Work in Progress. Last updated: 17 May 2020
1
Both the Mayor and former Mayor of Limerick were warned that both would be assassinated if another policeman in Limerick city or county was killed by the IRA.
An RIC pensioner, Patrick Roche, from Casueway, Listowel, Co. Kerry was taken from his home and shot by the IRA. Pinned to his body was a card with the words ‘Convicted spy. All informers beware. IRA’
Two IRA volunteers are killed in a skirmish with British forces at Ballynamrossagh, County Tipperary.
Attack on Crown forces at College Green Dublin by IRA volunteers from the 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade
US: The Ku Klux Klan begins a reign of heightened terror nationwide, intimidating and murdering minorities and harassing uncooperative government officials and political opponents.
An T’Oglach reported ‘in other parts of the country…things are still very unsatisfactory. It effects no credit on the Volunteers in these districts that they should leave the gallant men of the South to bear all the brunt of the enemie’s activities and thus help make the military problem much simpler for the enemy.’
Both the Mayor and former Mayor of Limerick were warned that both would be assassinated if another policeman in Limerick city or county was killed by the IRA.
An RIC pensioner, Patrick Roche, from Casueway, Listowel, Co. Kerry was taken from his home and shot by the IRA. Pinned to his body was a card with the words ‘Convicted spy. All informers beware. IRA’
Two IRA volunteers are killed in a skirmish with British forces at Ballynamrossagh, County Tipperary.
Attack on Crown forces at College Green Dublin by IRA volunteers from the 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade
US: The Ku Klux Klan begins a reign of heightened terror nationwide, intimidating and murdering minorities and harassing uncooperative government officials and political opponents.
An T’Oglach reported ‘in other parts of the country…things are still very unsatisfactory. It effects no credit on the Volunteers in these districts that they should leave the gallant men of the South to bear all the brunt of the enemie’s activities and thus help make the military problem much simpler for the enemy.’
2
Commandant Sean McEoin of the Longford IRA was captured by police and military on a train in Mullingar. While being taken from the train in handcuffs, he managed to escape down a canal tow path near the station but was recaptured shortly after.
IRA fighters from the 2nd Cork Brigade and 2nd Kerry Brigade lay landmines near Millstreet. Thirteen British soldiers are killed and fifteen wounded when the mines explode under their lorry.
Attack on Crown forces at South Richmond Street Dublin by Volunteers from the 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade.
Commandant Sean McEoin of the Longford IRA was captured by police and military on a train in Mullingar. While being taken from the train in handcuffs, he managed to escape down a canal tow path near the station but was recaptured shortly after.
IRA fighters from the 2nd Cork Brigade and 2nd Kerry Brigade lay landmines near Millstreet. Thirteen British soldiers are killed and fifteen wounded when the mines explode under their lorry.
Attack on Crown forces at South Richmond Street Dublin by Volunteers from the 3rd Battalion Dublin Brigade.
3
Sturgis was a little taken aback at the growing seachange within Dublin Castle ‘Andy [Cope] and Loughnane…have allowed themselves to slip into an attitude of mind in which it seems to them that every charge of any sort or kind made against our soldiers or police must be true – every single unexplained outrage must be the work of the Black & Tans and every report of every single policeman must be lies from start to finish. To see clearly that much is going on which we do not like and ought to get to the bottom of is one thing, but to be stampeeded to this extent is another and to me irritating….all our nerves are wearing a little thin and the marvel is we all don’t fight like the devil.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 136
Sturgis it seems was also writing anonymous letters to the Irish Times ‘An Irish Peace – wanted a man’ is in to-day in a good position’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 137
Constable Joseph Duddy (33) from Belfast was killed in an ambush of an RIC patrol at Scartacrooks, Co. Waterford.
A train of jurors bound for Waterford was ambushed by the West Waterford Column under George Lennon, at Durrow/Ballyvoile. A firefight resulted at Durrow Station and IRA claimed two RIC killed and a number of wounded.
