Work in Progress. Last updated: 9 May 2020
1
Constable Patrick O’Connor (22) from Mayo was killed in an ambush of four RIC policeman in Drimoleague, Co. Cork.
In discussions with Carson, Fr O’Flanagan stated that he did not like the concept of Fiscal Autonomy for the 26 counties but suggested that a financial incentive for peace would be a substantial reduction of Ireland’s debt. O’Flanagan advised that he did not think this would be appropriate and agreeable to de Valera to which Carson said he would be quite willing to meet and discuss this matter and others with de Valera. Downing Street advised Dublin Castle that ‘if Carson, O’Flaherty and de Valera can make anything of it, the PM will be willing to see the three of them. This I am told is the greatest of our many secrets and I am to tell NOBODY’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 119
The Irish White Cross was founded to receive and distribute US aid raised by the American Committee for Relief in Ireland. Amongst it’s executive were Cardinal Logue, W.T.Cosgrave, Erskine Childers, Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins. Collins inclusion on the committee caused great consternation in Dublin Castle. Macready fumed that with Collins inclusion, the Irish White Cross was little more than a front for Sinn Fein.
Lord French commenting on Michael Collins: ‘He always saw a strong likeness between this war and South Africa; that all we now say of Michael Collins they said of Smuts ‘and look at him now’.
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 120
De Valera, in comment to Michael Collins remarked that ‘if he were President Woodow Wilson he could not recognise the Irish Republic’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p172
Lord Dunsany was arrested at his home in Co Meath and charged with possession of arms and ammunition and sent for court martial on 4th February.
Cornelius Murphy, an IRA Captain of Rathmore, Kerry was executed in Victoria Barracks, Cork for having in his possession ‘arms and ammunition’ – a loaded revolver. This was the first execution under martial law and the first execution by firing squad since 1916.
Led by Seán Mac Eoin, the North Longford IRA attacked two lorries of Auxiliaries at the Clonfin Ambush. A landmine was exploded under the lorries, followed by a two-hour firefight. Four Auxiliaries and a driver were killed and eight wounded. The IRA volunteers captured 18 rifles, 20 revolvers and a Lewis gun.
Constable Patrick O’Connor (22) from Mayo was killed in an ambush of four RIC policeman in Drimoleague, Co. Cork.
In discussions with Carson, Fr O’Flanagan stated that he did not like the concept of Fiscal Autonomy for the 26 counties but suggested that a financial incentive for peace would be a substantial reduction of Ireland’s debt. O’Flanagan advised that he did not think this would be appropriate and agreeable to de Valera to which Carson said he would be quite willing to meet and discuss this matter and others with de Valera. Downing Street advised Dublin Castle that ‘if Carson, O’Flaherty and de Valera can make anything of it, the PM will be willing to see the three of them. This I am told is the greatest of our many secrets and I am to tell NOBODY’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 119
The Irish White Cross was founded to receive and distribute US aid raised by the American Committee for Relief in Ireland. Amongst it’s executive were Cardinal Logue, W.T.Cosgrave, Erskine Childers, Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins. Collins inclusion on the committee caused great consternation in Dublin Castle. Macready fumed that with Collins inclusion, the Irish White Cross was little more than a front for Sinn Fein.
Lord French commenting on Michael Collins: ‘He always saw a strong likeness between this war and South Africa; that all we now say of Michael Collins they said of Smuts ‘and look at him now’.
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 120
De Valera, in comment to Michael Collins remarked that ‘if he were President Woodow Wilson he could not recognise the Irish Republic’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p172
Lord Dunsany was arrested at his home in Co Meath and charged with possession of arms and ammunition and sent for court martial on 4th February.
Cornelius Murphy, an IRA Captain of Rathmore, Kerry was executed in Victoria Barracks, Cork for having in his possession ‘arms and ammunition’ – a loaded revolver. This was the first execution under martial law and the first execution by firing squad since 1916.
Led by Seán Mac Eoin, the North Longford IRA attacked two lorries of Auxiliaries at the Clonfin Ambush. A landmine was exploded under the lorries, followed by a two-hour firefight. Four Auxiliaries and a driver were killed and eight wounded. The IRA volunteers captured 18 rifles, 20 revolvers and a Lewis gun.
2
Desmond Fitzgerald, head of the Dail’s Propaganda Department was arrested.
IRA GHQ now sent two organisers to rectify organisational problems in Kerry. Andy Cooney was sent to reorganise Kerry Two, and initially ostracised and advised that IRB membership was essential for penetrating the Kerry Volunteers, but he had not been given permission to transfer his IRB membership to Kerry. Nevertheless, he reorganised the brigade appointing Humprhey Murphy as O/C and establishing a flying column, based in the Gap of Dunloe under Danny Allmann and Tom McEllistrim.
Irish Volunteers units began a new wave of arson in Britain, first hit were the Liverpool Docks. This was followed with a wide police sweep with numerous arrests.
General Macready communted the Joseph Murphy death sentence to penal servitude for life on the grounds that there was a mistake made in the conduct of the trial and that Murphy should be given sufficient time to make representations.
In the Bloody Sunday murder trial of Teeling, Potter and Conway, all three were found guilty of the murder of Lieutenant McMahon. The second trial opened on the murder of Lt. Angliss. However a key witness in this trial, a Major Carew was shot at and wounded in a Dublin Bread Company tea shop.
Robert Dixon, English Justice of the Peace (56) was murdered at his home in Milltown, Co Wexford by constabularly who had arrived to loot the house. Dixon and members of his family resisted and he was shot dead. His son seriously wounded.
Constable Samuel Green (22) from Middlesex was killed while off-duty in a public house in Balbriggan.
Constable Patrick Mullany (34) from Cavan was killed while off duty in Trinity Street, Dublin.
Constable William Vanston (26) from Belfast was killed while off duty in Maryborough, Laois.
District Inspector Francis Worthington Craven (23) from Barrow-in-Furness along with Cadets George Bush (24) from Herts, Harold Clayton (24) Yorkshire and John Houghton (26) from Gloucster were killed when their patrol of 17 Axxiliaries were ambushed near Ballinlee, Co Longford by the IRA Longford Brigade led by Sean McEoin. After the fight, McEoin allowed the survivors and injured to leave in a lorry while the remaining vehicles were burned.
In South Africa, the Irish Republican Association began producing a fortnightly review: ‘The Republic’.
Desmond Fitzgerald, head of the Dail’s Propaganda Department was arrested.
IRA GHQ now sent two organisers to rectify organisational problems in Kerry. Andy Cooney was sent to reorganise Kerry Two, and initially ostracised and advised that IRB membership was essential for penetrating the Kerry Volunteers, but he had not been given permission to transfer his IRB membership to Kerry. Nevertheless, he reorganised the brigade appointing Humprhey Murphy as O/C and establishing a flying column, based in the Gap of Dunloe under Danny Allmann and Tom McEllistrim.
Irish Volunteers units began a new wave of arson in Britain, first hit were the Liverpool Docks. This was followed with a wide police sweep with numerous arrests.
General Macready communted the Joseph Murphy death sentence to penal servitude for life on the grounds that there was a mistake made in the conduct of the trial and that Murphy should be given sufficient time to make representations.
In the Bloody Sunday murder trial of Teeling, Potter and Conway, all three were found guilty of the murder of Lieutenant McMahon. The second trial opened on the murder of Lt. Angliss. However a key witness in this trial, a Major Carew was shot at and wounded in a Dublin Bread Company tea shop.
Robert Dixon, English Justice of the Peace (56) was murdered at his home in Milltown, Co Wexford by constabularly who had arrived to loot the house. Dixon and members of his family resisted and he was shot dead. His son seriously wounded.
Constable Samuel Green (22) from Middlesex was killed while off-duty in a public house in Balbriggan.
Constable Patrick Mullany (34) from Cavan was killed while off duty in Trinity Street, Dublin.
Constable William Vanston (26) from Belfast was killed while off duty in Maryborough, Laois.
District Inspector Francis Worthington Craven (23) from Barrow-in-Furness along with Cadets George Bush (24) from Herts, Harold Clayton (24) Yorkshire and John Houghton (26) from Gloucster were killed when their patrol of 17 Axxiliaries were ambushed near Ballinlee, Co Longford by the IRA Longford Brigade led by Sean McEoin. After the fight, McEoin allowed the survivors and injured to leave in a lorry while the remaining vehicles were burned.
In South Africa, the Irish Republican Association began producing a fortnightly review: ‘The Republic’.
Transcript - letter to Diarmuid Lynch, National Secretary Friends of Irish Freedom from Kate Garvin of Chattanooga, Tennessee: "...Our President requested me to write you for any information which you can give me regarding the apparent split in the "Friends of Irish Freedom". True, our efforts in the past have been feeble, but they have been in the right direction, and now give promise of bearing fruit. We want to work with the organisation that is trying to do the most for Ireland. If you will enlighten me on these questions, we shall greatly appreciate it. Am sending special delivery [word illegible] in order that your reply may...." Lynch replied by telegram on February 4. |
3
de Valera found the situation in Ireland better than he had anticipated as highlighted in this letter to James O’Mara in the US: ‘Operations here are much more extensive than you can imagine’ but of course the lead lining ‘and expenditure is correspondingly heavy’ and this overall prognosis ‘I think the worst is past’.
London – Lloyd George gives Germany four days to accept Allied reparations plans or produce an alternative. The seeds of the Word War 2 were being sown.
Michael Farrelly (70) of Ballinalee, Co Longford was murdered in his home by auxilliary police as a reprisal for a local ambush. His home was then burned to the ground.
IRA Inteligence reports indicated a regular RIC patrol from New Pallas to Fedamore was due on this date and the Flying Columns from East and Mid Limerick Brigades assembled for an ambush at Dromkeen, Co. Limerick. Farm carts were used as barricades and as the Crossley tenders halted, the IRA opened fire. Eleven RIC constables were killed in the exchange. Constables Samuel Adams (21) Lanark, George Bell (21) Lanark, John Bourke (30) Kikenny, Michael Doyle (31) Dublin, Patrick Foody (45) Sligo, William Hayton (21) Yorkshire, William Kingston (36) London, Sidney Millin (24) London, Bernard Mollaghan (44) Longford, Arthur Pearce (23) Lancashire and Henry Smith (24) Selkirk, died at the scene. All arms and ammunition were taken. The attack was a direct result of an arms raid on an IRA dump belonging to the Mid-Limerick Brigade in January 1921. the resulting shortage of arms directly forced the IRA into the ambush.
