Work in Progress. Last updated: 17 May, 2020. Illustrations not visible? Press F5 to refresh.
1
A land mine explosion in Youghal, Co Cork killed seven from the Hampshire Regiment including 2 band boys and wounded 21.
Constable Joseph Holman (21) from Sussex was killed while out walking with his girlfriend at Kilworth, Co. Cork.
2 RIC officers were captured in an ambush at Culleens, Co. Sligo and later executed.
5 RIC officers were killed in an ambush near Castlemaine by the IRA Kerry No.1 Brigade Flying Column with four wounded. District Inspector Michael McCaughey (28) from Co. Down, Sergeant James Collery (45) from Sligo, Constables Joseph Cooney (25) from Roscommon, John McCormack (20) from Leitrim and John Quirk (33) from Cork.
After re-organising Kerry Two IRA, Andy Cooney was transferred to Kerry One IRA area. GHQ had earlier suspended Paddy Cahill and the majority of the Brigade had refused to serve under anybody else and considered the Dublin interloper with the same disdain. Meanwhile another GHQ ispecting officer commented that battalions in the region had been working independently of each other, there had been no systematic training, some 10% of the men could not use a rifle and over half of the officers were recommended for removal.
Humorist wins The Derby. For the first time the result is broadcast live by wireless.
A land mine explosion in Youghal, Co Cork killed seven from the Hampshire Regiment including 2 band boys and wounded 21.
Constable Joseph Holman (21) from Sussex was killed while out walking with his girlfriend at Kilworth, Co. Cork.
2 RIC officers were captured in an ambush at Culleens, Co. Sligo and later executed.
5 RIC officers were killed in an ambush near Castlemaine by the IRA Kerry No.1 Brigade Flying Column with four wounded. District Inspector Michael McCaughey (28) from Co. Down, Sergeant James Collery (45) from Sligo, Constables Joseph Cooney (25) from Roscommon, John McCormack (20) from Leitrim and John Quirk (33) from Cork.
After re-organising Kerry Two IRA, Andy Cooney was transferred to Kerry One IRA area. GHQ had earlier suspended Paddy Cahill and the majority of the Brigade had refused to serve under anybody else and considered the Dublin interloper with the same disdain. Meanwhile another GHQ ispecting officer commented that battalions in the region had been working independently of each other, there had been no systematic training, some 10% of the men could not use a rifle and over half of the officers were recommended for removal.
Humorist wins The Derby. For the first time the result is broadcast live by wireless.
2
Sturgis wrote that ‘the Shinns it seems want ‘an accredited representative of the PM’ to talk with and are not content with Craig who is quite willing to meet de Valera again now…but London says no…anti-extremist feeling in all classes in Dublin has grown very strong since the burning of the Custom House and the explosion of a land mine yesterday which blew up a Regimental band killing some wretched little band boys. Sinn Fein ought to have a sort of ultimatum to settle with Craig now or face a rigorous war with a spell of real hard hitting and no negotiating at all.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 183
The Committee on the Situation in Ireland advised the Cabinet that martial law should be declared throughout Ireland on the 12th of July, 14 days after the summoning of the Southern Parliament and the date of reversion to Crown Colony Status if there was no intervening settlement. Reinforcing troops would be moved in and war within the 26 counties would follow. This was agreed by the Cabinet who also saw it as a means to end authorised reprisals. The target date was pushed out to July 14th.
Meanwhile, 42 Volunteers were under sentence of death in Ireland. Habaeus Corpus had been suspended on the grounds that a state of war existed in the country. A legal move to prohibit the Courts Martials from operating on the grounds that they were illegal tribunals was begun.
Brig.Gen Ormonde Winter following a heated exchange with Andy Cope over documents discovered in Michael Collins’ office on May 26th, wrote his resignation to General Tudor later rescinding it.
Cope and MacMahon met with Cardinal Logue urging a second meeting between de Valera and Craig without waiting for a representative from the PM. Logu saying ‘definitely that not even the extremists wanted a Republic and Andy said that short of that they could get satisfactory settlement now, so why fight on for months and years and get no more…the Cardinal spoke of the burning of the Custom House as vandalism and the blowing up of the band boys as horrible and deplorable.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 185
4 RIC officers killed in a patrol near Kallebeg Cross, Co. Tipperary. Constables James Briggs (29), John Cantilon (53) from Carlow, Martin Feeney (32) from Roscommon and William Walsh (52) from Laois. The patrol was attacked by a force of 17 that divided into three sections and attacked a joint military and RIC force of cyclists, four cars and a lorry.
7 RIC officers were killed at 7pm in an ambush of their patrol near Carrowkennedy, Co. Mayo. District Inspector Edward Stevenson (22) from Co Down, Sergeant Francis Creegan (43) from Fermanagh, Constables Sydney Blyth (26) from Norfolk, James Brown (23) from Roxborough, John Doherty (47) from Roscommon, Thomas Dowling (46) from Laois and William French (25) from Gloucester died in the 3 ½ hour gunfight. The ambush was led by Michael Kilroy with the West Mayo Flying Column with the IRA taking up various positions and opening fire as the RIC lorries came into view. The ensuing fire fight killed the DI and another constable as he tried to move behind the IRA positions with other officers taking shelter in a nearby cottage. After two hours firing, an RIC man about to throw a grenade, was shot dead, dropping the grenade which exploded killing another officer. The surviving 17 RIC officers surrendered. The action resulted in a massive sweep for the flying column of the whole area of Connemara to North Mayo and included a sea blockade and air patrols. Nobody was captured.
Sturgis wrote that ‘the Shinns it seems want ‘an accredited representative of the PM’ to talk with and are not content with Craig who is quite willing to meet de Valera again now…but London says no…anti-extremist feeling in all classes in Dublin has grown very strong since the burning of the Custom House and the explosion of a land mine yesterday which blew up a Regimental band killing some wretched little band boys. Sinn Fein ought to have a sort of ultimatum to settle with Craig now or face a rigorous war with a spell of real hard hitting and no negotiating at all.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 183
The Committee on the Situation in Ireland advised the Cabinet that martial law should be declared throughout Ireland on the 12th of July, 14 days after the summoning of the Southern Parliament and the date of reversion to Crown Colony Status if there was no intervening settlement. Reinforcing troops would be moved in and war within the 26 counties would follow. This was agreed by the Cabinet who also saw it as a means to end authorised reprisals. The target date was pushed out to July 14th.
Meanwhile, 42 Volunteers were under sentence of death in Ireland. Habaeus Corpus had been suspended on the grounds that a state of war existed in the country. A legal move to prohibit the Courts Martials from operating on the grounds that they were illegal tribunals was begun.
Brig.Gen Ormonde Winter following a heated exchange with Andy Cope over documents discovered in Michael Collins’ office on May 26th, wrote his resignation to General Tudor later rescinding it.
Cope and MacMahon met with Cardinal Logue urging a second meeting between de Valera and Craig without waiting for a representative from the PM. Logu saying ‘definitely that not even the extremists wanted a Republic and Andy said that short of that they could get satisfactory settlement now, so why fight on for months and years and get no more…the Cardinal spoke of the burning of the Custom House as vandalism and the blowing up of the band boys as horrible and deplorable.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 185
4 RIC officers killed in a patrol near Kallebeg Cross, Co. Tipperary. Constables James Briggs (29), John Cantilon (53) from Carlow, Martin Feeney (32) from Roscommon and William Walsh (52) from Laois. The patrol was attacked by a force of 17 that divided into three sections and attacked a joint military and RIC force of cyclists, four cars and a lorry.
7 RIC officers were killed at 7pm in an ambush of their patrol near Carrowkennedy, Co. Mayo. District Inspector Edward Stevenson (22) from Co Down, Sergeant Francis Creegan (43) from Fermanagh, Constables Sydney Blyth (26) from Norfolk, James Brown (23) from Roxborough, John Doherty (47) from Roscommon, Thomas Dowling (46) from Laois and William French (25) from Gloucester died in the 3 ½ hour gunfight. The ambush was led by Michael Kilroy with the West Mayo Flying Column with the IRA taking up various positions and opening fire as the RIC lorries came into view. The ensuing fire fight killed the DI and another constable as he tried to move behind the IRA positions with other officers taking shelter in a nearby cottage. After two hours firing, an RIC man about to throw a grenade, was shot dead, dropping the grenade which exploded killing another officer. The surviving 17 RIC officers surrendered. The action resulted in a massive sweep for the flying column of the whole area of Connemara to North Mayo and included a sea blockade and air patrols. Nobody was captured.
3
Rumours were rife throughout Ireland as troop reinforcements started arriving. 10,000 extra troops were posted to Ireland over the following days. One rumour was that Macready was to be replaced by a more ‘Cromwellian’ general. Collins believed that a large counter-offensive was now vital, proposing an all out assault on the Dublin Castle Civil administration throughout the country. Preparations were begun for an opening attack in Dublin.
Brig.Gen Ormonde Winter was wounded in an attack on his car in Dublin city centre.
IRA volunteers ambushed British troops at Kylebeg near Modreeny in County Tipperary. Members of the IRA's Northern Tipperary Flying Column led by Sean Gaynor attacked a mixed group of 25 British soldiers, RIC policemen and Black & Tans, travelling from Borrisokane to Cloughjordan killing four and injuring 14.
The results of the elections for the new Parliaments under the Government of Ireland Act were declared.
In Ulster, Unionist candidates won 40 of the 52 seats with the Nationalist tally for Sinn Fein and the IPP taking six each. Of the Sinn Fein candidates, none were resident in Ulster - elected were De Valera for South Down, Collins for Armagh, Eoin MacNeill for Derry and Griffith for Fermanagh. The Nationalist vote had fallen below that of 1918
The overall result of the ‘Home Rule’ elections for the 26 counties showed that of the 168 seats available, Sinn Fein won 126, Ulster Unionists 36 and Northern Nationalists 6. Of the 12 university seats, Sinn Fein took the 4 for the National University, while Unionists took 8 ( 4 each in TCD and Queens ). Of the total available seats, the Nationalist candidates took 75.5% overall. While an excellent result for Sinn Fein, most of it’s new and returned TD’s remained on the run and Diarmuid O’Hegarty was faced with the prospect of a major security risk to assemble the remaining TD’s for a Dail meeting.