Sturgis was a little taken aback at the growing seachange within Dublin Castle ‘Andy [Cope] and Loughnane…have allowed themselves to slip into an attitude of mind in which it seems to them that every charge of any sort or kind made against our soldiers or police must be true – every single unexplained outrage must be the work of the Black & Tans and every report of every single policeman must be lies from start to finish. To see clearly that much is going on which we do not like and ought to get to the bottom of is one thing, but to be stampeeded to this extent is another and to me irritating….all our nerves are wearing a little thin and the marvel is we all don’t fight like the devil.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 136
Sturgis it seems was also writing anonymous letters to the Irish Times ‘An Irish Peace – wanted a man’ is in to-day in a good position’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 137
Constable Joseph Duddy (33) from Belfast was killed in an ambush of an RIC patrol at Scartacrooks, Co. Waterford.
A train of jurors bound for Waterford was ambushed by the West Waterford Column under George Lennon, at Durrow/Ballyvoile. A firefight resulted at Durrow Station and IRA claimed two RIC killed and a number of wounded.
4
The Harding Administration assumed office in Washington. No longer could the pro-British policy that the former Wilson administration followed be counted upon as far as London was concerned.
Constable James Beasant (26) from Wiltshire was shot and killed on a public house in Cashel, Co. Tipperary, seriously wounding a girl in the bar.
The South Leitrim Brigade of the IRA ambush a Black and Tan Convoy, at the Sheemore ambush, near Carrick on Shannon. Several casualties result, including the death of a Captain in the Bedfordshire Regiment. Black and Tans later ran amok in Carrick, burning and looting, and burned both the premises of the Leitrim Observer newspaper and the local rowing club to the ground.
The Harding Administration assumed office in Washington. No longer could the pro-British policy that the former Wilson administration followed be counted upon as far as London was concerned.
Constable James Beasant (26) from Wiltshire was shot and killed on a public house in Cashel, Co. Tipperary, seriously wounding a girl in the bar.
The South Leitrim Brigade of the IRA ambush a Black and Tan Convoy, at the Sheemore ambush, near Carrick on Shannon. Several casualties result, including the death of a Captain in the Bedfordshire Regiment. Black and Tans later ran amok in Carrick, burning and looting, and burned both the premises of the Leitrim Observer newspaper and the local rowing club to the ground.
5
The newspaper ‘Old Ireland’ proposed that the time had now arrived ‘when an Dail should put it to the Irish Hierachy to declare their attitude towards An Dail’
Two ambushes took place in Dublin, one near present-day Parnell Square in the city centre, and the other in Clontarf, in the north of the city. In both incidents, IRA volunteers threw hand grenades and exchanged fire with British troops. One civilian was killed and four wounded. No combatant casualties were reported.
The newspaper ‘Old Ireland’ proposed that the time had now arrived ‘when an Dail should put it to the Irish Hierachy to declare their attitude towards An Dail’
Two ambushes took place in Dublin, one near present-day Parnell Square in the city centre, and the other in Clontarf, in the north of the city. In both incidents, IRA volunteers threw hand grenades and exchanged fire with British troops. One civilian was killed and four wounded. No combatant casualties were reported.
6
The Police chief in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, orders skirts no shorter than four inches below the knee.
Sergeant James Maguire (50) from Cavan was killed in Kilmallock while walking in the town.
The Limerick Curfew Murders. The Mayor of Limerick, George Clancy, former mayor Michael O'Callaghan, and IRA volunteer Joseph O'Donoghue, were all shot dead in their homes at night after curfew by a British intelligence agent, George Nathan, assisted by an Auxiliary from G Company ADRIC.
Mark Sturgis commented in his diary: ‘it isnt enough to restore discipline in the police – that might have done the trick two months ago – now we want a united command. We are ready to make a good peace but if we are to fight properly which we arent doing – everybody agrees to this yet we don’t seem to get down to the root of the evil and put it right’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p94
An IRA ambush at Clonbannin near Killarney killed Colonel Commandant Cumming, Brigadier under Strickland and Head of the British Command in Kerry and also killed three soldiers. Troops had been forewarned of an ambush but had been confused by a last minute change of ambush position. The official British report found that ‘this was undoubtedly one of the worst reverses suffered by the Army’. The IRA was more concerned that some of the mines placed had failed to detonate.
Premiere of the World War I film melodrama Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, starring Rudolph Valentino. The film was among the first of many in the decade to use the First World War as a backdrop. It cemented star Valentino's hold on the filmgoing audience and became one of the biggest hits of the decade, earning $3.8 million for Metro Pictures. The "Four Horseman" tag would later be used to describe Knute Rockne's formidable Notre Dame football team.