Constables Edward Carter (19) from Lancashire and Wiliam Taylor (28) from Yorkshire were killed when their party of 4 RIC were ambushed near Ballinhassig, Co Cork by 30 armed IRA
“In Ballinhassig, Co.Cork, Constables Taylor and Carter were killed and Constable Fuller was seriously wounded in an ambush”
“The Irish Word” Saturday, March 5, 1922. “News from Ireland” P.9. The de Valera Papers. Franciscan Library, Killiney. Fol.1234.
de Valera found the situation in Ireland better than he had anticipated as highlighted in this letter to James O’Mara in the US: ‘Operations here are much more extensive than you can imagine’ but of course the lead lining ‘and expenditure is correspondingly heavy’ and this overall prognosis ‘I think the worst is past’.
London – Lloyd George gives Germany four days to accept Allied reparations plans or produce an alternative. The seeds of the Word War 2 were being sown.
Michael Farrelly (70) of Ballinalee, Co Longford was murdered in his home by auxilliary police as a reprisal for a local ambush. His home was then burned to the ground.
IRA Inteligence reports indicated a regular RIC patrol from New Pallas to Fedamore was due on this date and the Flying Columns from East and Mid Limerick Brigades assembled for an ambush at Dromkeen, Co. Limerick. Farm carts were used as barricades and as the Crossley tenders halted, the IRA opened fire. Eleven RIC constables were killed in the exchange. Constables Samuel Adams (21) Lanark, George Bell (21) Lanark, John Bourke (30) Kikenny, Michael Doyle (31) Dublin, Patrick Foody (45) Sligo, William Hayton (21) Yorkshire, William Kingston (36) London, Sidney Millin (24) London, Bernard Mollaghan (44) Longford, Arthur Pearce (23) Lancashire and Henry Smith (24) Selkirk, died at the scene. All arms and ammunition were taken. The attack was a direct result of an arms raid on an IRA dump belonging to the Mid-Limerick Brigade in January 1921. the resulting shortage of arms directly forced the IRA into the ambush.
Constables Edward Carter (19) from Lancashire and Wiliam Taylor (28) from Yorkshire were killed when their party of 4 RIC were ambushed near Ballinhassig, Co Cork by 30 armed IRA
“In Ballinhassig, Co.Cork, Constables Taylor and Carter were killed and Constable Fuller was seriously wounded in an ambush”
“The Irish Word” Saturday, March 5, 1922. “News from Ireland” P.9. The de Valera Papers. Franciscan Library, Killiney. Fol.1234.
4
2nd Court martial trial adjourned owing to the wounding of Major Carew.
IRA attempted to bomb a lorry load of police at the corner of Liberty Hall. No injuries but 3 IRA men were wounded, captured and held in a military hospital.
Sir James Craig succeeds Sir Edward Carson as leader of Ulster Unionists.
Patrick Crowley of Kilbrittain, Co Cork was killed for refusing to assist the constabularly in destroying his father’s shop.
Jeremiah Galvin, an elederly man and proprietor of the Central Hotel in Listowel, Co Kerry, dropped dead after being forced to labour on the roads by auxilliary police.
Dublin: The cost of rent had skyrocketed since the end of the war in 1918, and the scarcity of houses has reached crisis levels bordering on a ‘famine’, according to the Irish Times. One reason for the lack of new building projects was that the cost had risen. Building materials, the Irish Times commented, are now anything from 100% to 500% dearer than they were prior to the war, and labourers’ wages – which account for almost half the price of building a house – have more than doubled. A house that cost £900 to build in 1914 now costs £3,500.
No quick remedy to either of these challenges appeared likely, owing to a scarcity of brick earth in Ireland and the fact that the best carpenters and joiners were employed in the shipyards.
In an editorial on the dual problems of high rents and scarce houses, the Freeman’s Journal has laid the blame at the door of the British government, which, assumed control of production during the war. Therefore, it was the government, the Freeman argues, that ‘allowed’ merchants to dramatically increase prices on building materials in the last few years. The paper acknowledged that setting up a public inquiry would be a good thing, but worries that house building would remain at a ‘standstill’ and the profiteering would continue while the proceedings were underway. ‘The problem of new houses will remain a problem until this profiteering is put down.’
Irish Republican Army sets fire to Summerhill House in County Meath, destroying it.
Betty Friedan, feminist author born (died 2006)
2nd Court martial trial adjourned owing to the wounding of Major Carew.
IRA attempted to bomb a lorry load of police at the corner of Liberty Hall. No injuries but 3 IRA men were wounded, captured and held in a military hospital.
Sir James Craig succeeds Sir Edward Carson as leader of Ulster Unionists.
Patrick Crowley of Kilbrittain, Co Cork was killed for refusing to assist the constabularly in destroying his father’s shop.
Jeremiah Galvin, an elederly man and proprietor of the Central Hotel in Listowel, Co Kerry, dropped dead after being forced to labour on the roads by auxilliary police.
Dublin: The cost of rent had skyrocketed since the end of the war in 1918, and the scarcity of houses has reached crisis levels bordering on a ‘famine’, according to the Irish Times. One reason for the lack of new building projects was that the cost had risen. Building materials, the Irish Times commented, are now anything from 100% to 500% dearer than they were prior to the war, and labourers’ wages – which account for almost half the price of building a house – have more than doubled. A house that cost £900 to build in 1914 now costs £3,500.
No quick remedy to either of these challenges appeared likely, owing to a scarcity of brick earth in Ireland and the fact that the best carpenters and joiners were employed in the shipyards.
In an editorial on the dual problems of high rents and scarce houses, the Freeman’s Journal has laid the blame at the door of the British government, which, assumed control of production during the war. Therefore, it was the government, the Freeman argues, that ‘allowed’ merchants to dramatically increase prices on building materials in the last few years. The paper acknowledged that setting up a public inquiry would be a good thing, but worries that house building would remain at a ‘standstill’ and the profiteering would continue while the proceedings were underway. ‘The problem of new houses will remain a problem until this profiteering is put down.’
Irish Republican Army sets fire to Summerhill House in County Meath, destroying it.
Betty Friedan, feminist author born (died 2006)
Telegram from Diarmuid Lynch to Kate Garvin (424 East 8th Street, Chatanooga, Tennessee.)
"Letter second just received. Our position is that Ireland is an American question that recognition of the Irish Republic will come quicker by convincing American people that American interests and future of human liberty demand such recognition. We also hold that the attitude of the friends of Ireland in America should properly be based and decided from American angle without outside direction. Any other attitude shortsighted and fatal. Copy of policy outlined by National Council December mailed Corresponding Secretary weeks ago"
"Letter second just received. Our position is that Ireland is an American question that recognition of the Irish Republic will come quicker by convincing American people that American interests and future of human liberty demand such recognition. We also hold that the attitude of the friends of Ireland in America should properly be based and decided from American angle without outside direction. Any other attitude shortsighted and fatal. Copy of policy outlined by National Council December mailed Corresponding Secretary weeks ago"
5
Daniel Moloney (65) killed by constabularly in Lislevane, Co. Cork.
British Intelligence officer Lance Corporal MPC/MFP John Ryan is assassinated by IRA volunteers in a pub on Corporation Street in Dublin
Katherine O’Shea Parnell died aged 76.
Six republican prisoners executed in Cork. Later that day, six British soldiers were killed in the city.
USSR – Anti-Soviet sailors in Kronstradt mutiny.
Daniel Moloney (65) killed by constabularly in Lislevane, Co. Cork.
British Intelligence officer Lance Corporal MPC/MFP John Ryan is assassinated by IRA volunteers in a pub on Corporation Street in Dublin
Katherine O’Shea Parnell died aged 76.
Six republican prisoners executed in Cork. Later that day, six British soldiers were killed in the city.
USSR – Anti-Soviet sailors in Kronstradt mutiny.
The Allied War Reparations demand caused a strong German outcry arguing that payments on the scale demanded would lead to ‘the economic and political pauperisation of the German nation’. Germany would disappear from the world as a purchaser and consumer and seriously weaken ‘her powers of resistance against Bolshevism’. German public opinion was firmly behind the Berlin Government. However British and French opinion was strongly for payment of the debts in full. In Birmingham, Lloyd George said that Germany must pay for the devastation she caused in France and that the bill was well within her capacity to pay. Opposite: The Evening World New York daily cartoon by John Cassel crys foul at Germany's strident complaints of reparations payable to the Allies. Below - a selection from the US press during January & February 1921 reflecting political and public opinion on the subject of reparations. More details here. |
6
Concerned at the level of hostage taking by British forces to ensure safe passage, Dail Eireann advised that all members of the British Cabinet would be held responsible for the death of any hostage. Hostage taking as general practice was halted days later.
With elections for the Home Rule Government of Ireland Act due in May, Dail Eireann decided to use these as elections in two areas for the new Dail.
Premiere of The Kid, Charlie Chaplin's feature-length film debut.
Patrick O’Sullivan (17) of Broad Lane, Cork was killed by constabularly who opened fire on pedestrians when a drunken man shouted ‘I don’t give a damn about Black-and-Tans’
Two attacks on British soldiers at Merrion Square and Camden Street, Dublin by the 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade.
Special Constable John Cummings was killed in an ambush near Warrenpoint, Co. Down.
Concerned at the level of hostage taking by British forces to ensure safe passage, Dail Eireann advised that all members of the British Cabinet would be held responsible for the death of any hostage. Hostage taking as general practice was halted days later.
With elections for the Home Rule Government of Ireland Act due in May, Dail Eireann decided to use these as elections in two areas for the new Dail.
Premiere of The Kid, Charlie Chaplin's feature-length film debut.
Patrick O’Sullivan (17) of Broad Lane, Cork was killed by constabularly who opened fire on pedestrians when a drunken man shouted ‘I don’t give a damn about Black-and-Tans’
Two attacks on British soldiers at Merrion Square and Camden Street, Dublin by the 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade.
Special Constable John Cummings was killed in an ambush near Warrenpoint, Co. Down.
