the ‘Freeman’ as he is over 40 and has a pack of children, the poor deluded idiot.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 162
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
26
The British Cabinet considered delaying the Home Rule elections in Ireland due on May 24th until some semblance of order had been achieved. It faced a dilemma, wanting to get the Unionist Government into place in Ulster as quickly as possible and to prevent Sinn Fein from achieving what would undoubtedly be a sweeping victory in the remaining 26 counties. The Attorney-General advised that it would not be legally possible to hold the elections on separate dates, others highlighted the negative press, particularly from the US should it be seen to be less than fair. Churchill argued that the elections would force Sinn Fein to move from a campaign of violence to one of constitutional political activity. The possibility of a Truce during the elections was briefly considered and received short shrift from military leaders and Cabinet hawks. Lloyd George commenting that in view of some peace feelers from Sinn Fein, to hold a Truce would give the impression that ‘we are on the run’.
Sturgis wrote ‘if we don’t make peace before this election farce is staged I suppose the screw will be really put on afterwards and that pray God will be a military show. But peace is the thing. Sometimes I think that it is incredible that if Sinn Fein is really run by a powerful ‘cabinet’ they do not find a way to take the generous terms they could get for the asking. Probably they fear their own people more even than the twistings of the PM and really dare not risk a move. But if this is so, what a cleft stick Lloyd George has ‘em in if he would make a copper bottom offer. It would be peace or split with ‘em then – or at worst, Sinn Fein fighting rather than take a generous peace in the eyes of the whole world…Macready sees the political and propaganda advantages [of a truce] but is cautious as to the use the enemy might make of a lull.
Andy is optimistic about Lord Derby…if he, Derby, has gone back satisfied that peace should and could be made.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 164
Special Constable George Graham was killed in an IRA ambush in Newry, Co. Down. Some of the IRA unit were captured shortly after.
With the news of the execution of Traynor, the local IRA leadership decided that District Inspector Potter was to be executed.
London: For the first time, police patrol the city on motorcycles.
26
The British Cabinet considered delaying the Home Rule elections in Ireland due on May 24th until some semblance of order had been achieved. It faced a dilemma, wanting to get the Unionist Government into place in Ulster as quickly as possible and to prevent Sinn Fein from achieving what would undoubtedly be a sweeping victory in the remaining 26 counties. The Attorney-General advised that it would not be legally possible to hold the elections on separate dates, others highlighted the negative press, particularly from the US should it be seen to be less than fair. Churchill argued that the elections would force Sinn Fein to move from a campaign of violence to one of constitutional political activity. The possibility of a Truce during the elections was briefly considered and received short shrift from military leaders and Cabinet hawks. Lloyd George commenting that in view of some peace feelers from Sinn Fein, to hold a Truce would give the impression that ‘we are on the run’.
Sturgis wrote ‘if we don’t make peace before this election farce is staged I suppose the screw will be really put on afterwards and that pray God will be a military show. But peace is the thing. Sometimes I think that it is incredible that if Sinn Fein is really run by a powerful ‘cabinet’ they do not find a way to take the generous terms they could get for the asking. Probably they fear their own people more even than the twistings of the PM and really dare not risk a move. But if this is so, what a cleft stick Lloyd George has ‘em in if he would make a copper bottom offer. It would be peace or split with ‘em then – or at worst, Sinn Fein fighting rather than take a generous peace in the eyes of the whole world…Macready sees the political and propaganda advantages [of a truce] but is cautious as to the use the enemy might make of a lull.
Andy is optimistic about Lord Derby…if he, Derby, has gone back satisfied that peace should and could be made.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 164
Special Constable George Graham was killed in an IRA ambush in Newry, Co. Down. Some of the IRA unit were captured shortly after.
With the news of the execution of Traynor, the local IRA leadership decided that District Inspector Potter was to be executed.
London: For the first time, police patrol the city on motorcycles.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
27
Lloyd George told a Cabinet meeting ‘ de Valera and Michael Collins have quarrelled. The latter will have a Republic and he carries a gun and he makes it impossible to negotiate. De Valera cannot come here and say he is willing to give up Irish independence, for if he did, he might be shot’. Austen Chamberlain argued that there could be no truce until the gunmen had been broken, and this could not be done ‘as long as de Valera is at the mercy of Michael Collins’. Edward Shortt, the Home secretary and former Chief Secretary for Ireland ), agreed that ‘it would be fatal to offer a truce to gunmen’.