The Police chief in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, orders skirts no shorter than four inches below the knee.
Sergeant James Maguire (50) from Cavan was killed in Kilmallock while walking in the town.
The Limerick Curfew Murders. The Mayor of Limerick, George Clancy, former mayor Michael O'Callaghan, and IRA volunteer Joseph O'Donoghue, were all shot dead in their homes at night after curfew by a British intelligence agent, George Nathan, assisted by an Auxiliary from G Company ADRIC.
Mark Sturgis commented in his diary: ‘it isnt enough to restore discipline in the police – that might have done the trick two months ago – now we want a united command. We are ready to make a good peace but if we are to fight properly which we arent doing – everybody agrees to this yet we don’t seem to get down to the root of the evil and put it right’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p94
An IRA ambush at Clonbannin near Killarney killed Colonel Commandant Cumming, Brigadier under Strickland and Head of the British Command in Kerry and also killed three soldiers. Troops had been forewarned of an ambush but had been confused by a last minute change of ambush position. The official British report found that ‘this was undoubtedly one of the worst reverses suffered by the Army’. The IRA was more concerned that some of the mines placed had failed to detonate.
Premiere of the World War I film melodrama Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, starring Rudolph Valentino. The film was among the first of many in the decade to use the First World War as a backdrop. It cemented star Valentino's hold on the filmgoing audience and became one of the biggest hits of the decade, earning $3.8 million for Metro Pictures. The "Four Horseman" tag would later be used to describe Knute Rockne's formidable Notre Dame football team.
7
The South Mayo IRA flying column under Tom Maguire surrounded a British army patrol at Kilfaul, Partry between Ballinrobe and Castlebar, forcing it to surrender and give up its arms. Corporal Bell of The Border Regiment died 5 days later as a result of wounds. An innocent civilian, Thomas Horan (57 years) of Srah, Tourmakeady, was killed by Crown forces in reprisal.
Numerous IRA attacks on forces lorries in and around Dublin.
Sturgis commenting on Macready ‘He is too aloof sitting at the Royal Hospital patronising the police, very delightful, very friendly, but pleased with himself and slightly scornful of poor Tudor’s folk. Just so long as the soldiers, the police and the civilians are three distinct bodies jealous of each other and snapping at each other, so long we will do no good’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 137
Cardinal Logue came out with a strong condemnation of ambushing and bombing, particularly in crowded streets. MP Devlin suggested a truce to start from Patrick’s Day.
Michael O’Callaghan, former mayor of Limerick was shot dead at his home. The sitting Lord Mayor of Limerick, George Clancy was killed in the early hours of Monday, March 7th.
British Army commander and leader of the Curragh Mutiny in 1914, Brigadier-General Hubert Gough commenting on the murder of the serving and former Limerick Lord Mayor: ‘Law and order have given place to a bloody and brutal anarchy, in which the armed agents of the Crown violate every law in aimless and vindictive and insolent savagery. England has departed further from her own standards even of any nation in the world, not excepting the Turk and Zulu, than has ever been known in history before.’
Conor O’Clery ‘Ireland in Quotes’ The O’Brien Press Dublin 1999 p.52
Killarney landowner Arthur Vincent wrote to the Times advocating arms surrender, fiscal autonomy and a meeting of De Valera with Ulster leaders. He was also in touch with Basil Thomson, Head of British Inteligence but confusion blocked any hopes of direct discussion.
Unionist Anti-partition league attempts to bring Sinn Fein and British Government together to discuss a more broadly based settlement.
The South Mayo IRA flying column under Tom Maguire surrounded a British army patrol at Kilfaul, Partry between Ballinrobe and Castlebar, forcing it to surrender and give up its arms. Corporal Bell of The Border Regiment died 5 days later as a result of wounds. An innocent civilian, Thomas Horan (57 years) of Srah, Tourmakeady, was killed by Crown forces in reprisal.
Numerous IRA attacks on forces lorries in and around Dublin.
Sturgis commenting on Macready ‘He is too aloof sitting at the Royal Hospital patronising the police, very delightful, very friendly, but pleased with himself and slightly scornful of poor Tudor’s folk. Just so long as the soldiers, the police and the civilians are three distinct bodies jealous of each other and snapping at each other, so long we will do no good’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 137
Cardinal Logue came out with a strong condemnation of ambushing and bombing, particularly in crowded streets. MP Devlin suggested a truce to start from Patrick’s Day.