7
Arthur Mitchell comments that a round of telephone diplomacy now took place between the British Authorities and de Valera. James McMahon, the Joint Under-Secretary phoned him, but de Valera would only make small talk. The same happened when Andy Cope called. De Valera told Fr. Flanagan that the only way to deal with telephone messages of this sort was to hang up. ‘If the British Government was serious about negotiations, it would have to communicate this message openly and directly. De Valera’s caution in this matter is understandable in the light of events of December 1920, when the British Government had pulled back from offering a truce when the other side gave the appearance of being eager for it.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P292
Michael Kelleher (14) killed and two other boys wounded by constabularly at Knockagree, Co Cork for refusing to halt.
Robert Browne of Ballymacelligott, Kerry was killed while in custody by constabularly in Duah, Co Kerry.
The IRA ambushed a USC patrol in Warrenpoint, County Down. A USC officer was killed and two wounded by gunfire and grenades.
Arthur Mitchell comments that a round of telephone diplomacy now took place between the British Authorities and de Valera. James McMahon, the Joint Under-Secretary phoned him, but de Valera would only make small talk. The same happened when Andy Cope called. De Valera told Fr. Flanagan that the only way to deal with telephone messages of this sort was to hang up. ‘If the British Government was serious about negotiations, it would have to communicate this message openly and directly. De Valera’s caution in this matter is understandable in the light of events of December 1920, when the British Government had pulled back from offering a truce when the other side gave the appearance of being eager for it.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P292
Michael Kelleher (14) killed and two other boys wounded by constabularly at Knockagree, Co Cork for refusing to halt.
Robert Browne of Ballymacelligott, Kerry was killed while in custody by constabularly in Duah, Co Kerry.
The IRA ambushed a USC patrol in Warrenpoint, County Down. A USC officer was killed and two wounded by gunfire and grenades.
8
Mark Sturgis in Dublin castle was given Sean Treacy’s handgun, a 45 Colt ‘for my greater safety’
General Jan Smuts elected PM of South Africa.
The value of sterling plunged with the news that the United States would no longer provide aid to European governments. The loans owed by European countries to the United States stood at just over £2 billion. This announcement saw the value of the British pound drop to its lowest point ever in the New York stock exchange.
The London-based Daily Express launched a ferocious attack on President Wilson, stating that the ‘trouble’ went back to him. It was he ‘who induced the Allies to modify the peace treaty until half the fruits of victory were abandoned. He was considered by the Allies to be the voice of belligerent America. This was America’s first step in fooling Europe. We see the sequel today. Every cheque drawn by Mr Wilson, the political bankrupt, has been dishonoured by his astute countrymen.’ The closure of the American purse was announced in a statement by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury and its repercussions are already being felt in the marketplace, in particular in the cotton industry.
Lana Turner, actress born (died 1995)
Mark Sturgis in Dublin castle was given Sean Treacy’s handgun, a 45 Colt ‘for my greater safety’
General Jan Smuts elected PM of South Africa.
The value of sterling plunged with the news that the United States would no longer provide aid to European governments. The loans owed by European countries to the United States stood at just over £2 billion. This announcement saw the value of the British pound drop to its lowest point ever in the New York stock exchange.
The London-based Daily Express launched a ferocious attack on President Wilson, stating that the ‘trouble’ went back to him. It was he ‘who induced the Allies to modify the peace treaty until half the fruits of victory were abandoned. He was considered by the Allies to be the voice of belligerent America. This was America’s first step in fooling Europe. We see the sequel today. Every cheque drawn by Mr Wilson, the political bankrupt, has been dishonoured by his astute countrymen.’ The closure of the American purse was announced in a statement by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury and its repercussions are already being felt in the marketplace, in particular in the cotton industry.
Lana Turner, actress born (died 1995)
9
The Auxiliaries raided and wrecked a shop in Trim, Co Meath and arrested two young men, Patrick Kennedy and James Murphy in Talbot Street and taken to the Castle where they were savagely beaten and then taken to Clonturk Park, Drumcondra by armoured car. There, tin cans were placed over their heads and fired upon. One died at the scene and the other found and taken to the Mater Hospital where he made a dying statement to the police sergeant. As a result, the Auxiliaries Commander, Brigadier-General Crozier had 21 of those responsible dismissed. Immediately the head of the R.I.C, General Tudor reinstated them. Crozier then created a sensation by resigning his command and became more involved with the Nationalist and Republican cause.
‘I never could understand why Tudor took him on’ said the disgusted Macready to the Under-Secretary, Sir John Anderson.
George Dangerfield “ The Damnable Question - a study in Anglo-Irish relations” Constable, London. 1977. p320
British press took a different tack to the resignation of Crozier, calling for the resignation of Hamar Greenwood instead.
Sturgis however supported the Government view on Crozier ‘This beauty who is, I am sure, more truly responsible for indicipline in the Auxiliiaries whom ie commanded than anybody else has siezed a golden opportunity to resign posing as an upholder who was not supported from above – a glorious martyr. Poor simple Tudor has been carted again. He often half made up his mind to sack him – pity he ddn't quite. There is no doubt he is a perfectly worthless fellow’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 132
British forces transport lorries now began to have wire netting placed over open lorries to prevent grenades or bombs being thrown in. ‘It has been said that it took the Boers to put the British army in khaki, the Germans to put them in tanks,and the I.R.A to put them in hen coops’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P272
Alderman Thomas Halpin and John Moran of Drogheda, Co Louth were taken from their homes overnight and killed by auxilliary forces.
Cork: Approximately 60 Sinn Féin prisoners, who were arrested about a week earlier, were deported to Britain. No charge had been levelled against any of them. Five were deported from Dublin but the vast majority of them, at least 55, left from Queenstown. They were brought early in the morning from Cork Jail, accompanied by troops and two armoured cars and were then transferred to two naval vessels.
The nationalist press asked questions about why the men have been ‘torn from their homes and families’ and ‘deported from their native land’ when no charges have been made against them. ‘Astounding and stupid as these arrests are they do not surprise us’, the Irish Independent has remarked. ‘There is no device in misgovernment that the Castle rulers are not capable of practising’.
Dublin Castle claimed the deported men were members of illegal organisations, many of them belonging to what is designated in a statement as ‘the so-called Irish Republican Army’.
An inquest into the killing of a civilian in Limerick has returned a verdict of ‘murder’ against the military. Richard O’Dwyer died in the doorway of his shop after being shot when soldiers and police clashed with a crowd on Roches Street on 2 February.
Evidence produced by the Crown confirmed that about 150 shots were fired by a patrol in response, it is alleged, to a volley being fired in their direction from side streets. The inquest jury found, however, that ‘sufficient provocation’ had not being given for the soldiers’ ‘indiscriminate firing’. Another civilian, Lena Johnson, was also killed when she was shot in the back while passing over Sarsfield’s Bridge in the city, half a mile away. She was employed at the Colliseum Picture Palace on Limerick’s O’Connell Street. The inquest into her death was yet to take place. Neither victim is thought to have been involved in the affray.
In Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, two constables were overrun while defending a barracks from a force of 60 raiders, who took off with eight rifles, six revolvers, shotguns and 2,000 rounds of ammunition. In Dublin, the Army and Navy Canteen’s Board Garage on Bow Street, off Aungier Street, was attacked by a group of 40 to 50 men who stole four motor cars, a motorcycle and sidecar and a large quantity of petrol and accessories.
The Auxiliaries raided and wrecked a shop in Trim, Co Meath and arrested two young men, Patrick Kennedy and James Murphy in Talbot Street and taken to the Castle where they were savagely beaten and then taken to Clonturk Park, Drumcondra by armoured car. There, tin cans were placed over their heads and fired upon. One died at the scene and the other found and taken to the Mater Hospital where he made a dying statement to the police sergeant. As a result, the Auxiliaries Commander, Brigadier-General Crozier had 21 of those responsible dismissed. Immediately the head of the R.I.C, General Tudor reinstated them. Crozier then created a sensation by resigning his command and became more involved with the Nationalist and Republican cause.
‘I never could understand why Tudor took him on’ said the disgusted Macready to the Under-Secretary, Sir John Anderson.
George Dangerfield “ The Damnable Question - a study in Anglo-Irish relations” Constable, London. 1977. p320
British press took a different tack to the resignation of Crozier, calling for the resignation of Hamar Greenwood instead.
Sturgis however supported the Government view on Crozier ‘This beauty who is, I am sure, more truly responsible for indicipline in the Auxiliiaries whom ie commanded than anybody else has siezed a golden opportunity to resign posing as an upholder who was not supported from above – a glorious martyr. Poor simple Tudor has been carted again. He often half made up his mind to sack him – pity he ddn't quite. There is no doubt he is a perfectly worthless fellow’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 132
British forces transport lorries now began to have wire netting placed over open lorries to prevent grenades or bombs being thrown in. ‘It has been said that it took the Boers to put the British army in khaki, the Germans to put them in tanks,and the I.R.A to put them in hen coops’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P272
Alderman Thomas Halpin and John Moran of Drogheda, Co Louth were taken from their homes overnight and killed by auxilliary forces.
Cork: Approximately 60 Sinn Féin prisoners, who were arrested about a week earlier, were deported to Britain. No charge had been levelled against any of them. Five were deported from Dublin but the vast majority of them, at least 55, left from Queenstown. They were brought early in the morning from Cork Jail, accompanied by troops and two armoured cars and were then transferred to two naval vessels.
The nationalist press asked questions about why the men have been ‘torn from their homes and families’ and ‘deported from their native land’ when no charges have been made against them. ‘Astounding and stupid as these arrests are they do not surprise us’, the Irish Independent has remarked. ‘There is no device in misgovernment that the Castle rulers are not capable of practising’.
Dublin Castle claimed the deported men were members of illegal organisations, many of them belonging to what is designated in a statement as ‘the so-called Irish Republican Army’.
An inquest into the killing of a civilian in Limerick has returned a verdict of ‘murder’ against the military. Richard O’Dwyer died in the doorway of his shop after being shot when soldiers and police clashed with a crowd on Roches Street on 2 February.
Evidence produced by the Crown confirmed that about 150 shots were fired by a patrol in response, it is alleged, to a volley being fired in their direction from side streets. The inquest jury found, however, that ‘sufficient provocation’ had not being given for the soldiers’ ‘indiscriminate firing’. Another civilian, Lena Johnson, was also killed when she was shot in the back while passing over Sarsfield’s Bridge in the city, half a mile away. She was employed at the Colliseum Picture Palace on Limerick’s O’Connell Street. The inquest into her death was yet to take place. Neither victim is thought to have been involved in the affray.
In Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, two constables were overrun while defending a barracks from a force of 60 raiders, who took off with eight rifles, six revolvers, shotguns and 2,000 rounds of ammunition. In Dublin, the Army and Navy Canteen’s Board Garage on Bow Street, off Aungier Street, was attacked by a group of 40 to 50 men who stole four motor cars, a motorcycle and sidecar and a large quantity of petrol and accessories.
10
Irish Mata-Haris and Femme Fatales? According to Art O’Briain in a message to Michael Collins, he warned that the British Authorities ‘have sent 250 lady spies to Ireland’. Collins reply was ‘The number you give is an understatement altogether. I think there are probably 10 times as many…they will not and cannot get Irish girls to do this class of work for them…’ Mitchell considers that these ladies had little if any ‘measurable influence on the course of events’ on the other hand, women agents passed on lots of information to the I.R.A and the Dail authorities.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P266-67
Another British counter-inteligence idea was to use agents of British Insurance companies and to infliltrate Irish Trades Unions with British officials. Through the Collins network, virtually all such moves were well known in advance.
In Fermoy, a former serviceman named Prendergast was murdered outside a pub by Black & Tans and his body thrown into the river Blackwater. Sturgis wrote ‘the Black & Tans have done some fine work and could have been ideal for the job if some of them hadn’t taken a completely wrong view of their functions from the stupid done of their heads. But I’m sorry for Tudor, he is such a nice fellow and I’m sure the PM misjudged his man when he talked to him and gave him the impression which has led to the spoiling of what might have been a first rate force for the job.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 123
Irish Mata-Haris and Femme Fatales? According to Art O’Briain in a message to Michael Collins, he warned that the British Authorities ‘have sent 250 lady spies to Ireland’. Collins reply was ‘The number you give is an understatement altogether. I think there are probably 10 times as many…they will not and cannot get Irish girls to do this class of work for them…’ Mitchell considers that these ladies had little if any ‘measurable influence on the course of events’ on the other hand, women agents passed on lots of information to the I.R.A and the Dail authorities.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P266-67
Another British counter-inteligence idea was to use agents of British Insurance companies and to infliltrate Irish Trades Unions with British officials. Through the Collins network, virtually all such moves were well known in advance.
In Fermoy, a former serviceman named Prendergast was murdered outside a pub by Black & Tans and his body thrown into the river Blackwater. Sturgis wrote ‘the Black & Tans have done some fine work and could have been ideal for the job if some of them hadn’t taken a completely wrong view of their functions from the stupid done of their heads. But I’m sorry for Tudor, he is such a nice fellow and I’m sure the PM misjudged his man when he talked to him and gave him the impression which has led to the spoiling of what might have been a first rate force for the job.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 123
11
In Cork, a labourer was killed by the IRA as an alleged police informer. Meanwhile Daniel Mahoney (17) of Clondroichead, Co Cork was killed by constabulary for ‘refusing to halt’
An IRA attack on a train carriage carrying troops at Drishanebeg near Millstreet killed a sergeant and wounded 5 others. The military quickly learned to disperse troops through a train and implemented the new policy quickly.
The Irish Heirarchy began representations to Dail Eireann, proposing to Cosgrave that ‘there should be a sort of ‘Upper House’ to the Dail, consisting of a theological board which would decide whether any enactments of the Dail were contrary to faith and morals or not…in return the Holy Father will be asked to recognise the Dail as a body entitled to legislate for Ireland’
Such a concept of clerical control of Government neither appealed to Cosgrave ‘It might lead to very grave trouble…for the Dail to admit that there existed the necessity for such a check on their legislation would, I think, be a fatal error’ to de Valera who commented ‘there is no necessity at the moment to consider it further’
According the Sturgis, Lord French was ‘in a black rage’. Seems he had sent some six dozen bottles of champagne to Neary’s for sale and sure enough, about 3 dozen were sold. However the previous night some Black & Tans raided the shop and made off with a consignment of cigars, spirits and 3 dozen of His Excellency’s champagne.
Sir Warren Fisher, in a memorandum to Lloyd George ‘bemoaned the absence of unity of command on the British side [and] overrated the unity on the Irish side. He thought that the military and political sides worked as an efficient team’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p46
And later in the same memorandum summed up martial law: ‘Martial law everywhere is an intelligible policy, or martial law nowhere…unity of command as a condition of success is surely a common place’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p94
Fisher was also pragmatic: ‘the gunmen did exactly what any ordinarily intelligent fellow would do – they concentrated in the martial law area…most of their best organisers and most of their best trained fighters in order to make martial law look silly. The police (as gallant and stupid as the Six Hundred at Balaclava*) have given the gunmen every oppotunity of practice – and the rest of Ireland ( outisde Dublin where the Court Martial trials have needed a counter ) has been comparatively quiet’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p92
* Balaklava, Battle of, fought during the Crimean War on October 25, 1854, was the first of several Russian attempts to raise the siege of their naval base at Sevastopol by a combined British, French, and Turkish army. The Russians began with a dawn attack on a series of redoubts defending their enemies' main supply base at Balaklava. Four of these were quickly captured, but a cavalry reconnaissance towards the town was scared off by the “thin red line” of the 93rd Highland Regiment, and the main Russian cavalry force was repulsed by the much smaller brigade of British heavy cavalry. As British reinforcements arrived, the Russians prepared to evacuate the redoubts; the British light cavalry, ordered to cut them off, mistakenly charged the centre of the enemy position, where they were virtually destroyed having failed to hinder the Russian withdrawal. This overshadowed the successful outcome of the battle, and caused an outcry in England, where, for years afterwards, the commanders responsible continued to blame each other for the disaster.
The US Black radical-nationalist, Cyril V. Briggs in his journal, “The Crusader” " …. heralded the Irish struggle with an editorial, "Heroic Ireland---the Irish Fight for Liberty the Greatest Epic of Modern Times and a Sight to Inspire to Emulation All Oppressed Groups.
Robert A Hill. “The Marcus Garvey and UNIA Papers Project “ UCLA ( Via Internet Site June 1997 )
In Cork, a labourer was killed by the IRA as an alleged police informer. Meanwhile Daniel Mahoney (17) of Clondroichead, Co Cork was killed by constabulary for ‘refusing to halt’
An IRA attack on a train carriage carrying troops at Drishanebeg near Millstreet killed a sergeant and wounded 5 others. The military quickly learned to disperse troops through a train and implemented the new policy quickly.
The Irish Heirarchy began representations to Dail Eireann, proposing to Cosgrave that ‘there should be a sort of ‘Upper House’ to the Dail, consisting of a theological board which would decide whether any enactments of the Dail were contrary to faith and morals or not…in return the Holy Father will be asked to recognise the Dail as a body entitled to legislate for Ireland’
Such a concept of clerical control of Government neither appealed to Cosgrave ‘It might lead to very grave trouble…for the Dail to admit that there existed the necessity for such a check on their legislation would, I think, be a fatal error’ to de Valera who commented ‘there is no necessity at the moment to consider it further’
According the Sturgis, Lord French was ‘in a black rage’. Seems he had sent some six dozen bottles of champagne to Neary’s for sale and sure enough, about 3 dozen were sold. However the previous night some Black & Tans raided the shop and made off with a consignment of cigars, spirits and 3 dozen of His Excellency’s champagne.
Sir Warren Fisher, in a memorandum to Lloyd George ‘bemoaned the absence of unity of command on the British side [and] overrated the unity on the Irish side. He thought that the military and political sides worked as an efficient team’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p46
And later in the same memorandum summed up martial law: ‘Martial law everywhere is an intelligible policy, or martial law nowhere…unity of command as a condition of success is surely a common place’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p94
Fisher was also pragmatic: ‘the gunmen did exactly what any ordinarily intelligent fellow would do – they concentrated in the martial law area…most of their best organisers and most of their best trained fighters in order to make martial law look silly. The police (as gallant and stupid as the Six Hundred at Balaclava*) have given the gunmen every oppotunity of practice – and the rest of Ireland ( outisde Dublin where the Court Martial trials have needed a counter ) has been comparatively quiet’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p92
* Balaklava, Battle of, fought during the Crimean War on October 25, 1854, was the first of several Russian attempts to raise the siege of their naval base at Sevastopol by a combined British, French, and Turkish army. The Russians began with a dawn attack on a series of redoubts defending their enemies' main supply base at Balaklava. Four of these were quickly captured, but a cavalry reconnaissance towards the town was scared off by the “thin red line” of the 93rd Highland Regiment, and the main Russian cavalry force was repulsed by the much smaller brigade of British heavy cavalry. As British reinforcements arrived, the Russians prepared to evacuate the redoubts; the British light cavalry, ordered to cut them off, mistakenly charged the centre of the enemy position, where they were virtually destroyed having failed to hinder the Russian withdrawal. This overshadowed the successful outcome of the battle, and caused an outcry in England, where, for years afterwards, the commanders responsible continued to blame each other for the disaster.
The US Black radical-nationalist, Cyril V. Briggs in his journal, “The Crusader” " …. heralded the Irish struggle with an editorial, "Heroic Ireland---the Irish Fight for Liberty the Greatest Epic of Modern Times and a Sight to Inspire to Emulation All Oppressed Groups.
Robert A Hill. “The Marcus Garvey and UNIA Papers Project “ UCLA ( Via Internet Site June 1997 )
12
McCartan arrived in Moscow on February 14th 1920 as the Irish Republic envoy.
Winston Churchill appointed Colonial Secretary.
Red Army invasion of Georgia: The Democratic Republic of Georgia is invaded by forces of Bolshevist Russia.
De Valera sent to each MP in the House of Commons a letter outlining the responsibility of each member for the war being waged against Ireland. He also wrote to Fr O’Flanagan on the possibility that Carson would meet with him, that ‘I cannot see what advantage there would be in a meeting unless there was some definite proposal from his side to discuss’
Constable Patrick Walsh (23) from Galway was killed while on leave in Charleville, Co. Cork.
The American Committee for Relief in Ireland sent a delegation of the Committee administrator, secretary and 6 prominent American Quakers to investigate conditions in Ireland. On arrival, they were met by the US Consul, Frederick Dumont, who according to Mitchell, gave them a ‘frosty reception….who told them that they were there only through the permission of the British Government, ‘which as far as the American Government is concerned, was the only recognised authority in Ireland.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P263
‘Their presence appeared as firm proof of American sympathy and President Harding’s endorsement was blown up to appear as American administration approval for Sinn Fein…’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p173
McCartan arrived in Moscow on February 14th 1920 as the Irish Republic envoy.