Commandant of the Longford IRA, Sean McEoin , who had been captured on 2nd March in Mullingar went on court-martial trial in Dublin. Three of the Auxilliary police who had had ambushed on February 2nd 1920, paid tribute to his ‘honourable’ actions at the ambush scene, when he allowed first aid to the injured and any survivors to leave the scene.
Rumours were rife throughout Ireland as troop reinforcements started arriving. 10,000 extra troops were posted to Ireland over the following days. One rumour was that Macready was to be replaced by a more ‘Cromwellian’ general. Collins believed that a large counter-offensive was now vital, proposing an all out assault on the Dublin Castle Civil administration throughout the country. Preparations were begun for an opening attack in Dublin.
Brig.Gen Ormonde Winter was wounded in an attack on his car in Dublin city centre.
IRA volunteers ambushed British troops at Kylebeg near Modreeny in County Tipperary. Members of the IRA's Northern Tipperary Flying Column led by Sean Gaynor attacked a mixed group of 25 British soldiers, RIC policemen and Black & Tans, travelling from Borrisokane to Cloughjordan killing four and injuring 14.
The results of the elections for the new Parliaments under the Government of Ireland Act were declared.
In Ulster, Unionist candidates won 40 of the 52 seats with the Nationalist tally for Sinn Fein and the IPP taking six each. Of the Sinn Fein candidates, none were resident in Ulster - elected were De Valera for South Down, Collins for Armagh, Eoin MacNeill for Derry and Griffith for Fermanagh. The Nationalist vote had fallen below that of 1918
The overall result of the ‘Home Rule’ elections for the 26 counties showed that of the 168 seats available, Sinn Fein won 126, Ulster Unionists 36 and Northern Nationalists 6. Of the 12 university seats, Sinn Fein took the 4 for the National University, while Unionists took 8 ( 4 each in TCD and Queens ). Of the total available seats, the Nationalist candidates took 75.5% overall. While an excellent result for Sinn Fein, most of it’s new and returned TD’s remained on the run and Diarmuid O’Hegarty was faced with the prospect of a major security risk to assemble the remaining TD’s for a Dail meeting.
Commandant of the Longford IRA, Sean McEoin , who had been captured on 2nd March in Mullingar went on court-martial trial in Dublin. Three of the Auxilliary police who had had ambushed on February 2nd 1920, paid tribute to his ‘honourable’ actions at the ambush scene, when he allowed first aid to the injured and any survivors to leave the scene.
4
The I.R.B approved of a truce at this time as it believed that ‘the military campaign against the British could have no further success, and that perhaps terms could be obtained that would put Ireland in a position from which she could develop on lines that would enable her to achieve complete independence’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P297
The Shell Factory near the main gates of the Phoenix Park, and used as the RASC repair works and ordnance store was destroyed in an IRA raid. 40 cars and 5 armoured cars destroyed.
A large British sweep began close to Macroom, Co. Cork with an initial force of 800 troops converging on the area over ten days. Florrie O’Donoghue commented days later that : ‘the recent attempted roundup..was a huge fiasco. Fourteen different parties, converging from every point of the compass took part; all working towards Claydagh, where 1,000 armed rebels were popularly supposed to be encamped. The enemy had between 2 and 3,000 men, of all arms with aeroplanes etc..’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p113
Clan na Gael after considering the US visit of De Valera and the possible negative impressions that were being promoted amongst the Cabinet of Dail Eireann, decided to send a representative to Dublin to meet with and discuss the Irish-American stance with Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins. James McHugh, later to become a prominent member of the New York Bar was briefed and left New York for Dublin. He returned to New York and met with John Devoy on August 2nd.
Thomas Keane was executed by firing squad in Limerick.
The I.R.B approved of a truce at this time as it believed that ‘the military campaign against the British could have no further success, and that perhaps terms could be obtained that would put Ireland in a position from which she could develop on lines that would enable her to achieve complete independence’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P297
The Shell Factory near the main gates of the Phoenix Park, and used as the RASC repair works and ordnance store was destroyed in an IRA raid. 40 cars and 5 armoured cars destroyed.
A large British sweep began close to Macroom, Co. Cork with an initial force of 800 troops converging on the area over ten days. Florrie O’Donoghue commented days later that : ‘the recent attempted roundup..was a huge fiasco. Fourteen different parties, converging from every point of the compass took part; all working towards Claydagh, where 1,000 armed rebels were popularly supposed to be encamped. The enemy had between 2 and 3,000 men, of all arms with aeroplanes etc..’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p113
Clan na Gael after considering the US visit of De Valera and the possible negative impressions that were being promoted amongst the Cabinet of Dail Eireann, decided to send a representative to Dublin to meet with and discuss the Irish-American stance with Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins. James McHugh, later to become a prominent member of the New York Bar was briefed and left New York for Dublin. He returned to New York and met with John Devoy on August 2nd.
Thomas Keane was executed by firing squad in Limerick.
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5
de Valera wrote to Lord Justice O’Connor questioning any further meetings with Craig, Cope or the Lord Justice.
Three members of the Manchester Regiment killed at Kilcrea.
Sergeant Michael Burke (28) from Mayo was killed in a late night IRA ambush on an RIC patrol in Swatragh, Co. Derry. A candle had been left burning in the window of a cottage and as the patrol passed, showing their movement against the light, they were shot. Constable John Kennedy was wounded in the attack, shotgun pellets damaging his vocal cords so that he became known locally in later years as ‘Hoarse Johnny’. Shortly after, a Sinn Féin supporter was shot dead at Ballintemple, near Garvagh
Constable Robert Jolly (37) from Kent was killed when part of a police patrol was removing seditious posters was ambushed. A Sergeant and 4 constables wounded. The posters warning Black and Tans to leave the area had been posted overnight near the positions held. As patrols did not pass the area as expected, the IRA’s North Limerick and West Limerick Flying Column took up positions in houses overlooking the town square at dawn and posted more notices in the general area.
5
de Valera wrote to Lord Justice O’Connor questioning any further meetings with Craig, Cope or the Lord Justice.
Three members of the Manchester Regiment killed at Kilcrea.
Sergeant Michael Burke (28) from Mayo was killed in a late night IRA ambush on an RIC patrol in Swatragh, Co. Derry. A candle had been left burning in the window of a cottage and as the patrol passed, showing their movement against the light, they were shot. Constable John Kennedy was wounded in the attack, shotgun pellets damaging his vocal cords so that he became known locally in later years as ‘Hoarse Johnny’. Shortly after, a Sinn Féin supporter was shot dead at Ballintemple, near Garvagh
Constable Robert Jolly (37) from Kent was killed when part of a police patrol was removing seditious posters was ambushed. A Sergeant and 4 constables wounded. The posters warning Black and Tans to leave the area had been posted overnight near the positions held. As patrols did not pass the area as expected, the IRA’s North Limerick and West Limerick Flying Column took up positions in houses overlooking the town square at dawn and posted more notices in the general area.
6
The British government called off the policy of house burnings as official reprisals in Ireland.
The British government called off the policy of house burnings as official reprisals in Ireland.
7
The Government of Northern Ireland came into being at Stormont with Sir James Craig as its first Prime Minister. Carson had turned down the offfer due to age and infirmities. Churchill described the Partition Act as ‘ from that moment, the position of Ulster became unassailable’ The American Consul in Belfast reported ‘ The city was gay with flags and bunting. Everywhere the Union Jack was flown, and in many streets, particularly in the working class districts, very house was decorated with loyal emblems at the thought of the day ‘witnessing the birth into the world of a Nation’ as the people of Ulster are fond of phrasing it’.
Quoted in Nicholas Manseragh ‘The Irish Question 1840-1921’ George Allen & Unwin. 1965. p.18.
Mountjoy prison: Edward Foley and Patrick Maher charged with the murder of an R.I.C. sergeant and Constable two years previously at the Knoocklong Rescue and sentenced to death in Armagh in March 1920 became the last to be executed by British authorities in Ireland. A third, Michael Murphy was due to be executed the following month. An RIC constable, William Mitchell was also executed for the murder of Robert Dixon, a justice of the peace in Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow (although the prime suspect had committed suicide and apparently Mitchell's "guilt" was determined before his trial despite no evidence of his guilt in the original crime)
The legal challenge to the Courts martials in Ireland was refused on the grounds that a state of war existed. The challenge was then referred to the House of Lords for a ruling. This hearing commenced on June 16th.
The only remaining IRA prisoner on death row in Mountjoy was Sean MacEoin. His mother in a plea for clemency cited her son’s chivalry at the Clonfin ambush in allowing wounded Auxilliaries to be medically treated.
The Government of Northern Ireland came into being at Stormont with Sir James Craig as its first Prime Minister. Carson had turned down the offfer due to age and infirmities. Churchill described the Partition Act as ‘ from that moment, the position of Ulster became unassailable’ The American Consul in Belfast reported ‘ The city was gay with flags and bunting. Everywhere the Union Jack was flown, and in many streets, particularly in the working class districts, very house was decorated with loyal emblems at the thought of the day ‘witnessing the birth into the world of a Nation’ as the people of Ulster are fond of phrasing it’.
Quoted in Nicholas Manseragh ‘The Irish Question 1840-1921’ George Allen & Unwin. 1965. p.18.
Mountjoy prison: Edward Foley and Patrick Maher charged with the murder of an R.I.C. sergeant and Constable two years previously at the Knoocklong Rescue and sentenced to death in Armagh in March 1920 became the last to be executed by British authorities in Ireland. A third, Michael Murphy was due to be executed the following month. An RIC constable, William Mitchell was also executed for the murder of Robert Dixon, a justice of the peace in Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow (although the prime suspect had committed suicide and apparently Mitchell's "guilt" was determined before his trial despite no evidence of his guilt in the original crime)
The legal challenge to the Courts martials in Ireland was refused on the grounds that a state of war existed. The challenge was then referred to the House of Lords for a ruling. This hearing commenced on June 16th.