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P291
The American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic (AARIR) held it’s first annual convention in New York. De Valera request that the organisation ‘pledge’ a million dollars annually to the Dail Government.
‘ Specifically he called for each member to contribute $5 annually ( with the organisation claiming 500,000 members, the would amount to $2.5 million per year )
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P260
This caused consternation amongst the organisations executive and also with the majority of members. O’Mara rejected the request and sent de Valera a telegram:
‘ There are nearly $3,000,000 lying idle here to the credit of the American Trustees and at the disposal of your Government… your appeal now makes impossible any attempt later this year to raise the $20,000,000 loan which was contemplated. To use your own words, ‘Crops will not grown on trampled land’. I would advise you to promprtly send someone to this country who has your confidence, if such a person exists; and having done so, don’t constantly interfere with his work’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P260
Pope Benedict XV donated £5,000 to help alleviate distress in Ireland.
The Allied reparations commission announces that Germany has to pay 132 billion gold marks ($33 trillion), in annual installments of 2.5 billion.
District Inspector Potter, writing in his diary commented that at 11am, he had been told he was to be executed that evening at 7pm and that while his guards were not at all anxious to kill him, they had received orders from GHQ. He was duly executed and buried.
27
Lloyd George told a Cabinet meeting ‘ de Valera and Michael Collins have quarrelled. The latter will have a Republic and he carries a gun and he makes it impossible to negotiate. De Valera cannot come here and say he is willing to give up Irish independence, for if he did, he might be shot’. Austen Chamberlain argued that there could be no truce until the gunmen had been broken, and this could not be done ‘as long as de Valera is at the mercy of Michael Collins’. Edward Shortt, the Home secretary and former Chief Secretary for Ireland ), agreed that ‘it would be fatal to offer a truce to gunmen’.
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P291
The American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic (AARIR) held it’s first annual convention in New York. De Valera request that the organisation ‘pledge’ a million dollars annually to the Dail Government.
‘ Specifically he called for each member to contribute $5 annually ( with the organisation claiming 500,000 members, the would amount to $2.5 million per year )
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P260
This caused consternation amongst the organisations executive and also with the majority of members. O’Mara rejected the request and sent de Valera a telegram:
‘ There are nearly $3,000,000 lying idle here to the credit of the American Trustees and at the disposal of your Government… your appeal now makes impossible any attempt later this year to raise the $20,000,000 loan which was contemplated. To use your own words, ‘Crops will not grown on trampled land’. I would advise you to promprtly send someone to this country who has your confidence, if such a person exists; and having done so, don’t constantly interfere with his work’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P260
Pope Benedict XV donated £5,000 to help alleviate distress in Ireland.
The Allied reparations commission announces that Germany has to pay 132 billion gold marks ($33 trillion), in annual installments of 2.5 billion.
District Inspector Potter, writing in his diary commented that at 11am, he had been told he was to be executed that evening at 7pm and that while his guards were not at all anxious to kill him, they had received orders from GHQ. He was duly executed and buried.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
28
Four Irish Volunteers, Patrick Sullivan, Maurice Moore, Patrick Ronayne and Thomas Mulcahy were executed by firing squad in Cork jail for particpation in the Clonmult ambush and Mourne Abbey ambush on 15 February. In reprisal, IRA Volunteers executed Major Geoffrey Lee Compton Smith whom they had captured on April 16
By late April, a variety of intermediaries were being utilised by the British Government in peace feelers to Sinn Fein. The direct approach was not favoured as to do so would admit Dail Eireann’s authority and before it drew out the other sides position on settlement before committing itself to any agreement. Meanwhile Sir John Anderson in Dublin Castle commented that he ‘could not understand why contact could not be established with the responsible persons in the movement’ especially as Lloyd George ‘was prepared to go to extreme limits to make a settlement’
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P295
Debate in the House of Commons led by the PM and Chief Secretary, both stating willingness to negotiate with any representative Irishman, excluding Michael Collins, Richard Mulcahy and Burgess, unconditionally. No reference was made to the rumours of Sir Hammar Greenwood’s imminent resignation nor was anything said about Lord Derby’s visit. However Lloyd George did say that the Auxilliaries would not be removed from Ireland.