Winston Churchill appointed Colonial Secretary.
Red Army invasion of Georgia: The Democratic Republic of Georgia is invaded by forces of Bolshevist Russia.
De Valera sent to each MP in the House of Commons a letter outlining the responsibility of each member for the war being waged against Ireland. He also wrote to Fr O’Flanagan on the possibility that Carson would meet with him, that ‘I cannot see what advantage there would be in a meeting unless there was some definite proposal from his side to discuss’
Constable Patrick Walsh (23) from Galway was killed while on leave in Charleville, Co. Cork.
The American Committee for Relief in Ireland sent a delegation of the Committee administrator, secretary and 6 prominent American Quakers to investigate conditions in Ireland. On arrival, they were met by the US Consul, Frederick Dumont, who according to Mitchell, gave them a ‘frosty reception….who told them that they were there only through the permission of the British Government, ‘which as far as the American Government is concerned, was the only recognised authority in Ireland.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P263
‘Their presence appeared as firm proof of American sympathy and President Harding’s endorsement was blown up to appear as American administration approval for Sinn Fein…’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p173
13
Sir John Anderson in conversation with Sturgis mentioned on the Drumcondra killings by the Auxiliaries ‘that it had not been brought home to him til quite recently that such things went on in more than very isolated cases; that he was firmly convinced that discipline must be restored and the perpetrators of these insane acts brought to book or he could not go on.Macready said ditto’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 125
The Auxilliaries murder was creating a tidal wave of opinion within the Castle. General Tudor was berated by Sir John Anderson and there had been attempts by some of the British administration, to silence witnesses. Macready’s military secretary, a Lieutenant Nation said ‘Does this mean the end of the Auxilliaries?’ I said ‘Have you enough troops to dow ithout them?’ He said ‘I think so’. But the solderis are so unfluid and can never take the place of police. I had never dreamed of a show in which so many things could, and did go wrong’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 125
Constable John Lynch (38) from Mayo was killed when his RIC patrol of 13 was ambushed near Ballough, Co. Dublin.
Attack on Crown forces at Merrion Square, Dublin, by 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade volunteers
In Mountjoy Jail, Patrick Moran, Ernie O’Malley and Frank Teeling were on the same corridor awaiting trial following their arrests for involvement in the Bloody Sunday assassinations of 11 British intelligence agents on 21st November 1920. The three men attempted to escape with the help of two British soldier guards, Privates Roper and Holland. It was unsuccessful.
Sir John Anderson in conversation with Sturgis mentioned on the Drumcondra killings by the Auxiliaries ‘that it had not been brought home to him til quite recently that such things went on in more than very isolated cases; that he was firmly convinced that discipline must be restored and the perpetrators of these insane acts brought to book or he could not go on.Macready said ditto’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 125
The Auxilliaries murder was creating a tidal wave of opinion within the Castle. General Tudor was berated by Sir John Anderson and there had been attempts by some of the British administration, to silence witnesses. Macready’s military secretary, a Lieutenant Nation said ‘Does this mean the end of the Auxilliaries?’ I said ‘Have you enough troops to dow ithout them?’ He said ‘I think so’. But the solderis are so unfluid and can never take the place of police. I had never dreamed of a show in which so many things could, and did go wrong’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 125
Constable John Lynch (38) from Mayo was killed when his RIC patrol of 13 was ambushed near Ballough, Co. Dublin.
Attack on Crown forces at Merrion Square, Dublin, by 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade volunteers
In Mountjoy Jail, Patrick Moran, Ernie O’Malley and Frank Teeling were on the same corridor awaiting trial following their arrests for involvement in the Bloody Sunday assassinations of 11 British intelligence agents on 21st November 1920. The three men attempted to escape with the help of two British soldier guards, Privates Roper and Holland. It was unsuccessful.
14
Moran, Ernie O’Malley and Frank Teeling met to discuss another escape attempt that night, Moran, innocent of the attack on 21st November and believing he could prove this, declined to try and escape. Simon Donnelly took his place.
The American Committee for Relief in Ireland met Sturgis and Cope in Dublin Castle. Strurgis wrote ‘Properly guided they can do much good if they rebuild and feed and so not give money. A good safety valve for American-Irish money, better than Sinn Fein if we can prevent Sinn Fein from capturing them..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 126
Macready ordered the men responsible for the Drumcondra shootings arrested as an enquiry into the killings opened.
Lady Greenwood met with Lloyd George and telegramed Sturgis saying she ‘had excellent results and that is authorised to make the arrangements with me…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 126
O’Malley, Teeling and Donnelly with the assistance of their guards Privates Roper and Holland, escaped from Kilmainham Prison by walking out a side door. Catching a tram from there to the city, they were never recaptured
IRA Volunteers James & Timothy Coffey were removed from their home in Enniskeane near Bandon, Co Cork and killed by constabulary.
Pvt A. Mason of the Manchester Regiment went missing near Ballincollig.
Constable John Carroll (34) from Tipperary was shot dead while visiting his father in Ballywilliam, Co. Tipperary. He was to be crown witness in a murder trial which was pending.
Moran, Ernie O’Malley and Frank Teeling met to discuss another escape attempt that night, Moran, innocent of the attack on 21st November and believing he could prove this, declined to try and escape. Simon Donnelly took his place.
The American Committee for Relief in Ireland met Sturgis and Cope in Dublin Castle. Strurgis wrote ‘Properly guided they can do much good if they rebuild and feed and so not give money. A good safety valve for American-Irish money, better than Sinn Fein if we can prevent Sinn Fein from capturing them..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 126
Macready ordered the men responsible for the Drumcondra shootings arrested as an enquiry into the killings opened.
Lady Greenwood met with Lloyd George and telegramed Sturgis saying she ‘had excellent results and that is authorised to make the arrangements with me…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 126
O’Malley, Teeling and Donnelly with the assistance of their guards Privates Roper and Holland, escaped from Kilmainham Prison by walking out a side door. Catching a tram from there to the city, they were never recaptured
IRA Volunteers James & Timothy Coffey were removed from their home in Enniskeane near Bandon, Co Cork and killed by constabulary.
Pvt A. Mason of the Manchester Regiment went missing near Ballincollig.
Constable John Carroll (34) from Tipperary was shot dead while visiting his father in Ballywilliam, Co. Tipperary. He was to be crown witness in a murder trial which was pending.
15
Frank Carty, deputy officer commanding Sligo Brigade IRA escaped from Derry Prison.
An IRA informer, Dan Shields, gave away details of a Flying Column at the 2nd Brigade HQ at Mourne Abbey, in hilly country south of Mallow, Co. Cork. Troops arrived, combing the area and some of the IRA managed to escape but four were killed and five wounded and captured. Of these, two were later executed.
Macready was livid at the previous nights escape of IRA prisoners from Mountjoy and in a letter to Anderson wrote: ‘We have had a real disaster. The man Teeling and two other important men escaped last night from Kilmainham Prison and got clear away. It is about the worst blow I have had for a very long time, and I am naturally furious.’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p101
Patrick Moran was tried for the murder of Lt. Ames on 21 November 1920 in City Hall. During the trial ‘great weight of evidence was given to the evidence of one British officer who thought, but could not swear, that Moran was the man who killed Lieutenant Ames. The second dubious point in the case was the sheer logistics of Moran getting to the scene of the killing at 36 Upper Mount Street by 9.30 on the Sunday morning. Moran, a grocer’s assistant, lived on the main street in Blackrock, about six miles from Merrion Square. after going to 8.00 mass, Moran was seen by a policeman in Blackrock at 9:00 and was, according to his landlady, eating breakfast at 9:30. the proseution alleged that Moran must have taken a tram to the scene of the murder. But the first tram did not leave Blackrock on a Sunday morning until 10:00. it was virtually impossible for Moran to have killed Ames.’
Tim Carey. ‘Mountjoy – The Story of a Prison’ The Collins Press, Dublin 2000.p193
It was futile. Moran was found guilty and sentenced to death.
Parliament assembled, with Lloyd George expressing satisfaction at the progress his policy in Ireland was making having destroyed ‘ The police have recovered their authority. The Courts of the Crown have recovered their authority. Jurors are appearing. Magistrates who never functioned are coming back…. Sinn Fein patrols, military and police are gone. The Sinn Fein courts have disappeared into cellars’.
Lloyd George speaking on what Self-Determination would mean for Ireland to a group of Welsh National Liberals ‘they must have an Irish Republic, an Irish army and an Irish navy. They won't get it’.
The Sinn Fein courts while diminished and almost non-existent in many areas, were still operating in parts with both witnesses and the majority of the legal profession, boycotting the British Judicial system.
Behind the scenes negotiations continued. Sturgis and Cope met with Fr O’Flanagan at Lord Justice O’Connor’s home. The issues of a potential meeting with Carson, fiscal autonomy and an Irish army. Sturgis said if he was PM, not only would he want Ireland to have an army ‘but insist on her having one! That if ever it is our bad fortune to have to fight Ireland again the advantage of having discipline and uniformed soldiers to contend with instead of ‘Heroes in pig dealer hats’ would be enormous. O’F agreed and said that the authorised Volunteers were not only a necessary safety valve to the martial ardour of the youth of every country but would rob the unofficial gunman of his ‘cinema’ glory.’
Sturgis left the meeting feeling that Sinn Fein ‘profoundly distrust the Government and they distrust Carson. They fear they will be promised somethig, even given something, and then have it whipped away’. Sturgis felt that de Valera would not meet with Carson ‘because he feels he is no match for him…anybody can throw bombs about but they don’t know how to set about making peace if they want to’ The main fear from the Dublin Castle administration was delay. The PM may not be as receptive at a later stage and a senior member of the executive could be assassinated in the meantime. ‘Yes, said O’F’on either side’ I suppose he was thinking of Michael!’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 128-9
Denis Quinlan of Hollyford, Tipperary was killed by constabularly when they fired on church-goers leaving mass.
Constable Thomas Gallivan (19) was reported missing from the RIC Barracks in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
Upton Train Ambush
An IRA attack on a train carrying troops at Upton resulted in the deaths of six civilians, ten wounded and three IRA men killed. Following the Millstreet attack on the 11th, troops no longer travelled in designated carriages and when they boarded at Kinsale, mingled with the civilians throughout the train. IRA scouts were unable to warn the ambush party in time. More details here.