The only remaining IRA prisoner on death row in Mountjoy was Sean MacEoin. His mother in a plea for clemency cited her son’s chivalry at the Clonfin ambush in allowing wounded Auxilliaries to be medically treated.
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8
For the first time in 120 years, the island of Ireland had a Parliament – in Belfast.
Sturgis fumed…‘The way these idiots in the South have fooled away their chances is enough to make Parnell and John Redmond turn in their graves.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 186
Sturgis records that ‘Wylie spoke of the vast improvement in the manner and discipline of the ‘Black and Tans’, now a first class force which everybody can respect. He said that if they had behaved all through as they behave now the result would in his opinion be very different and the enormous bulk of popular opinion would now be on their side versus the gunmen’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p95
Desperate to capture Collins and maintaining the dragnet through the city, Collins felt the increased pressure from British forces:
‘ They canot get very much nearer and they certainly did keep close to me for four days, and they have kind of contact with me still. I am wiriting this under what you might call ‘war conditions’’. His opponents kept up their pressure until the end, and he was forced to the conclusion that there was an informant within his operation, whom he later privately identified.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P273
Special Constable George Lyness (25) was killed in an ambush at Carrogs near Newry, Co. Down. In reprisal, Ulster Special Constables went to the nerest Catholic home and killed two men and wounded a third..
8
For the first time in 120 years, the island of Ireland had a Parliament – in Belfast.
Sturgis fumed…‘The way these idiots in the South have fooled away their chances is enough to make Parnell and John Redmond turn in their graves.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 186
Sturgis records that ‘Wylie spoke of the vast improvement in the manner and discipline of the ‘Black and Tans’, now a first class force which everybody can respect. He said that if they had behaved all through as they behave now the result would in his opinion be very different and the enormous bulk of popular opinion would now be on their side versus the gunmen’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p95
Desperate to capture Collins and maintaining the dragnet through the city, Collins felt the increased pressure from British forces:
‘ They canot get very much nearer and they certainly did keep close to me for four days, and they have kind of contact with me still. I am wiriting this under what you might call ‘war conditions’’. His opponents kept up their pressure until the end, and he was forced to the conclusion that there was an informant within his operation, whom he later privately identified.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P273
Special Constable George Lyness (25) was killed in an ambush at Carrogs near Newry, Co. Down. In reprisal, Ulster Special Constables went to the nerest Catholic home and killed two men and wounded a third..
United States Rear Admiral William Snowdon Sims (1858-1938) was again in trouble with Washington D.C. & influential Irish-American groups following an anti-Irish speech to the English Speaking Union lunch in London on June 7th.
The Canadian born naval officer commanded US naval squadrons from Cobh during 1917-1919, during which time he developed a particularly strong dislike for Irish nationalists and in particular Sinn Fein. In October 1919 he published his war memoirs ‘The Victory at Sea’ and immediately aroused the wrath of Irish America with his anti-irish comments including remarks on Irish priests who had in 1917-18 denounced Queenstown/Cobh based US sailors and of Sinn Fein members attacking & assaulting both sailors and officers. Sims reserved specific criticism for those he called ‘Sinn Fein Irishmen’:
“The members of this organisation were not only openly disloyal, they were openly pro-German. They were not even neutral, they were working day and night for a German victory, for in their misguided minds a German victory signalled an Irish Republic’
W.S.Sims ‘Victory at Sea’. Garden City 1919. P83.
Pressured by Irish American lobby groups, Wilson's Secretary of the Navy in late 1919 publicly chastised the Admiral and the furore in Irish America eventually died down. However, the Admiral re-ignited the Irish issue again in an indiscreet address to the English Speaking Union lunch, creating further consternation and additional difficulties for the new Washington administration.
The Canadian born naval officer commanded US naval squadrons from Cobh during 1917-1919, during which time he developed a particularly strong dislike for Irish nationalists and in particular Sinn Fein. In October 1919 he published his war memoirs ‘The Victory at Sea’ and immediately aroused the wrath of Irish America with his anti-irish comments including remarks on Irish priests who had in 1917-18 denounced Queenstown/Cobh based US sailors and of Sinn Fein members attacking & assaulting both sailors and officers. Sims reserved specific criticism for those he called ‘Sinn Fein Irishmen’:
“The members of this organisation were not only openly disloyal, they were openly pro-German. They were not even neutral, they were working day and night for a German victory, for in their misguided minds a German victory signalled an Irish Republic’
W.S.Sims ‘Victory at Sea’. Garden City 1919. P83.
Pressured by Irish American lobby groups, Wilson's Secretary of the Navy in late 1919 publicly chastised the Admiral and the furore in Irish America eventually died down. However, the Admiral re-ignited the Irish issue again in an indiscreet address to the English Speaking Union lunch, creating further consternation and additional difficulties for the new Washington administration.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
9
Sturgis wanted nothing to do with the running of the civilian end of a administration under military control. ‘One odd thing about soldiers is that they will never admit a mistake, and I’m sure that under martial law,civilians left here would be scapegoats for all the daily bloomers which the soldiers would commit as well as responsible for their own sins.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 187
Fredirck Dumon, the US Consul in Dublin, reported to the State Department on how funds raised by the American Committee on Relief in Ireland were spent: ‘..the IRA would have to quit operations in three months if it were not supported by American money…it is not the intention of this organisation to do more with these funds that put it at the disposal of the opponents of the British Government in Ireland..’ Hopinson comments ‘to supply relief funds on a apolitical basis in Ireland in 1921 was inconceivable.’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p174
Constable Denis O’Leary (43) from Kerry was killed as cycling to his lodgings in Carrigbeg, Co. Waterford.
9
Sturgis wanted nothing to do with the running of the civilian end of a administration under military control. ‘One odd thing about soldiers is that they will never admit a mistake, and I’m sure that under martial law,civilians left here would be scapegoats for all the daily bloomers which the soldiers would commit as well as responsible for their own sins.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 187
Fredirck Dumon, the US Consul in Dublin, reported to the State Department on how funds raised by the American Committee on Relief in Ireland were spent: ‘..the IRA would have to quit operations in three months if it were not supported by American money…it is not the intention of this organisation to do more with these funds that put it at the disposal of the opponents of the British Government in Ireland..’ Hopinson comments ‘to supply relief funds on a apolitical basis in Ireland in 1921 was inconceivable.’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p174
Constable Denis O’Leary (43) from Kerry was killed as cycling to his lodgings in Carrigbeg, Co. Waterford.
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10
Unemployment in the UK reaches 2.2 million.
Constable James Glover (31) from Antrim was seriously wounded in the Falls Road, Belfast. He died July 7th.
Another spate of attacks against Catholics in Belfast began. Over the following five days, 17 were killed by the ‘B Specials’ and during rioting.
Two Auxiliary Cadets surprised by the IRA near the RIC Barracks Woodstock, Co Kilkenny; one escaped. The Other Cadet Leonard French (26) missing but apparently killed
Prince Phillip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh and future husband to Queen Elizabeth 11 born in Greece.
Seven Waterford IRA men were captured when a party of Marines, having crossed from Youghal by boat to Ferrypoint by night, surprised them near Piltown, County Waterford.
Daniel Lynch was registered on this date as the owner of lands at Granig, Ballyfeard under a Discharge of Equity & Ownership entry on the Land Registry Folio.
Lynch Family Archives – Folder 7 – 1938-1950
10
Unemployment in the UK reaches 2.2 million.
Constable James Glover (31) from Antrim was seriously wounded in the Falls Road, Belfast. He died July 7th.
Another spate of attacks against Catholics in Belfast began. Over the following five days, 17 were killed by the ‘B Specials’ and during rioting.
Two Auxiliary Cadets surprised by the IRA near the RIC Barracks Woodstock, Co Kilkenny; one escaped. The Other Cadet Leonard French (26) missing but apparently killed
Prince Phillip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh and future husband to Queen Elizabeth 11 born in Greece.
Seven Waterford IRA men were captured when a party of Marines, having crossed from Youghal by boat to Ferrypoint by night, surprised them near Piltown, County Waterford.
Daniel Lynch was registered on this date as the owner of lands at Granig, Ballyfeard under a Discharge of Equity & Ownership entry on the Land Registry Folio.
Lynch Family Archives – Folder 7 – 1938-1950
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11
The British Government released a white paper the proposed treaty between the Irish Republic and the USSR, and supporting correspondence with the obvious implications that Sinn Fein was in bed with the Reds.
General Jan Smuts, Prime Minister of South Africa arrived in London.
Smuts, Jan Christiaan (1870-1950), South African leader, who promoted the connection of his country with Great Britain and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Born on May 24, 1870, near Riebeek Wes in the British-dominated Cape Colony (now Cape Province), Smuts was a member of a prominent Afrikaner family and was educated at the University of Cambridge in England. During the Boer War (1899-1902) between the British forces and the Boer (Afrikaner) republics of Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free State, he fought on the Boer side, but later advocated cooperation with Britain. He was instrumental in securing self-government under British rule for the defeated Boers (1907) and in arranging the merger of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State with Natal and the Cape Colony to form the Union of South Africa (1910). During World War I, Smuts commanded British imperial forces in East Africa (1916-1917), represented South Africa in Britain's Imperial War Cabinet (1917-1918), and helped establish the League of Nations, an international alliance for the preservation of peace. As prime minister of South Africa (1919-1924) he enjoyed great prestige among Commonwealth leaders but was disliked at home by Afrikaners for his pro-British attitudes, and he antagonized the labour force by suppressing a miners' strike in 1922. He was deputy prime minister under James Barry Munnik Hertzog from 1933 to 1939, when he himself again became prime minister. Against strong opposition from Afrikaner nationalists, who favoured neutrality, he brought South Africa into World War II on the Allied side. After leaving office in 1948, Smuts opposed the nationalist government of Daniel François Malan. He died at his home near Pretoria on September 11, 1950.
James Kane, a Fishery Inspector was captured by the IRA, interrogated and shot for supplying information that led to the arrests of 8 men for the murder of District Inspector O’Sullivan in Listowel, Co Kerry on 20th January 1920. Kane’s brother was a Chief Inspector in Scotland Yard and had been assigned to Dublin on the 1907 Irish Crown Jewels case.