Lady Greenwood in conversation with Mark Sturgis later admitted that ‘The PM having used Hamar as the big stick man might now want to withdraw him as an awkward fence in the peace course.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 160
Sergeant Jeremiah Moroney (46) from Clare was shot and seriously wounded in Limerick. He died on 4th June.
US Consul in Dublin, Frederick Dumont in his dispatch to the State Department, commented that Clement France, a member of the American Committee on Relief in Ireland, admitted to him that ‘you can appreciate…that those wanting publicity for a committee like ours…are prone to overstate rather than understate the case..’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p174
28
Four Irish Volunteers, Patrick Sullivan, Maurice Moore, Patrick Ronayne and Thomas Mulcahy were executed by firing squad in Cork jail for particpation in the Clonmult ambush and Mourne Abbey ambush on 15 February. In reprisal, IRA Volunteers executed Major Geoffrey Lee Compton Smith whom they had captured on April 16
By late April, a variety of intermediaries were being utilised by the British Government in peace feelers to Sinn Fein. The direct approach was not favoured as to do so would admit Dail Eireann’s authority and before it drew out the other sides position on settlement before committing itself to any agreement. Meanwhile Sir John Anderson in Dublin Castle commented that he ‘could not understand why contact could not be established with the responsible persons in the movement’ especially as Lloyd George ‘was prepared to go to extreme limits to make a settlement’
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P295
Debate in the House of Commons led by the PM and Chief Secretary, both stating willingness to negotiate with any representative Irishman, excluding Michael Collins, Richard Mulcahy and Burgess, unconditionally. No reference was made to the rumours of Sir Hammar Greenwood’s imminent resignation nor was anything said about Lord Derby’s visit. However Lloyd George did say that the Auxilliaries would not be removed from Ireland.
Lady Greenwood in conversation with Mark Sturgis later admitted that ‘The PM having used Hamar as the big stick man might now want to withdraw him as an awkward fence in the peace course.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 160
Sergeant Jeremiah Moroney (46) from Clare was shot and seriously wounded in Limerick. He died on 4th June.
US Consul in Dublin, Frederick Dumont in his dispatch to the State Department, commented that Clement France, a member of the American Committee on Relief in Ireland, admitted to him that ‘you can appreciate…that those wanting publicity for a committee like ours…are prone to overstate rather than understate the case..’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p174
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
29
de Valera wrote to Harry Boland in the US: ‘You wont of course be misled by any of the British peace dodge reports. I wouldn’t be surprised if before you get this a definite move were made by the British to split the country on the basis of fiscal autonomy; they are intriguing to make this an issue between ourselves and the Church – that is the real meaning of the Derby affair’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p122
Lord French, inspected a Black & Tan contingent as one of his last official acts as Lord Lieutenant. ‘The tune selected by the band while His Ex was inspecting is called ‘We’re only blowing bubbles, bubbles all the time!’…MacMahon wouldn’t come to the inspection to be seen on the same ground as the Black & Tans, but came later for lunch expecting salmon but didn’t get any…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 166
West Waterford Flying Column under George Lennon ambushed a train carrying British troops at the Ballylynch level crossing. One volunteer was wounded and two British military were killed in a fire-fight.
29
de Valera wrote to Harry Boland in the US: ‘You wont of course be misled by any of the British peace dodge reports. I wouldn’t be surprised if before you get this a definite move were made by the British to split the country on the basis of fiscal autonomy; they are intriguing to make this an issue between ourselves and the Church – that is the real meaning of the Derby affair’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p122
Lord French, inspected a Black & Tan contingent as one of his last official acts as Lord Lieutenant. ‘The tune selected by the band while His Ex was inspecting is called ‘We’re only blowing bubbles, bubbles all the time!’…MacMahon wouldn’t come to the inspection to be seen on the same ground as the Black & Tans, but came later for lunch expecting salmon but didn’t get any…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 166
West Waterford Flying Column under George Lennon ambushed a train carrying British troops at the Ballylynch level crossing. One volunteer was wounded and two British military were killed in a fire-fight.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
30
O’Mara sent de Valera a final message ‘ Your dispatches indicate your final decision to force through your policy which last December received the almost unanimous condemnation of the Irish mission here.’