Michael O’Callaghan, former mayor of Limerick was shot dead at his home. The sitting Lord Mayor of Limerick, George Clancy was killed in the early hours of Monday, March 7th.
British Army commander and leader of the Curragh Mutiny in 1914, Brigadier-General Hubert Gough commenting on the murder of the serving and former Limerick Lord Mayor: ‘Law and order have given place to a bloody and brutal anarchy, in which the armed agents of the Crown violate every law in aimless and vindictive and insolent savagery. England has departed further from her own standards even of any nation in the world, not excepting the Turk and Zulu, than has ever been known in history before.’
Conor O’Clery ‘Ireland in Quotes’ The O’Brien Press Dublin 1999 p.52
Killarney landowner Arthur Vincent wrote to the Times advocating arms surrender, fiscal autonomy and a meeting of De Valera with Ulster leaders. He was also in touch with Basil Thomson, Head of British Inteligence but confusion blocked any hopes of direct discussion.
Unionist Anti-partition league attempts to bring Sinn Fein and British Government together to discuss a more broadly based settlement.
8
Constable Nicholas Somers (22) from Wexford was killed and three others wounded in an IRA ambush near Banteer, Co. Cork.
Lord Middleton told the Cabinet that the situation in Ireland was now ‘appalling’.
Lord Midleton advised the Cabinet of Southern Unionist fears about the consequences of the election going ahead, arguing that the poll should be held at a later time in the south than the north in order to allow the military situation to improve. Lloyd George expressed cycnicism that this was possible. Greenwood agreed, saying that any military solution was a long way from fulfilment. Lloyd George also pointed out how bad a postponement of elections would appear overseas.
In Germany, French, British and Belgian troops occupied Dusseldorf and other Rhine towns after the failure of Germany to agree to war reparations. Of the original £10 billion demanded, Germany said it could only pay £2.5 billion.
Constable Nicholas Somers (22) from Wexford was killed and three others wounded in an IRA ambush near Banteer, Co. Cork.
Lord Middleton told the Cabinet that the situation in Ireland was now ‘appalling’.
Lord Midleton advised the Cabinet of Southern Unionist fears about the consequences of the election going ahead, arguing that the poll should be held at a later time in the south than the north in order to allow the military situation to improve. Lloyd George expressed cycnicism that this was possible. Greenwood agreed, saying that any military solution was a long way from fulfilment. Lloyd George also pointed out how bad a postponement of elections would appear overseas.
In Germany, French, British and Belgian troops occupied Dusseldorf and other Rhine towns after the failure of Germany to agree to war reparations. Of the original £10 billion demanded, Germany said it could only pay £2.5 billion.
9
A party of masked policemen entered the home of the Loughnane family in Mitchel St., Thurles. William Loughnane (23 years old) was shot dead in his bed. William, his father and 3 brothers were active members of local IRA company. The same night, Laurence Hickey (a well known Republican) was also shot in his home in Main St., Thurles. A third man, Denis Regan, a prominent Thurles IRA man, was shot several times the same night, by masked Auxiliary men, in a separate incident but survived the attempted killing. It is thought that the 3 attacks were reprisals for the IRA's execution of 2 informants in Thurles who were close friends of local RIC and Black and Tans on March, 1st, 1921
A party of masked policemen entered the home of the Loughnane family in Mitchel St., Thurles. William Loughnane (23 years old) was shot dead in his bed. William, his father and 3 brothers were active members of local IRA company. The same night, Laurence Hickey (a well known Republican) was also shot in his home in Main St., Thurles. A third man, Denis Regan, a prominent Thurles IRA man, was shot several times the same night, by masked Auxiliary men, in a separate incident but survived the attempted killing. It is thought that the 3 attacks were reprisals for the IRA's execution of 2 informants in Thurles who were close friends of local RIC and Black and Tans on March, 1st, 1921
10
A large British force carried out a large scale sweep at Nad, County Cork (in the Boggeragh Mountains). A house with six members of the Mallow IRA column asleep in it was surrounded. Two made their escape (Joe Morgan and John Moloney) but the other four volunteers are shot dead
A large British force carried out a large scale sweep at Nad, County Cork (in the Boggeragh Mountains). A house with six members of the Mallow IRA column asleep in it was surrounded. Two made their escape (Joe Morgan and John Moloney) but the other four volunteers are shot dead
11
The 11th session and 20th meeting of Dail Eireann was held secretly in Alderman Walter Cole’s home, Mountjoy Square. Present were just 25 TDs. At this meeting, the new head of the Publicity Department was named as Erskine Childers. De Valera alarmed the future possibility of an even lower to non-existent turnout of TD’s agreed to a proposal by Richard Mulcahy that each member appoint a substitute. However the majority voted against the proposal. De Valera and Count Plunkett suggested that should the number of TD’s reduce to an unacceptable level, then power of Government should be transferred to the I.R.A executive. This was too alarming a prospect for most TD’s, allow Government to fall into the hands of soldiers, after all, they were the ones doing the fighting. The eventual outcome was that if the minimum number of TD’s available to attend a meeting of Dail Eireann was 5, then the Government would continue to function as a Provisional Government. The situation did not arise, although the lowest attendance was a mere 21 in May 1921.