Royal Scots Private George Duff Chalmers captured in West Clare while serving a summons and executed by IRA
11
The British Government released a white paper the proposed treaty between the Irish Republic and the USSR, and supporting correspondence with the obvious implications that Sinn Fein was in bed with the Reds.
General Jan Smuts, Prime Minister of South Africa arrived in London.
Smuts, Jan Christiaan (1870-1950), South African leader, who promoted the connection of his country with Great Britain and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Born on May 24, 1870, near Riebeek Wes in the British-dominated Cape Colony (now Cape Province), Smuts was a member of a prominent Afrikaner family and was educated at the University of Cambridge in England. During the Boer War (1899-1902) between the British forces and the Boer (Afrikaner) republics of Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free State, he fought on the Boer side, but later advocated cooperation with Britain. He was instrumental in securing self-government under British rule for the defeated Boers (1907) and in arranging the merger of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State with Natal and the Cape Colony to form the Union of South Africa (1910). During World War I, Smuts commanded British imperial forces in East Africa (1916-1917), represented South Africa in Britain's Imperial War Cabinet (1917-1918), and helped establish the League of Nations, an international alliance for the preservation of peace. As prime minister of South Africa (1919-1924) he enjoyed great prestige among Commonwealth leaders but was disliked at home by Afrikaners for his pro-British attitudes, and he antagonized the labour force by suppressing a miners' strike in 1922. He was deputy prime minister under James Barry Munnik Hertzog from 1933 to 1939, when he himself again became prime minister. Against strong opposition from Afrikaner nationalists, who favoured neutrality, he brought South Africa into World War II on the Allied side. After leaving office in 1948, Smuts opposed the nationalist government of Daniel François Malan. He died at his home near Pretoria on September 11, 1950.
James Kane, a Fishery Inspector was captured by the IRA, interrogated and shot for supplying information that led to the arrests of 8 men for the murder of District Inspector O’Sullivan in Listowel, Co Kerry on 20th January 1920. Kane’s brother was a Chief Inspector in Scotland Yard and had been assigned to Dublin on the 1907 Irish Crown Jewels case.
Royal Scots Private George Duff Chalmers captured in West Clare while serving a summons and executed by IRA
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12
Sir Edward Grigg, private secretary to Lloyd George told the Prime Minister that perhaps the Kings Speech in 10 days time at the opening of the Northern Ireland Parliament would be an opportunity for an appeal for peace.
‘General Smuts who had come for the Imperial Conference was of the same mind, and Lord Stamfordham had already written to the Lord Lieutenant, Lord FitzAlan to this effect. Only Sir Hamar Greenwood held out; he said that no move could be made without the consent of Craig; whereupon Grigg went to the Cabinet’s Irish Committee and insisted that the King should not be made ‘the mouthpiece of the Ulster Government’. He was emphatically supported by Balfour, hitherto the most irreconcilable of ministers and Greenwood at once gave in.’
George Dangerfield “ The Damnable Question - a study in Anglo-Irish relations” Constable, London. 1977. p328
The Lord Lieutenant summoned the Parliament of Southern Ireland to meet in Dublin on June 28th. Under the terms of the Act, unless at least 50% of the members elected presented themselves and took the oath, then the Parliament would be dissolved and a Crown Colony Government set up. Of the 124 Republican members of parliament, over 41 were in British jails, and a price was on the heads of many of the others. Dublin Castle advised that any move to institute a Crown Colony Status would be resisted strongly by force or arms and by a majority of the population. Lloyd George was now forced to reconsider the Government policy towards Ireland.
Head Constable James McElhill (32) from Tyrone was killed while on his way to church in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.
Special Constable Thomas Sturdy was killed by a sniper in York Street, Belfast. Three RIC men were shot by the IRA on the Falls Road in Belfast. Two were wounded and one died. Uniformed RIC/Black & Tans including DI Nixon arrested and murdered three Catholic male civilians in north Belfast. Over the following two days, loyalist gunmen killed six more Catholics and the IRA assassinated three Protestants in the city.
Constables Michael Brennan (26) from Durham and John Smith (25) from Manchester were killed while on patrol in Rainsford Street, Dublin.
12
Sir Edward Grigg, private secretary to Lloyd George told the Prime Minister that perhaps the Kings Speech in 10 days time at the opening of the Northern Ireland Parliament would be an opportunity for an appeal for peace.
‘General Smuts who had come for the Imperial Conference was of the same mind, and Lord Stamfordham had already written to the Lord Lieutenant, Lord FitzAlan to this effect. Only Sir Hamar Greenwood held out; he said that no move could be made without the consent of Craig; whereupon Grigg went to the Cabinet’s Irish Committee and insisted that the King should not be made ‘the mouthpiece of the Ulster Government’. He was emphatically supported by Balfour, hitherto the most irreconcilable of ministers and Greenwood at once gave in.’
George Dangerfield “ The Damnable Question - a study in Anglo-Irish relations” Constable, London. 1977. p328
The Lord Lieutenant summoned the Parliament of Southern Ireland to meet in Dublin on June 28th. Under the terms of the Act, unless at least 50% of the members elected presented themselves and took the oath, then the Parliament would be dissolved and a Crown Colony Government set up. Of the 124 Republican members of parliament, over 41 were in British jails, and a price was on the heads of many of the others. Dublin Castle advised that any move to institute a Crown Colony Status would be resisted strongly by force or arms and by a majority of the population. Lloyd George was now forced to reconsider the Government policy towards Ireland.
Head Constable James McElhill (32) from Tyrone was killed while on his way to church in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.
Special Constable Thomas Sturdy was killed by a sniper in York Street, Belfast. Three RIC men were shot by the IRA on the Falls Road in Belfast. Two were wounded and one died. Uniformed RIC/Black & Tans including DI Nixon arrested and murdered three Catholic male civilians in north Belfast. Over the following two days, loyalist gunmen killed six more Catholics and the IRA assassinated three Protestants in the city.
Constables Michael Brennan (26) from Durham and John Smith (25) from Manchester were killed while on patrol in Rainsford Street, Dublin.
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13
Mark Sturgis comments in his diaries on the problems of finding out if the Dail would respond positively to any direct peace iniative: ‘I cannot but believe that the Shinn reluctance to come out and play the statesman is due to the simple fact that they are to a certain extent all to pieces. If we want to deal with England, there’s Lloyd George – if we want to talk to Ulster there’s Craig or Carson, but when we want to talk to Sinn Fein it’s a heterogeneous ‘collection’ of individiuals who thanks largely to our activities are not even ‘collected’ – all over the place, and they severally if they know their own minds, which I doubt they certainly don’t, know each others and all fear to act off their own bat’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p195
13
Mark Sturgis comments in his diaries on the problems of finding out if the Dail would respond positively to any direct peace iniative: ‘I cannot but believe that the Shinn reluctance to come out and play the statesman is due to the simple fact that they are to a certain extent all to pieces. If we want to deal with England, there’s Lloyd George – if we want to talk to Ulster there’s Craig or Carson, but when we want to talk to Sinn Fein it’s a heterogeneous ‘collection’ of individiuals who thanks largely to our activities are not even ‘collected’ – all over the place, and they severally if they know their own minds, which I doubt they certainly don’t, know each others and all fear to act off their own bat’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p195
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14
de Valera announced ‘If the British Government send a written communication to me directly, I will reply’
Arthur Mitchell comments that ‘Thomas Casement recorded in his diary that ‘de Valera frankly told me hat a Republic was out of the question. All he wanted was a Treaty between two nations’. Years later de Valera said Casement’s statement was not accurate, that what he might have said was that acceptance of the republican position was not a necessary preliminary to negotiations.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P296
Lloyd George writing to Bonar Law commented that ‘a new chance of opening negotiations presents itself’.
General Smuts wrote to Lloyd George suggesting that the British Government should use the opportunity presented by King George V speech at the state opening of the newly elected Ulster parliament to ‘foreshadow the grant of Dominion status to Ireland’.
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p128
14
de Valera announced ‘If the British Government send a written communication to me directly, I will reply’
Arthur Mitchell comments that ‘Thomas Casement recorded in his diary that ‘de Valera frankly told me hat a Republic was out of the question. All he wanted was a Treaty between two nations’. Years later de Valera said Casement’s statement was not accurate, that what he might have said was that acceptance of the republican position was not a necessary preliminary to negotiations.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P296
Lloyd George writing to Bonar Law commented that ‘a new chance of opening negotiations presents itself’.
General Smuts wrote to Lloyd George suggesting that the British Government should use the opportunity presented by King George V speech at the state opening of the newly elected Ulster parliament to ‘foreshadow the grant of Dominion status to Ireland’.
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p128
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15
A Government reassesment was now essential, and it came from Lloyd George at a meeting in Portmadog, Wales where he said ‘ Two Thirds of the population of Ireland demand the setting up of an independent Republic in that island. At a recent election, they reaffirmed that demand. Every effort I have made, publicly or otherwise, to secure a modification of that demand has failed. They have emphatically stated they will agree to nothing else.’
British intermediaries had offered to this stage, fiscal autonomy, a Senate of the Southern Parliament, the Belfast Parliament retaining it's powers, free trade between Ireland and Britain, no reserved services and a portion of the British National Debt to be taken over. Demands for an independent State continued.
Members of the East Clare Brigade IRA were ambushed by British soldiers at Woodcock Hill, Meelick, while attempting to raid the Limerick to Ennis train. Captain Christopher McCarthy of the IRA was wounded during the ambush and Captain Michael Gleeson returned under fire to rescue McCarthy. Both men were subsequently captured by British soldiers and summarily executed.
Constable Pierce Doogue (aged 42) was killed by a stone while on leave aiding colleagues at a disturbance
On the Sinn Fein/Red scare, a newspaper reported that ‘ Sinn Fein had opened an embassy in Moscow with a staff of 6 including a ‘Mr Connolly and an ex-Abbey actress’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill& McMillan 1995. P192
Britain: Over 2 million workers are currently involved in pay disputes.