Frank Carty, deputy officer commanding Sligo Brigade IRA escaped from Derry Prison.
An IRA informer, Dan Shields, gave away details of a Flying Column at the 2nd Brigade HQ at Mourne Abbey, in hilly country south of Mallow, Co. Cork. Troops arrived, combing the area and some of the IRA managed to escape but four were killed and five wounded and captured. Of these, two were later executed.
Macready was livid at the previous nights escape of IRA prisoners from Mountjoy and in a letter to Anderson wrote: ‘We have had a real disaster. The man Teeling and two other important men escaped last night from Kilmainham Prison and got clear away. It is about the worst blow I have had for a very long time, and I am naturally furious.’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p101
Patrick Moran was tried for the murder of Lt. Ames on 21 November 1920 in City Hall. During the trial ‘great weight of evidence was given to the evidence of one British officer who thought, but could not swear, that Moran was the man who killed Lieutenant Ames. The second dubious point in the case was the sheer logistics of Moran getting to the scene of the killing at 36 Upper Mount Street by 9.30 on the Sunday morning. Moran, a grocer’s assistant, lived on the main street in Blackrock, about six miles from Merrion Square. after going to 8.00 mass, Moran was seen by a policeman in Blackrock at 9:00 and was, according to his landlady, eating breakfast at 9:30. the proseution alleged that Moran must have taken a tram to the scene of the murder. But the first tram did not leave Blackrock on a Sunday morning until 10:00. it was virtually impossible for Moran to have killed Ames.’
Tim Carey. ‘Mountjoy – The Story of a Prison’ The Collins Press, Dublin 2000.p193
It was futile. Moran was found guilty and sentenced to death.
Parliament assembled, with Lloyd George expressing satisfaction at the progress his policy in Ireland was making having destroyed ‘ The police have recovered their authority. The Courts of the Crown have recovered their authority. Jurors are appearing. Magistrates who never functioned are coming back…. Sinn Fein patrols, military and police are gone. The Sinn Fein courts have disappeared into cellars’.
Lloyd George speaking on what Self-Determination would mean for Ireland to a group of Welsh National Liberals ‘they must have an Irish Republic, an Irish army and an Irish navy. They won't get it’.
The Sinn Fein courts while diminished and almost non-existent in many areas, were still operating in parts with both witnesses and the majority of the legal profession, boycotting the British Judicial system.
Behind the scenes negotiations continued. Sturgis and Cope met with Fr O’Flanagan at Lord Justice O’Connor’s home. The issues of a potential meeting with Carson, fiscal autonomy and an Irish army. Sturgis said if he was PM, not only would he want Ireland to have an army ‘but insist on her having one! That if ever it is our bad fortune to have to fight Ireland again the advantage of having discipline and uniformed soldiers to contend with instead of ‘Heroes in pig dealer hats’ would be enormous. O’F agreed and said that the authorised Volunteers were not only a necessary safety valve to the martial ardour of the youth of every country but would rob the unofficial gunman of his ‘cinema’ glory.’
Sturgis left the meeting feeling that Sinn Fein ‘profoundly distrust the Government and they distrust Carson. They fear they will be promised somethig, even given something, and then have it whipped away’. Sturgis felt that de Valera would not meet with Carson ‘because he feels he is no match for him…anybody can throw bombs about but they don’t know how to set about making peace if they want to’ The main fear from the Dublin Castle administration was delay. The PM may not be as receptive at a later stage and a senior member of the executive could be assassinated in the meantime. ‘Yes, said O’F’on either side’ I suppose he was thinking of Michael!’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 128-9
Denis Quinlan of Hollyford, Tipperary was killed by constabularly when they fired on church-goers leaving mass.
Constable Thomas Gallivan (19) was reported missing from the RIC Barracks in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
Upton Train Ambush
An IRA attack on a train carrying troops at Upton resulted in the deaths of six civilians, ten wounded and three IRA men killed. Following the Millstreet attack on the 11th, troops no longer travelled in designated carriages and when they boarded at Kinsale, mingled with the civilians throughout the train. IRA scouts were unable to warn the ambush party in time. More details here.
16
8 civilians shot dead by British forces. Four were found in a field in Kilbrittain, Co Cork, their bodies riddled with bullets and faces disfigured. An official report from Dublin Castle commented that the four had been killed by a patrol of the Essex Regiment after the patrol had been fired on.
British soldiers attacked at Lower Mount Street Dublin by 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade volunteers.
In Ballywilliam, Co. Tipperary while preparations were being made for the funeral of Constable John Carroll, handwritten notices in pencil were posted along the roads in the area issuing threats against any person who attended the constable’s funeral the next day.
Unemployment topped a million in the UK, with over 368,000 ex-servicemen and 600,000 working on short time. Unemployment benefit of 18/ a week for men and 15/ a week for women was paid for 26 weeks of the year and went to all workers earning less than £250 per year with the exception of farmers and domestic servants.
Lady Greenwood now began to correspond directly with Mark Sturgis in Dublin Castle, acting as a go-between with the hope of organising a meeting between De Valera and Carson. Sturgis commented in discussions with O’Flanagan and O’Connor ‘I gave no hint of the writer about whom I only said that he was not a member of Parliament and not a Civil Servant; but a friend of mine and an intimate and trusted friend of the Prime Minister’s’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p187
8 civilians shot dead by British forces. Four were found in a field in Kilbrittain, Co Cork, their bodies riddled with bullets and faces disfigured. An official report from Dublin Castle commented that the four had been killed by a patrol of the Essex Regiment after the patrol had been fired on.
British soldiers attacked at Lower Mount Street Dublin by 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade volunteers.
In Ballywilliam, Co. Tipperary while preparations were being made for the funeral of Constable John Carroll, handwritten notices in pencil were posted along the roads in the area issuing threats against any person who attended the constable’s funeral the next day.
Unemployment topped a million in the UK, with over 368,000 ex-servicemen and 600,000 working on short time. Unemployment benefit of 18/ a week for men and 15/ a week for women was paid for 26 weeks of the year and went to all workers earning less than £250 per year with the exception of farmers and domestic servants.
Lady Greenwood now began to correspond directly with Mark Sturgis in Dublin Castle, acting as a go-between with the hope of organising a meeting between De Valera and Carson. Sturgis commented in discussions with O’Flanagan and O’Connor ‘I gave no hint of the writer about whom I only said that he was not a member of Parliament and not a Civil Servant; but a friend of mine and an intimate and trusted friend of the Prime Minister’s’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p187
17
In Moscow, McCartan met Tehecherin, the Soviet Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. McCartan and Tehecherin discussed a number of key issues. Tchecherin wanted to know if the Irish expected further support with arms. McCartan explained that the Irish were only looking for moral support. They also discussed the Ulster question and American financial assistance. Tehecherin then questioned McCartan on support for Communism in Ireland. McCartan explained that the Irish people were "decidedly friendly" to Russia.
The American Committee for Relief in Ireland met with de Valera and later secretly with General Macready and Sir John Anderson. ‘Macready told them there could bo no question of relief distribution in martial law areas, owing to the fact that the people in those areas were in a state of rebellion; financial aid would not help to ‘bring these people to their senses’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P263-264
Constable John Carroll’s funeral went ahead in Ballywilliam, Co. Tipperary but with nobody from the locality attending.
The enquiry into the Drumcondra killings closed with findings due for release shortly.
US – figures released showed there were 9 million cars in the US in 1920.
In Moscow, McCartan met Tehecherin, the Soviet Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. McCartan and Tehecherin discussed a number of key issues. Tchecherin wanted to know if the Irish expected further support with arms. McCartan explained that the Irish were only looking for moral support. They also discussed the Ulster question and American financial assistance. Tehecherin then questioned McCartan on support for Communism in Ireland. McCartan explained that the Irish people were "decidedly friendly" to Russia.
The American Committee for Relief in Ireland met with de Valera and later secretly with General Macready and Sir John Anderson. ‘Macready told them there could bo no question of relief distribution in martial law areas, owing to the fact that the people in those areas were in a state of rebellion; financial aid would not help to ‘bring these people to their senses’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P263-264
Constable John Carroll’s funeral went ahead in Ballywilliam, Co. Tipperary but with nobody from the locality attending.
The enquiry into the Drumcondra killings closed with findings due for release shortly.
US – figures released showed there were 9 million cars in the US in 1920.
18
First Helicopter flight takes place in France by Etienne Oehmichen.
Macready in a memorandum was forced to admit that to date, martial law had not changed anything very much and concluded that ‘the actual enforcement of martial law in Munster is by no means the martial law that is understood by military men’ and commented that the police in martial law areas continued to be independent of the military in disciplinary matters. Macready remained harshly critical of Tudor and warned of major clashes between the military and police if matters were not taken in hand.
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p94
As regards a settlement in Ireland, Macready commented: ‘I cannot say that I see any grounds for optimism in regard to anything like a permanent settlement of the country outside Ulster’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p95
Andy Cope met with Carson as a preliminary to a joint meeting with de Valera. ‘Carson..says ‘Don’t talk about an army, an army is no real security at all’. ‘No Contribution’ and ‘Fiscal Autonomy’ he is quite ready to discuss. O’C [ O’Connor – Lord Chief Justice ] is expecting a letter from him after he has a talk with Craig about the last’… I said that Carson had obviously gone a long way most frankly, that I thought de Valera would prove himself a little man indeed if he ran away and did not go as a Statesman to discuss peace for Ireland with Statesmen who were willing to meet him.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 130
Sturgis writing in his diary ‘Speaking last night on the Clune peace talk, the Prime Minister said that all his advisers said Truce without the surrender of arms was impossible – this is contrary to my recollection and back pages bear me out.’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p184
First Helicopter flight takes place in France by Etienne Oehmichen.
Macready in a memorandum was forced to admit that to date, martial law had not changed anything very much and concluded that ‘the actual enforcement of martial law in Munster is by no means the martial law that is understood by military men’ and commented that the police in martial law areas continued to be independent of the military in disciplinary matters. Macready remained harshly critical of Tudor and warned of major clashes between the military and police if matters were not taken in hand.