O’Mara resigned from the American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic (AARIR) and was replaced by his younger brother, Stephen, who had been newly elected as Lord Mayor of Limerick. De Valera expected James to remain on as the financial agent for the new loan, but not surprisingly, he refused despite many requests. In turn he declined to stand for election to the second Dail Eireann or as a Trustee of the Dail Loan funds and returned to Ireland in early July.
According to Mitchell, the AARIR was a financial drain with heavy and unusual expenditure that raised strong criticsm at various meetings. A reduction of the operational budget for the Association perhaps was designed to force them into self-financing and not reliance on Dail Eireann.
Lord French departed from the Regal Lodge in the Park. ‘He is a terribly pathetic figure – such a little while ago the hero of England and now goes out to nothing – a lonely little old gentleman who has fought with his wife and his children..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 167
The New York published Irish World asked: ‘What have we gained by the change? President Harding is a simple-minded man, ignorant of world affairs and easily misled by those in whom he trusts…the whole cabinet is English and imperalistic’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p175
The same day, Senator Lodge commented to Frank P Walsh on the strongly worded La Follette resoloution ‘It is being referred to the Foreign Relations Committee and it will stay in the Committee a damn long time’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p175
Cardinal Logue in a press statement assured Ireland that she will never get a Republic but can get anything less for the asking, with emphasis on fiscal autonomy.
London – a Judge speaks of the ‘demoralisation caused by mass unemployment’
Constables William Smith (27) from Lancashire and John Webb (21) from London were fishing near Castlemartyr, Co. Cork when they were shot and killed.
Major Geoffrey Lee Compton-Smith (DSO) of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, is captured and later shot dead by the IRA.
Constable Arthur Harrison (29) from Lancashire left Carrigadroihid for Coachford Railway Station, Co. Cork but never reached home. He had resigned from the RIC on the day and was later alleged to have been kidnapped and executed.
The IRA recorded 67 operations against British forces during April 1921.
30
O’Mara sent de Valera a final message ‘ Your dispatches indicate your final decision to force through your policy which last December received the almost unanimous condemnation of the Irish mission here.’
O’Mara resigned from the American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic (AARIR) and was replaced by his younger brother, Stephen, who had been newly elected as Lord Mayor of Limerick. De Valera expected James to remain on as the financial agent for the new loan, but not surprisingly, he refused despite many requests. In turn he declined to stand for election to the second Dail Eireann or as a Trustee of the Dail Loan funds and returned to Ireland in early July.
According to Mitchell, the AARIR was a financial drain with heavy and unusual expenditure that raised strong criticsm at various meetings. A reduction of the operational budget for the Association perhaps was designed to force them into self-financing and not reliance on Dail Eireann.
Lord French departed from the Regal Lodge in the Park. ‘He is a terribly pathetic figure – such a little while ago the hero of England and now goes out to nothing – a lonely little old gentleman who has fought with his wife and his children..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 167
The New York published Irish World asked: ‘What have we gained by the change? President Harding is a simple-minded man, ignorant of world affairs and easily misled by those in whom he trusts…the whole cabinet is English and imperalistic’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p175
The same day, Senator Lodge commented to Frank P Walsh on the strongly worded La Follette resoloution ‘It is being referred to the Foreign Relations Committee and it will stay in the Committee a damn long time’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p175
Cardinal Logue in a press statement assured Ireland that she will never get a Republic but can get anything less for the asking, with emphasis on fiscal autonomy.
London – a Judge speaks of the ‘demoralisation caused by mass unemployment’
Constables William Smith (27) from Lancashire and John Webb (21) from London were fishing near Castlemartyr, Co. Cork when they were shot and killed.
Major Geoffrey Lee Compton-Smith (DSO) of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, is captured and later shot dead by the IRA.
Constable Arthur Harrison (29) from Lancashire left Carrigadroihid for Coachford Railway Station, Co. Cork but never reached home. He had resigned from the RIC on the day and was later alleged to have been kidnapped and executed.
The IRA recorded 67 operations against British forces during April 1921.