15
A Government reassesment was now essential, and it came from Lloyd George at a meeting in Portmadog, Wales where he said ‘ Two Thirds of the population of Ireland demand the setting up of an independent Republic in that island. At a recent election, they reaffirmed that demand. Every effort I have made, publicly or otherwise, to secure a modification of that demand has failed. They have emphatically stated they will agree to nothing else.’
British intermediaries had offered to this stage, fiscal autonomy, a Senate of the Southern Parliament, the Belfast Parliament retaining it's powers, free trade between Ireland and Britain, no reserved services and a portion of the British National Debt to be taken over. Demands for an independent State continued.
Members of the East Clare Brigade IRA were ambushed by British soldiers at Woodcock Hill, Meelick, while attempting to raid the Limerick to Ennis train. Captain Christopher McCarthy of the IRA was wounded during the ambush and Captain Michael Gleeson returned under fire to rescue McCarthy. Both men were subsequently captured by British soldiers and summarily executed.
Constable Pierce Doogue (aged 42) was killed by a stone while on leave aiding colleagues at a disturbance
On the Sinn Fein/Red scare, a newspaper reported that ‘ Sinn Fein had opened an embassy in Moscow with a staff of 6 including a ‘Mr Connolly and an ex-Abbey actress’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill& McMillan 1995. P192
Britain: Over 2 million workers are currently involved in pay disputes.
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16
The House of Lords began hearing the challenge to the Courts Martials in Ireland on the grounds these were illegal tribunals. After a number of days legal argument and submissions, the decision was reserved for decision on July 28th. British Military Authorities in Ireland suspended all planned Court Martial executions pending the decision. King George intervened with a request that all executions in Ireland should cease.
Auxilliaries William Boyd (21) from Sussex and Frederick Shorter (21) from Sussex were killed along with 10 soldiers wounded when their lorries ran over mines near Rathcoole, Co. Cork.
Constable Harold Round (23) from Lancashire was reported missing from the RIC Barracks, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon.
McGarrity’s gun-running days were initially short-lived. ‘…the main consignment (495 Thompson sub-machine guns, 1392 box magazines, 290 magazine drums for 100 rounds, 174 magazine drus for 50 rounds and a box of 2,500 cartridges ) was seized by US agents during a raid on the coal boat SS East Side docked in Hoboken N.J….In 1925, the haul was handed back to the Clan. McGarrity sent the consignemtn to the IRA during the 1930’s when Sean Russel was Quartermaster General and for years these Thompsons were the main stock of the underground organisation’s armaments.’
Sean Cronin. ‘The McGarrity Papers’ Anvil Press 1972. P99
16
The House of Lords began hearing the challenge to the Courts Martials in Ireland on the grounds these were illegal tribunals. After a number of days legal argument and submissions, the decision was reserved for decision on July 28th. British Military Authorities in Ireland suspended all planned Court Martial executions pending the decision. King George intervened with a request that all executions in Ireland should cease.
Auxilliaries William Boyd (21) from Sussex and Frederick Shorter (21) from Sussex were killed along with 10 soldiers wounded when their lorries ran over mines near Rathcoole, Co. Cork.
Constable Harold Round (23) from Lancashire was reported missing from the RIC Barracks, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon.
McGarrity’s gun-running days were initially short-lived. ‘…the main consignment (495 Thompson sub-machine guns, 1392 box magazines, 290 magazine drums for 100 rounds, 174 magazine drus for 50 rounds and a box of 2,500 cartridges ) was seized by US agents during a raid on the coal boat SS East Side docked in Hoboken N.J….In 1925, the haul was handed back to the Clan. McGarrity sent the consignemtn to the IRA during the 1930’s when Sean Russel was Quartermaster General and for years these Thompsons were the main stock of the underground organisation’s armaments.’
Sean Cronin. ‘The McGarrity Papers’ Anvil Press 1972. P99
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17
The American Committee for Relief in Ireland fundraising appeal ended, $4.75 million short of the original target of $10 million. $5.25 million had been raised throughout the US and funds had been sent to Ireland weekly.
The text of the secret British comminique of May 12th was revealed by the Irish Bulletin which commented ‘The main point deducible from the text of the Order is that the military terror in Ireland has failed.’
Two brothers with republican links were taken from their home in Dundalk, County Louth and summarily executed by Black and Tans. In reprisal, the IRA killed an RIC officer, William Campbell (21) from Dumbarton was killed while off duty in the town.
Ballyhaunis RIC barracks in County Mayo was attacked
17
The American Committee for Relief in Ireland fundraising appeal ended, $4.75 million short of the original target of $10 million. $5.25 million had been raised throughout the US and funds had been sent to Ireland weekly.
The text of the secret British comminique of May 12th was revealed by the Irish Bulletin which commented ‘The main point deducible from the text of the Order is that the military terror in Ireland has failed.’
Two brothers with republican links were taken from their home in Dundalk, County Louth and summarily executed by Black and Tans. In reprisal, the IRA killed an RIC officer, William Campbell (21) from Dumbarton was killed while off duty in the town.
Ballyhaunis RIC barracks in County Mayo was attacked
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18
36 IRA volunteers in Kilkenny attempt to ambush a British Army convoy between Castlecomer and Athy, travelling with a mine. However the British were tipped off by a local woman informer, Florrie Draper. British troops crept up on the would-be ambushers and opened fire, killing two volunteers (Seán Hartley and Nicholas Mullins), and injuring another. Draper's house was burned in reprisal.
The 9th Battalion of the Kilkenny IRA ambushed a patrol of Black and Tans from Fiddown Barracks at Sinnotts Cross, near Clogga, Mooncoin, County Kilkenny. Constable Albert Bradford (21) from Essex and Private Smith of the First Devons were killed. No volunteers captured or lost.
Three British officers, dressed in civilian clothes but carrying pistols, were captured near Fethard, County Tipperary, by IRA volunteers under Ernie O'Malley. The three were shot by firing squad at dawn the next day in reprisal for the execution of captured IRA men by the British
Sir John Anderson, in a letter to the Chief Secretary commented: ‘No war can be carried on effectively in the full glare of public criticism’ And as regards public opinon, adding ‘I think…they are war weary, tired of strife, and that instinctive desire in relation to Ireland is to forget…it’s a case of all out or get out..’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p194
18
36 IRA volunteers in Kilkenny attempt to ambush a British Army convoy between Castlecomer and Athy, travelling with a mine. However the British were tipped off by a local woman informer, Florrie Draper. British troops crept up on the would-be ambushers and opened fire, killing two volunteers (Seán Hartley and Nicholas Mullins), and injuring another. Draper's house was burned in reprisal.
The 9th Battalion of the Kilkenny IRA ambushed a patrol of Black and Tans from Fiddown Barracks at Sinnotts Cross, near Clogga, Mooncoin, County Kilkenny. Constable Albert Bradford (21) from Essex and Private Smith of the First Devons were killed. No volunteers captured or lost.
Three British officers, dressed in civilian clothes but carrying pistols, were captured near Fethard, County Tipperary, by IRA volunteers under Ernie O'Malley. The three were shot by firing squad at dawn the next day in reprisal for the execution of captured IRA men by the British
Sir John Anderson, in a letter to the Chief Secretary commented: ‘No war can be carried on effectively in the full glare of public criticism’ And as regards public opinon, adding ‘I think…they are war weary, tired of strife, and that instinctive desire in relation to Ireland is to forget…it’s a case of all out or get out..’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p194
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19
While escorting a coffin of a slain R.I.C. man by Devonshire Regiment, New Bridge, Carrick-on-Suir Co Tipperary, ambushed by IRA; one British Soldier Pvt W. Smith killed
19
While escorting a coffin of a slain R.I.C. man by Devonshire Regiment, New Bridge, Carrick-on-Suir Co Tipperary, ambushed by IRA; one British Soldier Pvt W. Smith killed
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20
An imperial conference was convened in London. Unusual in that for the first time, the dominions were allowed have a say in the formation of British foreign policy. De Valera approved the sending of Casement’s brother to hold unofficial talks with the South African delegation to enlist sympathy for Ireland. Casement found ‘ them all deeply interested in Ireland and General Smuts discussed the Irish situation with the Prime Minister and King George..’
Macardle. ‘The Irish Republic’ Irish Press 1957. p465
Macready in a letter to Frances Stevenson, commented that even if military action succeeded, he saw no prospect of a stable Government emerging and did not see the necessary support forthcoming from British public opinion for an escalation of the conflict in Ireland. He was also concerned about the morale and fitness of the troops. ‘There are of course, one or two wild people about who still hold the absurd idea that if you go on killing long enough, peace will ensue. I do not believe it for one moment, but I do believe that the more people that are killed, the more difficult will be the final solution, unless while killing is going on a body of opinion is growing up embued with a strong sense that the Government have made a generous and definite offer to Ireland. It must be remembered that every Irish man and woman distrusts any British Government, and will not be content with anything less that a public pledge, which they consider cannot afterwards be bargained away’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p194
New York imposes standard fines on women smoking in public, $25 for each offence followed by $100 per cigarette.
Group Returning from a tennis party at Benown House, Glasson about six miles from Athlone, Co Westmeath ambushed by IRA. Brigadier General Thomas Stanton Lambert [General Staff] dies of shotgun wound
20
An imperial conference was convened in London. Unusual in that for the first time, the dominions were allowed have a say in the formation of British foreign policy. De Valera approved the sending of Casement’s brother to hold unofficial talks with the South African delegation to enlist sympathy for Ireland. Casement found ‘ them all deeply interested in Ireland and General Smuts discussed the Irish situation with the Prime Minister and King George..’
Macardle. ‘The Irish Republic’ Irish Press 1957. p465
Macready in a letter to Frances Stevenson, commented that even if military action succeeded, he saw no prospect of a stable Government emerging and did not see the necessary support forthcoming from British public opinion for an escalation of the conflict in Ireland. He was also concerned about the morale and fitness of the troops. ‘There are of course, one or two wild people about who still hold the absurd idea that if you go on killing long enough, peace will ensue. I do not believe it for one moment, but I do believe that the more people that are killed, the more difficult will be the final solution, unless while killing is going on a body of opinion is growing up embued with a strong sense that the Government have made a generous and definite offer to Ireland. It must be remembered that every Irish man and woman distrusts any British Government, and will not be content with anything less that a public pledge, which they consider cannot afterwards be bargained away’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p194
New York imposes standard fines on women smoking in public, $25 for each offence followed by $100 per cigarette.