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p94
As regards a settlement in Ireland, Macready commented: ‘I cannot say that I see any grounds for optimism in regard to anything like a permanent settlement of the country outside Ulster’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p95
Andy Cope met with Carson as a preliminary to a joint meeting with de Valera. ‘Carson..says ‘Don’t talk about an army, an army is no real security at all’. ‘No Contribution’ and ‘Fiscal Autonomy’ he is quite ready to discuss. O’C [ O’Connor – Lord Chief Justice ] is expecting a letter from him after he has a talk with Craig about the last’… I said that Carson had obviously gone a long way most frankly, that I thought de Valera would prove himself a little man indeed if he ran away and did not go as a Statesman to discuss peace for Ireland with Statesmen who were willing to meet him.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 130
Sturgis writing in his diary ‘Speaking last night on the Clune peace talk, the Prime Minister said that all his advisers said Truce without the surrender of arms was impossible – this is contrary to my recollection and back pages bear me out.’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p184
19
Another raid on Richard Mulcahy’s offices produced plans for ambushes, details of dis-satisfaction with recent ambushes in Dublin and evidence of sympathy and Sinn Fein membership of some railwaymen.
Three British soldiers (privates) of the Oxford Regiment were found by IRA men, unarmed and wearing civilian clothes near Feakle, County Clare. The soldiers said they were deserters but the IRA suspected they were spies, shot them and dumped their bodies near Woodford, County Galway.
John Allen from Tipperary was arrested for possession of arms and ammunition.
The US limits immigration to 355,461 people per year.
Another raid on Richard Mulcahy’s offices produced plans for ambushes, details of dis-satisfaction with recent ambushes in Dublin and evidence of sympathy and Sinn Fein membership of some railwaymen.
Three British soldiers (privates) of the Oxford Regiment were found by IRA men, unarmed and wearing civilian clothes near Feakle, County Clare. The soldiers said they were deserters but the IRA suspected they were spies, shot them and dumped their bodies near Woodford, County Galway.
John Allen from Tipperary was arrested for possession of arms and ammunition.
The US limits immigration to 355,461 people per year.
20
An ex-soldier is dragged from a hospital in Cork and shot by the I.R.A..
The Irish High Court ruled that a ‘State of War’ exists in Ireland.
In Galway, John Geoghegan, rural councillor, was taken from his home and killed by auxiliary police. In Blackwater, Limerick, Cecil and Arden Donovan (18 & 14) were killed by auxilliary police for ‘refusing to halt’ a was Robert McElligott of Listowel, Kerry.
The Clonmult Ambush – A dozen IRA volunteers killed at Clonmult, County Cork, near Midleton, after being surrounded in a house. The British alleged a false IRA surrender and killed all the IRA volunteers in the house. Four other IRA volunteers were wounded and another four were captured unscathed. Only one escaped. The IRA claimed an informer was to blame and a spate of shootings of six alleged informers ensued during the following week. More information here.
Pvt B. Tinehes of the Manchester Regiment went missing near Ballincollig.
Macready in a memorandum to the War Office wrote of police indiscipline and requested unity of command through an all-Ireland declaration of martial law. The correspondence between the Head of the Military in Ireland and the Under-Secretary reveals some interesting snippets as George Dangerfield found:
‘for the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries, Macready had a soldierly contempt; and in February 1921, one finds him telling Anderson...a truly frightening remark- that ‘they treat the martial law areas as a special game preserve for their amusement’
George Dangerfield “ The Damnable Question - a study in Anglo-Irish relations” Constable, London. 1977. p325-326
An ex-soldier is dragged from a hospital in Cork and shot by the I.R.A..
The Irish High Court ruled that a ‘State of War’ exists in Ireland.
In Galway, John Geoghegan, rural councillor, was taken from his home and killed by auxiliary police. In Blackwater, Limerick, Cecil and Arden Donovan (18 & 14) were killed by auxilliary police for ‘refusing to halt’ a was Robert McElligott of Listowel, Kerry.
The Clonmult Ambush – A dozen IRA volunteers killed at Clonmult, County Cork, near Midleton, after being surrounded in a house. The British alleged a false IRA surrender and killed all the IRA volunteers in the house. Four other IRA volunteers were wounded and another four were captured unscathed. Only one escaped. The IRA claimed an informer was to blame and a spate of shootings of six alleged informers ensued during the following week. More information here.
Pvt B. Tinehes of the Manchester Regiment went missing near Ballincollig.
Macready in a memorandum to the War Office wrote of police indiscipline and requested unity of command through an all-Ireland declaration of martial law. The correspondence between the Head of the Military in Ireland and the Under-Secretary reveals some interesting snippets as George Dangerfield found:
‘for the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries, Macready had a soldierly contempt; and in February 1921, one finds him telling Anderson...a truly frightening remark- that ‘they treat the martial law areas as a special game preserve for their amusement’
George Dangerfield “ The Damnable Question - a study in Anglo-Irish relations” Constable, London. 1977. p325-326
21
Captain Redmond, the Irish Parliamentary Party MP demanded in Parliament an enquiry into the situation in Ireland. It was refused. Joseph Devlin asked that civil tribunals be set up in Ireland to ensure than non-combatants were not executed, Lloyd George advised that this would interfere with the course of justice.
According the Lady Greenwood, everything is in readiness for Ireland ‘Carson is ready and the PM pleased and excited and ready himself to join the other two actors on the ring of the telephone’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 131
Meanwhile, Sir Hamar was speaking in the House of Commons: ‘I can never understand how the burning of a house or a town is comparable to the irrevocable destruction of human life. I feel as keenly on this question as anybody in the house. There is not a single thing going on in Ireland today that is not reparable except this taking of human life.’
Irish Bulletin Vol 4 # 36/37. Issued by Irish Diplomatic Mission, Washington. Lynch Family Archives – Folder 1921-1937
Sergeant Joseph Hughes with five RIC constables were ambushed in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Hughes (34) from Laois was killed.
The IRA carried out a daylight ambush in the centre of Kilkenny, but the attack misfired and two IRA were killed and two wounded in Friary Street.
In reprisal for the shooting of a USC officer, USC and UVF men burned ten nationalist-owned homes and a priest's house in Roslea, County Fermanagh. A UVF member mistakenly shot and killed himself.
Captain Redmond, the Irish Parliamentary Party MP demanded in Parliament an enquiry into the situation in Ireland. It was refused. Joseph Devlin asked that civil tribunals be set up in Ireland to ensure than non-combatants were not executed, Lloyd George advised that this would interfere with the course of justice.
According the Lady Greenwood, everything is in readiness for Ireland ‘Carson is ready and the PM pleased and excited and ready himself to join the other two actors on the ring of the telephone’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 131
Meanwhile, Sir Hamar was speaking in the House of Commons: ‘I can never understand how the burning of a house or a town is comparable to the irrevocable destruction of human life. I feel as keenly on this question as anybody in the house. There is not a single thing going on in Ireland today that is not reparable except this taking of human life.’
Irish Bulletin Vol 4 # 36/37. Issued by Irish Diplomatic Mission, Washington. Lynch Family Archives – Folder 1921-1937
Sergeant Joseph Hughes with five RIC constables were ambushed in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Hughes (34) from Laois was killed.
The IRA carried out a daylight ambush in the centre of Kilkenny, but the attack misfired and two IRA were killed and two wounded in Friary Street.
In reprisal for the shooting of a USC officer, USC and UVF men burned ten nationalist-owned homes and a priest's house in Roslea, County Fermanagh. A UVF member mistakenly shot and killed himself.
22
In the House of Lords, the Archbishop of Canterbury condemned the British Government policy in Ireland.
Mrs Georgina Lindsay, a member of a prominent Cork Unionist family near Coachford, Co. Cork and a personal friend of General Strickland was taken as a hostage for a possible exchange for the 6 men under sentence of death in Cork Jail.
Two of three captured British soldiers were executed in Bandon in revenge for previous British killings.
Constable Thomas Satchwell (25) from Roscommon was killed when a party of RIC & Military were ambushed near Mountcharles, Co. Donegal.
Sergeant John Hughes (33) from Roscommon was killed in Donegal town.
Constable George Howlett (22) from Yorkshire was killed in Ballylongford, Co. Kerry.
The IRA ambushed a British Army/RIC group outside Mountcharles, County Donegal, killing an RIC officer and wounding others. In reprisal, the RIC and Auxiliaries attacked and looted buildings in Mountcharles and Donegal. In Mountcharles, they shot dead a civilian woman, and a drunken Auxiliary mistakenly shot dead an RIC sergeant.
The bodies of three British soldiers (Privates Williams, Walker and Morgan of the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry) were discovered by a farmer on the Woodford–Cahir road near Lough Atorick by the Clare–Galway border. The three, who had said that they were deserting, were shot dead by the IRA's East Clare Brigade, which believed the three were spies not deserters. One of the victims had a label hung around his neck which read, “Spies. Tried by courtmartial and found guilty. All others beware
The overall mood of the Irish leaders was certainly improving by late February. Guerilla successes, massive pro-Irish publicity and support from the population buoyed Collins up in this letter to Art O’Brien in London: ‘It seems to me that we are winning. I am more hopeful in a general way than I have been for many a month past’.
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P280
Cecil King, Irish abstract artist born. (died 1986).
In the House of Lords, the Archbishop of Canterbury condemned the British Government policy in Ireland.
Mrs Georgina Lindsay, a member of a prominent Cork Unionist family near Coachford, Co. Cork and a personal friend of General Strickland was taken as a hostage for a possible exchange for the 6 men under sentence of death in Cork Jail.
Two of three captured British soldiers were executed in Bandon in revenge for previous British killings.
Constable Thomas Satchwell (25) from Roscommon was killed when a party of RIC & Military were ambushed near Mountcharles, Co. Donegal.
Sergeant John Hughes (33) from Roscommon was killed in Donegal town.
Constable George Howlett (22) from Yorkshire was killed in Ballylongford, Co. Kerry.
The IRA ambushed a British Army/RIC group outside Mountcharles, County Donegal, killing an RIC officer and wounding others. In reprisal, the RIC and Auxiliaries attacked and looted buildings in Mountcharles and Donegal. In Mountcharles, they shot dead a civilian woman, and a drunken Auxiliary mistakenly shot dead an RIC sergeant.