Group Returning from a tennis party at Benown House, Glasson about six miles from Athlone, Co Westmeath ambushed by IRA. Brigadier General Thomas Stanton Lambert [General Staff] dies of shotgun wound
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21
During a debate in the House of Lords, Lord Desart said ‘ No man or woman is happy in Ireland’ and Lord Birkenhead spoke of ‘the desperate nature of the present position’ and spoke of a struggle that must continue for an indefinite time.
Sturgis wrote stidently ‘Military action to be effective must be vigorous and ruthless, but must depend less and less upon naked force and more and more upon economic pressure which will kill trade between Great Britain and Ireland. Such a policy is absolutely doomed to failure unless backed by enthusiastic support in Parliament and the country…I have come around to the view that if the Government decides to go in for martial law on Macready’s lines it is essential that they should first announce the extreme limit of concession to which they are prepared to go in the direction of Dominion Home Rule…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 189
In Maynooth the Irish Hierarchy was meeting and were lobbied by De Valera to issue a statement recognising the Irish Government as the legitimate government of the country. This they would not do, but the hierarchy stated that the Partion Act was a ‘sham settlement’ and that there would be no peace in Ireland until the right of the Irish people to choose their own form of Government had been acknowledged.
James Bernard, the 4th Earl of Bandon (1850-1924) and His Majesty’s Lieutenant for County Cork since 1874 was captured by the IRA and his residence burned.
21
During a debate in the House of Lords, Lord Desart said ‘ No man or woman is happy in Ireland’ and Lord Birkenhead spoke of ‘the desperate nature of the present position’ and spoke of a struggle that must continue for an indefinite time.
Sturgis wrote stidently ‘Military action to be effective must be vigorous and ruthless, but must depend less and less upon naked force and more and more upon economic pressure which will kill trade between Great Britain and Ireland. Such a policy is absolutely doomed to failure unless backed by enthusiastic support in Parliament and the country…I have come around to the view that if the Government decides to go in for martial law on Macready’s lines it is essential that they should first announce the extreme limit of concession to which they are prepared to go in the direction of Dominion Home Rule…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 189
In Maynooth the Irish Hierarchy was meeting and were lobbied by De Valera to issue a statement recognising the Irish Government as the legitimate government of the country. This they would not do, but the hierarchy stated that the Partion Act was a ‘sham settlement’ and that there would be no peace in Ireland until the right of the Irish people to choose their own form of Government had been acknowledged.
James Bernard, the 4th Earl of Bandon (1850-1924) and His Majesty’s Lieutenant for County Cork since 1874 was captured by the IRA and his residence burned.
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22
King George V opened the Northern Ireland Parliament at Stormont. The King’s Military Advisor, Sir Henry Wilson refused an invitation to attend stating that it would not be appropriate for him as he expected shortly to be ‘ordering thousands of troops over to crush the rebellion in the South and West’
The King, rejecting a hard-line speech prepared for him under Unionist influence, prepared with General Smuts of South Africa, another speech and delivered this request for dialogue and peace:
“ ..I speak from a full heart when I pray that my coming to Ireland today may prove to be the first step towards the end of strife among her people, whatever their race or creed. In that hope I appeal to all Irishmen to pause, to stretch out the hand of forbearance and conciliation, to forgive and forget, and to join in making for the land they love a new era of peace, contentment and good will. It is my earnest desire that Southern Ireland, too, there may, ere long, take place a parallel to what is now passing in this hall; that there is a similar occasion may present itself, and a similar ceremony be performed. For this the Parliament of the United Kingdom has in the fullest measure provided. For this the Parliament of Ulster is pointing the way....”
While the King was making his speech in Stormont, De Valera was arrested by soldiers of the Worcestershire Regiment unaware of his identity, taken to the Bridewell and questioned. He was later visited by the Assistant Under Secretary, A.A.Cope, transferred to Portobello Barracks and upgraded to an Officer’s room. ‘It’s usual occupant, a captain, swore horribly at having to give up his room to a ‘bloody rebel’’. De Valera was released the following day but only after the Commander in Chief of British forces in Ireland, Macready was ‘ordered’ to do so by the British Administration:
‘Hamar Greenwood and John Anderson had gone to the North for the opening of Parliament and were still in Belfast. The Telephone wire buzzed between the two Irish capitals with the result that, armed with an imperative order from Anderson, Cope personally effected de Valera release over the protests of the military’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p128
Lack of arms and ammunition were beginning to force IRA tactics to burning and destruction. Reprisal burnings became common. The Republican Army GHQ issued an order stipulating that formal notice be served on the person whose house was to be destroyed, specifying the particular property was a reprisal and that
‘...for the purposes of such reprisals no person shall be regarded as enemies of Ireland, whether they may be described locally as Unionists, Orangemen etc., unless they are actively anti-Irish in their actions.’
Macardle. ‘The Irish Republic’ Irish Press 1957. p458
Dublin was racked with shootings and trouble in the streets after curfew. Sturgis wrote : ‘Boyd tells me that some of the less enthusiastic gunmen are turning it up and allowing themselves to be taken with guns on them – 4 yesterday – preferring I suppose prison now to going up against the wall for the same offence later on.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 185
Constable George Ducham (21) from London was kidnapped near Bandon, Co. Cork after his return from wedding leave. He was tried and executed the following day by the IRA.
22
King George V opened the Northern Ireland Parliament at Stormont. The King’s Military Advisor, Sir Henry Wilson refused an invitation to attend stating that it would not be appropriate for him as he expected shortly to be ‘ordering thousands of troops over to crush the rebellion in the South and West’
The King, rejecting a hard-line speech prepared for him under Unionist influence, prepared with General Smuts of South Africa, another speech and delivered this request for dialogue and peace:
“ ..I speak from a full heart when I pray that my coming to Ireland today may prove to be the first step towards the end of strife among her people, whatever their race or creed. In that hope I appeal to all Irishmen to pause, to stretch out the hand of forbearance and conciliation, to forgive and forget, and to join in making for the land they love a new era of peace, contentment and good will. It is my earnest desire that Southern Ireland, too, there may, ere long, take place a parallel to what is now passing in this hall; that there is a similar occasion may present itself, and a similar ceremony be performed. For this the Parliament of the United Kingdom has in the fullest measure provided. For this the Parliament of Ulster is pointing the way....”
While the King was making his speech in Stormont, De Valera was arrested by soldiers of the Worcestershire Regiment unaware of his identity, taken to the Bridewell and questioned. He was later visited by the Assistant Under Secretary, A.A.Cope, transferred to Portobello Barracks and upgraded to an Officer’s room. ‘It’s usual occupant, a captain, swore horribly at having to give up his room to a ‘bloody rebel’’. De Valera was released the following day but only after the Commander in Chief of British forces in Ireland, Macready was ‘ordered’ to do so by the British Administration:
‘Hamar Greenwood and John Anderson had gone to the North for the opening of Parliament and were still in Belfast. The Telephone wire buzzed between the two Irish capitals with the result that, armed with an imperative order from Anderson, Cope personally effected de Valera release over the protests of the military’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p128
Lack of arms and ammunition were beginning to force IRA tactics to burning and destruction. Reprisal burnings became common. The Republican Army GHQ issued an order stipulating that formal notice be served on the person whose house was to be destroyed, specifying the particular property was a reprisal and that
‘...for the purposes of such reprisals no person shall be regarded as enemies of Ireland, whether they may be described locally as Unionists, Orangemen etc., unless they are actively anti-Irish in their actions.’
Macardle. ‘The Irish Republic’ Irish Press 1957. p458
Dublin was racked with shootings and trouble in the streets after curfew. Sturgis wrote : ‘Boyd tells me that some of the less enthusiastic gunmen are turning it up and allowing themselves to be taken with guns on them – 4 yesterday – preferring I suppose prison now to going up against the wall for the same offence later on.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 185
Constable George Ducham (21) from London was kidnapped near Bandon, Co. Cork after his return from wedding leave. He was tried and executed the following day by the IRA.
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23
Brig.Gen Ormonde Winter telegraphed his office from London saying that under no circumstances was de Valera to be released despite what the Chief Secretary had to order on the matter. However de Valera had already been released by the time the telegram was received.
The Manchester Guardian carried a story of an internal Conservative plot to oust the Liberal-Conservative Coalition. Led by Churchill and Birkenhead, the rumours carried on until October.
Some 8,000 troops converged on Ballincollig in a huge sweep of the countryside up to Millstreet. ‘British sources admitted that the results were disappointing. The distances involved were to great to maintain a level of surprise and the lengthy marches put a huge strain on the troops. The iRA cutting of roads rendered mechanical transport ineffective. Because of the IRA’s use of very small mobile units, every area had to be trawled seperately, a task that proved impossible in the time allotted…the choice was to either intern massive numbers of to release many already imprisoned..the IRA were well aware that sweeps could only be undertaken in summertime…’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p113-4
The IRA derailed a British troop train with a bomb at Adavoyle, County Armagh. It carried the king's armed escort, the 10th Royal Hussars, back from the opening of the Northern Ireland Parliament. Five soldiers and a civilian train guard were killed or fatally wounded, as were fifty horses. Some soldiers fired at civilians in surrounding fields, killing one
An IRA flying column lying in wait to ambush British forces near Ballycastle, Co Mayo was itself attacked from three directions by British forces. Seven were captured and one killed.
On his return from Belfast, King George was met at Paddington by Lloyd George and the cabinet. ‘From the tremendous acclamation which the citizens of London gave him as he drove to Buckingham Palace, it was plain that peace with Ireland was the most popular policy of the day’…or so it seemed at that moment’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p128
23
Brig.Gen Ormonde Winter telegraphed his office from London saying that under no circumstances was de Valera to be released despite what the Chief Secretary had to order on the matter. However de Valera had already been released by the time the telegram was received.
The Manchester Guardian carried a story of an internal Conservative plot to oust the Liberal-Conservative Coalition. Led by Churchill and Birkenhead, the rumours carried on until October.
Some 8,000 troops converged on Ballincollig in a huge sweep of the countryside up to Millstreet. ‘British sources admitted that the results were disappointing. The distances involved were to great to maintain a level of surprise and the lengthy marches put a huge strain on the troops. The iRA cutting of roads rendered mechanical transport ineffective. Because of the IRA’s use of very small mobile units, every area had to be trawled seperately, a task that proved impossible in the time allotted…the choice was to either intern massive numbers of to release many already imprisoned..the IRA were well aware that sweeps could only be undertaken in summertime…’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p113-4
The IRA derailed a British troop train with a bomb at Adavoyle, County Armagh. It carried the king's armed escort, the 10th Royal Hussars, back from the opening of the Northern Ireland Parliament. Five soldiers and a civilian train guard were killed or fatally wounded, as were fifty horses. Some soldiers fired at civilians in surrounding fields, killing one
An IRA flying column lying in wait to ambush British forces near Ballycastle, Co Mayo was itself attacked from three directions by British forces. Seven were captured and one killed.
On his return from Belfast, King George was met at Paddington by Lloyd George and the cabinet. ‘From the tremendous acclamation which the citizens of London gave him as he drove to Buckingham Palace, it was plain that peace with Ireland was the most popular policy of the day’…or so it seemed at that moment’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p128
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24
The Dail Cabinet and army general staff signed a ‘Statement of solidarity’ declaring that ‘the Republican policy as set forth by the President is our policy’. Mitchell surmises that this came about through rumblings amongst Irish Americans that there was a power struggle between de Valera and Collins becoming apparent since March.
An tOglach stated ‘The steady advance in efficiency and effectiveness of the Irish Republican army in every part of Ireland is paralleled by a steady decline in enemy morale.’
The British Coalition Government's Cabinet decided to propose talks with the leaders of Sinn Féin. Coalition Liberals and Unionists agreed that an offer to negotiate would strengthen the Government's position if the revolutionaries refused. Austen Chamberlain, the new leader of the Unionist Party, said that "the King's Speech ought to be followed up as a last attempt at peace before we go to full martial law
A British troop train carrying the 10th Hussars was derailed by a landmine near Newry. 2 killed, 2 seriously injured and most of the horses killed.
2 Auxiliaries from F Company, Leonard Appleford (27) from Essex and George Wames (29) from Suffolk were shot dead in Grafton Street while in plain-clothes. The gunmen were led to the Auxiliaires by a girl who pointed them out saying ‘There they are’ and they were shot 18 to 20 times. The Second Battalion IRA Dublin Brigade had sent 8 groups of gunmen into Grafton Street from different side streets at 6pm with the plan of hemming in members of the security forces and shooting them. Another IRA was to take position in the area in a captured military van and attack any army or RIC reinforcements in the area and allow the gunmen to disappear. Due to military patrols, only two groups of gunmen were able to make it to the area and one of these groups killed Appleford and Wames.
Hugh Elles, a British commander on a visit to Dublin concluded in a memo that the British army in Ireland was beseiged:
‘if you pour in more troops on the present lines, you are simply throwing good money after bad’ and held that unless extreme measures were taken, including an economic blockade, political pressure would ‘cause us to abandon the country, and we shall be beaten’.
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p96
Elles realised that the British had been fighting without a defined front and that large scale sweeps were ineffective unless there was a specific target.
24
The Dail Cabinet and army general staff signed a ‘Statement of solidarity’ declaring that ‘the Republican policy as set forth by the President is our policy’. Mitchell surmises that this came about through rumblings amongst Irish Americans that there was a power struggle between de Valera and Collins becoming apparent since March.
An tOglach stated ‘The steady advance in efficiency and effectiveness of the Irish Republican army in every part of Ireland is paralleled by a steady decline in enemy morale.’
The British Coalition Government's Cabinet decided to propose talks with the leaders of Sinn Féin. Coalition Liberals and Unionists agreed that an offer to negotiate would strengthen the Government's position if the revolutionaries refused. Austen Chamberlain, the new leader of the Unionist Party, said that "the King's Speech ought to be followed up as a last attempt at peace before we go to full martial law
A British troop train carrying the 10th Hussars was derailed by a landmine near Newry. 2 killed, 2 seriously injured and most of the horses killed.
2 Auxiliaries from F Company, Leonard Appleford (27) from Essex and George Wames (29) from Suffolk were shot dead in Grafton Street while in plain-clothes. The gunmen were led to the Auxiliaires by a girl who pointed them out saying ‘There they are’ and they were shot 18 to 20 times. The Second Battalion IRA Dublin Brigade had sent 8 groups of gunmen into Grafton Street from different side streets at 6pm with the plan of hemming in members of the security forces and shooting them. Another IRA was to take position in the area in a captured military van and attack any army or RIC reinforcements in the area and allow the gunmen to disappear. Due to military patrols, only two groups of gunmen were able to make it to the area and one of these groups killed Appleford and Wames.
Hugh Elles, a British commander on a visit to Dublin concluded in a memo that the British army in Ireland was beseiged:
‘if you pour in more troops on the present lines, you are simply throwing good money after bad’ and held that unless extreme measures were taken, including an economic blockade, political pressure would ‘cause us to abandon the country, and we shall be beaten’.
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p96
Elles realised that the British had been fighting without a defined front and that large scale sweeps were ineffective unless there was a specific target.
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25
Lloyd George wrote De Valera a letter which was couriered by Dr. Mulhern, Bishop of Dromore. ‘ The British Government felt it incumbent upon them to make a final appeal, in the spirit of the King’s words, for a conference between themselves and representatives of Southern and Northern Ireland’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p128-129
And ….the ‘ time had come for a conference in London with him and Sir James Craig ‘to explore to the utmost the possibility of a settlement’. The urgency of this language was perfectly genuine. There were dangerous signs of a break-up in the Coalition Government resulting from the Churchill-Birkenhead manoeuvrings. Safe passage was assured for all those attending but Lloyd George’s conditions were implied, seeking to obtain a tacit acceptance of partition, to abandon the presidency of Ireland and then to deal with both De Valera and Craig as disputing subjects with the Prime Minister as arbiter “
George Dangerfield “ The Damnable Question - a study in Anglo-Irish relations” Constable, London. 1977. p328
Churchill is quoted by de Valera as commenting on the British offer ‘No British Government in modern times has ever appeared to make so sudden and complete a reversal of policy’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p129
Sturgis wrote of the letter from Lloyd George ‘ I confess I am nearer content then for months. I have always wanted peace or real war and if this does not bring peace – and I confess I think de Valera will find it difficult not to g and that even in this illogical place the going must lead to truce, the forerunner of settlement – it strengthens England’s heavy hand enormously and put the blame for the blows where they belong.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 192-3
During this week, over 52 attacks were made on British forces in Ireland.
In the UK, rainfall ends a 100 day drought.
25
Lloyd George wrote De Valera a letter which was couriered by Dr. Mulhern, Bishop of Dromore. ‘ The British Government felt it incumbent upon them to make a final appeal, in the spirit of the King’s words, for a conference between themselves and representatives of Southern and Northern Ireland’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p128-129
And ….the ‘ time had come for a conference in London with him and Sir James Craig ‘to explore to the utmost the possibility of a settlement’. The urgency of this language was perfectly genuine. There were dangerous signs of a break-up in the Coalition Government resulting from the Churchill-Birkenhead manoeuvrings. Safe passage was assured for all those attending but Lloyd George’s conditions were implied, seeking to obtain a tacit acceptance of partition, to abandon the presidency of Ireland and then to deal with both De Valera and Craig as disputing subjects with the Prime Minister as arbiter “
George Dangerfield “ The Damnable Question - a study in Anglo-Irish relations” Constable, London. 1977. p328
Churchill is quoted by de Valera as commenting on the British offer ‘No British Government in modern times has ever appeared to make so sudden and complete a reversal of policy’
Longford & O’Neill. “Eamon de Valera “ Hutchinson, London.1970. p129
Sturgis wrote of the letter from Lloyd George ‘ I confess I am nearer content then for months. I have always wanted peace or real war and if this does not bring peace – and I confess I think de Valera will find it difficult not to g and that even in this illogical place the going must lead to truce, the forerunner of settlement – it strengthens England’s heavy hand enormously and put the blame for the blows where they belong.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 192-3
During this week, over 52 attacks were made on British forces in Ireland.
In the UK, rainfall ends a 100 day drought.
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26
Collins expressed some caution on discussions with the British and a possible truce: ‘Once a truce is agreed and we come out in the open it is extermination for us if the truce should fail…we shall be like rabbits coming out from their holes.’
Conor O’Clery ‘Ireland in Quotes’ The O’Brien Press Dublin 1999 p.53
Auxilliary William Hunt (35) from Herts was killed while dining with his Section Leader and their wives at The Mayfair Hotel at 30 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin by Paddy O’Connor and three associates.
Constable Alex McDonald (25) , stationed in Co. Louth, was reported missing from Dundalk RIC Barracks.
26
Collins expressed some caution on discussions with the British and a possible truce: ‘Once a truce is agreed and we come out in the open it is extermination for us if the truce should fail…we shall be like rabbits coming out from their holes.’
Conor O’Clery ‘Ireland in Quotes’ The O’Brien Press Dublin 1999 p.53
Auxilliary William Hunt (35) from Herts was killed while dining with his Section Leader and their wives at The Mayfair Hotel at 30 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin by Paddy O’Connor and three associates.
Constable Alex McDonald (25) , stationed in Co. Louth, was reported missing from Dundalk RIC Barracks.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
27
Constable Patrick Clarke (43) from Mayo was shot while off duty in Cliffoney, Co. Sligo.
Constable Thomas Shanley (30) was shot dead while returning from church at Kildorrerey, Co. Cork.
Sergeant James Murren (47) from Sligo and Constable Edgar Day (23) from Nottingham were ambushed and killed while on patrol. Murren was to have retired from the RIC a week later.
27
Constable Patrick Clarke (43) from Mayo was shot while off duty in Cliffoney, Co. Sligo.
Constable Thomas Shanley (30) was shot dead while returning from church at Kildorrerey, Co. Cork.