The bodies of three British soldiers (Privates Williams, Walker and Morgan of the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry) were discovered by a farmer on the Woodford–Cahir road near Lough Atorick by the Clare–Galway border. The three, who had said that they were deserting, were shot dead by the IRA's East Clare Brigade, which believed the three were spies not deserters. One of the victims had a label hung around his neck which read, “Spies. Tried by courtmartial and found guilty. All others beware
The overall mood of the Irish leaders was certainly improving by late February. Guerilla successes, massive pro-Irish publicity and support from the population buoyed Collins up in this letter to Art O’Brien in London: ‘It seems to me that we are winning. I am more hopeful in a general way than I have been for many a month past’.
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P280
Cecil King, Irish abstract artist born. (died 1986).
23
Russian navy mutinies at Kronstadt on the Baltic Sea to protest food shortages and the ongoing economic crisis. The Bolshevik government crushes the revolt, which nonetheless helps prompt Lenin's later capitalistic-tinged economic policy reforms.
Constables Martin Greer (27) from Roscommon, Daniel Hoey (32) from Lancashire and Edward McDonagh (24) from Galway were killed while off duty at the junction of Parliament and Essex Streets, Temple Bar, Dublin. They were returning to Dublin Caastle after lunch.
Constable Frederick Perrier (34) from Hampshire was killed when he and other off duty RIC men were leaving a cinema in Bandon, Co. Cork.
Two soldiers of the Essex Regiment kidnapped and killed
Mark Sturgis records that Lloyd George’s secretary (and lover incidentally) Frances Stevenson advised that ‘it was important to seize and hold Lloyd George’s attention before some other crisis intervened’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p178
Russian navy mutinies at Kronstadt on the Baltic Sea to protest food shortages and the ongoing economic crisis. The Bolshevik government crushes the revolt, which nonetheless helps prompt Lenin's later capitalistic-tinged economic policy reforms.
Constables Martin Greer (27) from Roscommon, Daniel Hoey (32) from Lancashire and Edward McDonagh (24) from Galway were killed while off duty at the junction of Parliament and Essex Streets, Temple Bar, Dublin. They were returning to Dublin Caastle after lunch.
Constable Frederick Perrier (34) from Hampshire was killed when he and other off duty RIC men were leaving a cinema in Bandon, Co. Cork.
Two soldiers of the Essex Regiment kidnapped and killed
Mark Sturgis records that Lloyd George’s secretary (and lover incidentally) Frances Stevenson advised that ‘it was important to seize and hold Lloyd George’s attention before some other crisis intervened’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p178
24
Macready in a letter to Police Adviser Tudor commented on martial law in Ireland: ‘there are various little ponts on which we have to give way to the politicians…Strickland will have to watch the police very carefully, because certainly Prescott-Decie [ the 6th Division Police Adviser ] will think that martial law means that he can kill anybody he sees walking along the road whose appearance may be distasteful to him…I fully realise the difficulty this partial application of martial law means, but the ‘Frocks’ [ politicians] were firm not to impose it all over. We must begin slowly and I have no doubt will be able to fit in a workable scheme as time goes on’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p93
Terence MacSwiney's play The Revolutionist (set and published in 1914) has its stage premiere posthumously at the Abbey Theatre. His writings Principles of Freedom are collected from Irish Freedom (1911–12) and published this year also.
Macready in a letter to Police Adviser Tudor commented on martial law in Ireland: ‘there are various little ponts on which we have to give way to the politicians…Strickland will have to watch the police very carefully, because certainly Prescott-Decie [ the 6th Division Police Adviser ] will think that martial law means that he can kill anybody he sees walking along the road whose appearance may be distasteful to him…I fully realise the difficulty this partial application of martial law means, but the ‘Frocks’ [ politicians] were firm not to impose it all over. We must begin slowly and I have no doubt will be able to fit in a workable scheme as time goes on’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p93
Terence MacSwiney's play The Revolutionist (set and published in 1914) has its stage premiere posthumously at the Abbey Theatre. His writings Principles of Freedom are collected from Irish Freedom (1911–12) and published this year also.
25
During the trial for treason of IRA volunteers captured in Drumcondra, Swayne Kings Counsel for the defence said ‘Can the prosecution really claim that a state of active rebellion exists in Dublin’ As he said it a rattle of shots rang out right under their windows – the Court I’m told all jumped to their windows and there in the road below were three men – police orderlies – lying dead.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 134
The Commandant of the Auxilliaries in West Cork, James Seafield Grant MC (31)) from Suffolk along with Constables Arthur Cane (37) from London and Cadet Clevel Soady (38) from Hants were killed and eight wounded in an ambush near Ballyvourney, Co. Cork led by Sean O’Hegarty. The IRA assesment of the ambush was critical of the column’s performance, citing ‘bad scouting, bad inter-communications between units, bad control of the units, lack of iniative and sense of responsibility on the part of the sub-ordinate commanders’ and concluded ‘a critical examination of this action shows that it might easily have been a disaster only for the bold and steady action of small groups.’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p112
The IRA Cork Number One Brigade led by Dan "Sandow" O'Donovan at Coolavokig, County Cork killed Major Grant, a British officer, and wounded eight soldiers.
A British review stated that two British soldiers (excluding RIC personnel) had been killed in the preceding week, the lowest total so far for a week in 1921. The review listed ten ambushes in the preceding seven days. Seven people had been killed as spies by the IRA during the week.
Red Army invasion of Georgia: The Red Army enters the Georgian capital Tbilisi, and installs a Moscow-directed communist government.
During the trial for treason of IRA volunteers captured in Drumcondra, Swayne Kings Counsel for the defence said ‘Can the prosecution really claim that a state of active rebellion exists in Dublin’ As he said it a rattle of shots rang out right under their windows – the Court I’m told all jumped to their windows and there in the road below were three men – police orderlies – lying dead.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 134
The Commandant of the Auxilliaries in West Cork, James Seafield Grant MC (31)) from Suffolk along with Constables Arthur Cane (37) from London and Cadet Clevel Soady (38) from Hants were killed and eight wounded in an ambush near Ballyvourney, Co. Cork led by Sean O’Hegarty. The IRA assesment of the ambush was critical of the column’s performance, citing ‘bad scouting, bad inter-communications between units, bad control of the units, lack of iniative and sense of responsibility on the part of the sub-ordinate commanders’ and concluded ‘a critical examination of this action shows that it might easily have been a disaster only for the bold and steady action of small groups.’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p112
The IRA Cork Number One Brigade led by Dan "Sandow" O'Donovan at Coolavokig, County Cork killed Major Grant, a British officer, and wounded eight soldiers.
A British review stated that two British soldiers (excluding RIC personnel) had been killed in the preceding week, the lowest total so far for a week in 1921. The review listed ten ambushes in the preceding seven days. Seven people had been killed as spies by the IRA during the week.
Red Army invasion of Georgia: The Red Army enters the Georgian capital Tbilisi, and installs a Moscow-directed communist government.
26
27
28
Executed by firing squad in Victoria Barracks, Cork were John Allen, Thomas O’Brien, Daniel O’Callaghan, John Lyons, Timothy McCarthy and Patrick O’Mahony sentenced by court martial for possession of arms. Allen had been arrested on 19th February and the remaining five for involvement in the Dripsey ambush on January 28th . That night six British soldiers were shot dead in Cork. Mrs Georgina Lindsay was also killed in retaliation for the executions.
Sturgis commented ‘I hope Strickland will carry out his executions with greater dispatch – the long delay now gives time for all sorts of petitions and propaganda. It seems the most curious atitude of mind of these people that while it is their proudest boast that they repudiate British authority and that they are fighting the tyrant, no sooner is anyone of ‘em caught than the prayers that he may be let off pour in without shame usually address in most completely respectful tones to HE The Lord Lieutentnant. Strange anomaly.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 134-5
Sturgis also comments on the British refusal to establish any unity of command: ‘I cannot find anybody who does not agree that we have come back to this, that what we lack is Unity of Command. It is extraordinary to me that Lloyd George who saw so clearly the need for it in France does not seem to see the absolute necessity for it here..’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p66
An IRA column led by Seán Moylan ambushed an RIC patrol at Tureengariff, County Cork. Two RIC constables were killed and two rifles were taken.
Constable Alfred Brock (31) from London was killed in ambush at the RIC Barracks, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork.
Attack on British soldiers at Camden Street, Dublin, by the 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade
Reports received in Europe indicate that the Turks have carried out widespread and horrific massacres of Armenians in Kars and Alexandropol, Armenia.
The Kronstadt rebellion is initiated by sailors of the Soviet Navy's Baltic Fleet.
Executed by firing squad in Victoria Barracks, Cork were John Allen, Thomas O’Brien, Daniel O’Callaghan, John Lyons, Timothy McCarthy and Patrick O’Mahony sentenced by court martial for possession of arms. Allen had been arrested on 19th February and the remaining five for involvement in the Dripsey ambush on January 28th . That night six British soldiers were shot dead in Cork. Mrs Georgina Lindsay was also killed in retaliation for the executions.
Sturgis commented ‘I hope Strickland will carry out his executions with greater dispatch – the long delay now gives time for all sorts of petitions and propaganda. It seems the most curious atitude of mind of these people that while it is their proudest boast that they repudiate British authority and that they are fighting the tyrant, no sooner is anyone of ‘em caught than the prayers that he may be let off pour in without shame usually address in most completely respectful tones to HE The Lord Lieutentnant. Strange anomaly.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 134-5
Sturgis also comments on the British refusal to establish any unity of command: ‘I cannot find anybody who does not agree that we have come back to this, that what we lack is Unity of Command. It is extraordinary to me that Lloyd George who saw so clearly the need for it in France does not seem to see the absolute necessity for it here..’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p66
An IRA column led by Seán Moylan ambushed an RIC patrol at Tureengariff, County Cork. Two RIC constables were killed and two rifles were taken.
Constable Alfred Brock (31) from London was killed in ambush at the RIC Barracks, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork.
Attack on British soldiers at Camden Street, Dublin, by the 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade
Reports received in Europe indicate that the Turks have carried out widespread and horrific massacres of Armenians in Kars and Alexandropol, Armenia.
The Kronstadt rebellion is initiated by sailors of the Soviet Navy's Baltic Fleet.
As far as Dail Eireann’s London representative, Art O’Brian was concerned, Lloyd George was playing a waiting game. Writing to Collins, he commented that Lloyd George ‘is purposely letting things get as bad as possible, so that he may step in as the Saviour and cry a halt and then suggest his new measure with a flourish of trumpets … another stage in the game, but every stage brings the general position more and more forward’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P272
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P272