Sergeant James Murren (47) from Sligo and Constable Edgar Day (23) from Nottingham were ambushed and killed while on patrol. Murren was to have retired from the RIC a week later.
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28
Now that De Valera could effectively work openly, he moved into an office in the Mansion House from where he replied to Lloyd George on the date the Southern Parliament was to assemble at the Royal College of Science on Merrion Street. In his letter, De Valera wrote ‘ ..we most earnestly desire to help in bringing about a lasting peace between the peoples of these two islands, but see no avenue by which it can be reached if you deny Ireland’s essential unity and set aside the principle of national self-determination..’ In his letter he also advised that he would seek discussions with representatives of the ‘political minority in this country’ meaning Sir James Craig, the Earl of Middleton, Sir Maurice Dockrell, Sir Robert Woods and Andrew Jameson. Written invitations to a conference in the Mansion House on the 4th of July were sent the same day...’ I would like to confer with you and to learn from you at first hand the views of a certain section of our people of whom you are a representative...I am confident that you will not refuse this service to Ireland.’
Meanwhile, the assembly of the Southern Parliament was not surprising. Of the 64 Senators elected, only the 15 appointed by the Governor General attended. Of the 128 seats of the Lower House, just 4 were filled by the elected representatives of Dublin University. Commander Bryan Mahon (former Commander-in-Chief Ireland 1916-18) turned up to take his seat as Senator dressed in his famous hunting top hat. His only criticism being ‘a bit late in the day but better late than never’. Most of the milling crowd outside the building were journalists and photographers. Opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Viscount FitzAlan, the Parliament met for just 15 minutes, elected Gerald Fitzgibbon to be the Speaker of the House (sine die) and then adjourned as the statutory proportion of members had not attended. This was the first and last formal meeting and so the Southern Parliament lapsed.
Sean T O’Kelly writing to Art O’Brien commented ‘The Lloyd George letter is very interesting. De Valera and Co will have to act very warily. The invitation cannot be flatly refused but cannot be accepted unconditionally’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p195
The British coal strike ended.
Constable Owen Hoey (23) from Monaghan, shot dead in St James Walk, Dublin.
28
Now that De Valera could effectively work openly, he moved into an office in the Mansion House from where he replied to Lloyd George on the date the Southern Parliament was to assemble at the Royal College of Science on Merrion Street. In his letter, De Valera wrote ‘ ..we most earnestly desire to help in bringing about a lasting peace between the peoples of these two islands, but see no avenue by which it can be reached if you deny Ireland’s essential unity and set aside the principle of national self-determination..’ In his letter he also advised that he would seek discussions with representatives of the ‘political minority in this country’ meaning Sir James Craig, the Earl of Middleton, Sir Maurice Dockrell, Sir Robert Woods and Andrew Jameson. Written invitations to a conference in the Mansion House on the 4th of July were sent the same day...’ I would like to confer with you and to learn from you at first hand the views of a certain section of our people of whom you are a representative...I am confident that you will not refuse this service to Ireland.’
Meanwhile, the assembly of the Southern Parliament was not surprising. Of the 64 Senators elected, only the 15 appointed by the Governor General attended. Of the 128 seats of the Lower House, just 4 were filled by the elected representatives of Dublin University. Commander Bryan Mahon (former Commander-in-Chief Ireland 1916-18) turned up to take his seat as Senator dressed in his famous hunting top hat. His only criticism being ‘a bit late in the day but better late than never’. Most of the milling crowd outside the building were journalists and photographers. Opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Viscount FitzAlan, the Parliament met for just 15 minutes, elected Gerald Fitzgibbon to be the Speaker of the House (sine die) and then adjourned as the statutory proportion of members had not attended. This was the first and last formal meeting and so the Southern Parliament lapsed.
Sean T O’Kelly writing to Art O’Brien commented ‘The Lloyd George letter is very interesting. De Valera and Co will have to act very warily. The invitation cannot be flatly refused but cannot be accepted unconditionally’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p195
The British coal strike ended.
Constable Owen Hoey (23) from Monaghan, shot dead in St James Walk, Dublin.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
29
Of the five that received De Valera’s invitation to attend the Mansion House July 4th conference, only Sir James Craig refused.
Arthur Griffith, Robert Barton, Eoin MacNeill, Eamon Duggan and Michael Staines were released from prison to attend the conference, through the efforts of Smuts & Casement working through Andy Cope, but 34 members of Dail Eireann remained in jail.
Sturgis wrote of de Valera ..’..he is anxious for peace – so far so good; he will anser the invitation more fully when his lust for Irish unity has beensatisified by a preliminary meeting here with the leaders of minorities…the inclusion of Craig is absurd and insulting as it ignores the Northern Parliament altogether and attempts to treat Craig as a minority leader in a country where de Valera is king… London won't be patient this weather with his monkey house vanity…and a fine job we may have with our soldiers and plice with this buck foeman openlybilled to appear in the Mansion House on Monday and we not to touch him or his, if in these intervening days murder continues to be a daily hobby in Dublin…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 185
Andy Cope had by this stage met with Jan Smuts the South African Premier and discussed the possibility of his inclusion on peace talks in Ireland.
Constable Thomas Devine (35) from Lancashire died when his RIC patrol was ambushed in Kilraine, Co. Donegal.
Former Constable Thomas Hannon (38) was found shot dead in a bog near Ballyduff. He had resigned from the force in 1913 to take over management of the family farm.
An IRA attack on a cricket match between the Army and Gentlemen of Ireland at Trinity College resulted in the death of a girl who got caught in the line of fire.
In an attack near Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, an IRA section surrendered and were later court-martialled.
29
Of the five that received De Valera’s invitation to attend the Mansion House July 4th conference, only Sir James Craig refused.
Arthur Griffith, Robert Barton, Eoin MacNeill, Eamon Duggan and Michael Staines were released from prison to attend the conference, through the efforts of Smuts & Casement working through Andy Cope, but 34 members of Dail Eireann remained in jail.
Sturgis wrote of de Valera ..’..he is anxious for peace – so far so good; he will anser the invitation more fully when his lust for Irish unity has beensatisified by a preliminary meeting here with the leaders of minorities…the inclusion of Craig is absurd and insulting as it ignores the Northern Parliament altogether and attempts to treat Craig as a minority leader in a country where de Valera is king… London won't be patient this weather with his monkey house vanity…and a fine job we may have with our soldiers and plice with this buck foeman openlybilled to appear in the Mansion House on Monday and we not to touch him or his, if in these intervening days murder continues to be a daily hobby in Dublin…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 185
Andy Cope had by this stage met with Jan Smuts the South African Premier and discussed the possibility of his inclusion on peace talks in Ireland.
Constable Thomas Devine (35) from Lancashire died when his RIC patrol was ambushed in Kilraine, Co. Donegal.
Former Constable Thomas Hannon (38) was found shot dead in a bog near Ballyduff. He had resigned from the force in 1913 to take over management of the family farm.
An IRA attack on a cricket match between the Army and Gentlemen of Ireland at Trinity College resulted in the death of a girl who got caught in the line of fire.
In an attack near Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, an IRA section surrendered and were later court-martialled.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here
30
De Valera replied to Craig saying he greatly regeretted that he could not see his way to come to Dublin as Lloyd George’s invitation is unacceptable in it’s current form. Newspapers in Ireland and England interpreted this as Craig saying ‘No’.
Griffith, MacNeil, Duggan and Staines were freed from Mountjoy by Under-Secretary John Anderson. The Chief Secretary Hamar Greenwood agreed but ‘no more’.
Smuts was invited to attend the July 4th conference in Dublin by de Valera through Andy Cope.
The Chinese Communist Party founded. The inaugural meeting in a Shanghai girls school, called for the ‘overthrow of the capitalist class’... among the founder members was a library assistant and primary school teacher, Mao Tse Tung.
Constable Joseph Burke (21) from Cork was shot at the door of Templemore Barracks, Tipperary. He had been recommended for appointment to the RIC by D.I. Swanzy, who had previously been killed by the IRA.
Special Constable Hugh Gabbie killed in Newry Co Down when shot in plainclothes.
In Coolacrease, County Offaly (near Cadamstown), Richard Pearson (24) and his brother Abraham (19) were shot in their genitals and buttocks in front of their mother and sisters. It took 14 hours for the two brothers to slowly bleed to death from their groin injuries. The family home was later burned. There are conflicting versions of the incident. Some contend that the two were killed for sectarian reasons and to steal the family's property. Others claim the family were British informers and had fired at an IRA party some days before
The IRA recorded 93 operations against British forces during June 1921.
The death penalty is abolished in Sweden.
30
De Valera replied to Craig saying he greatly regeretted that he could not see his way to come to Dublin as Lloyd George’s invitation is unacceptable in it’s current form. Newspapers in Ireland and England interpreted this as Craig saying ‘No’.
Griffith, MacNeil, Duggan and Staines were freed from Mountjoy by Under-Secretary John Anderson. The Chief Secretary Hamar Greenwood agreed but ‘no more’.
Smuts was invited to attend the July 4th conference in Dublin by de Valera through Andy Cope.
The Chinese Communist Party founded. The inaugural meeting in a Shanghai girls school, called for the ‘overthrow of the capitalist class’... among the founder members was a library assistant and primary school teacher, Mao Tse Tung.
Constable Joseph Burke (21) from Cork was shot at the door of Templemore Barracks, Tipperary. He had been recommended for appointment to the RIC by D.I. Swanzy, who had previously been killed by the IRA.
Special Constable Hugh Gabbie killed in Newry Co Down when shot in plainclothes.
In Coolacrease, County Offaly (near Cadamstown), Richard Pearson (24) and his brother Abraham (19) were shot in their genitals and buttocks in front of their mother and sisters. It took 14 hours for the two brothers to slowly bleed to death from their groin injuries. The family home was later burned. There are conflicting versions of the incident. Some contend that the two were killed for sectarian reasons and to steal the family's property. Others claim the family were British informers and had fired at an IRA party some days before
The IRA recorded 93 operations against British forces during June 1921.
The death penalty is abolished in Sweden.
For additional news-clippings and articles, click here