With the ever present danger of military raids, Government departments continued to function, or at least the semblance of functioning. ‘The Department of Labour’ said Michael Collins ‘works in continuous fear of a raid…nobody seems to be there!’. In the 11th session, proposals to decentralise Government departments were considered in the event of a successful British sweep.
Dáil Éireann debated, resolved and finally on 11 March declared war on the British administration.
The North Longford IRA officer Seán Connolly and five other IRA volunteers were killed by British troops at the Selton Hill ambush, near Mohill, County Leitrim when their ambush position was allegedly betrayed by a local Loyalist.
An invitation to London from a British railway executive to Thomas Foran, the General President of the Transport Union in Ireland started a new round of potential sideline negotiations with the British Government.
Constables Walter Cooper (26) from Surrey, Robert Crooks (26) from Cornwall and John McIntosh (26) from Inverness were killed while walking in Victoria Square, Belfast. Two civilians injured in the attack, one of whom later died in the hospital
With the ever present danger of military raids, Government departments continued to function, or at least the semblance of functioning. ‘The Department of Labour’ said Michael Collins ‘works in continuous fear of a raid…nobody seems to be there!’. In the 11th session, proposals to decentralise Government departments were considered in the event of a successful British sweep.
Dáil Éireann debated, resolved and finally on 11 March declared war on the British administration.
The North Longford IRA officer Seán Connolly and five other IRA volunteers were killed by British troops at the Selton Hill ambush, near Mohill, County Leitrim when their ambush position was allegedly betrayed by a local Loyalist.
An invitation to London from a British railway executive to Thomas Foran, the General President of the Transport Union in Ireland started a new round of potential sideline negotiations with the British Government.
Constables Walter Cooper (26) from Surrey, Robert Crooks (26) from Cornwall and John McIntosh (26) from Inverness were killed while walking in Victoria Square, Belfast. Two civilians injured in the attack, one of whom later died in the hospital
12
Labour Leaders Foran, Johnson & O’Brien now attempted to meet with de Valera to discuss this potential development but were unable to see him as he was at the secret Dail Eireann meeting in Mountjoy Square. The three travelled on to London and met with the British Home Secretary, Edward Shortt, who told them that he believed the ‘British Cabinet was prepared to offer full Dominion Home Rule for 26 counties, but with restrictions on defence and foreign policy as well as no coercion of Ulster. According to Shortt, the Labour men declared that they would support a settlement that included fiscal autonomy. If such an offer was made, they would issue a manifesto accepting these terms….because of pending executions of members of the I.R.A, the Labour men refused to confer with other ministers…on their return to Ireland, Johnson & O’Brien met with de Valera … the only record of this meeting – a letter from the President to Collins – says nothing about the Labour proposal. De Valera did observe, however, that ‘feelers are being thrown out in all directions just now.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P293
Constable Daniel Murphy (22) from Cork was killed while taking a dispatch to Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.
Constable Ernest Riley (26) from Sussex was killed in a joint RIC/Military search near Callan, Co. Kilkenny surprised the Flying Column of the Seventh Brigade, resulting in a shootout and the escape of most of the volunteers.
Cadet Walter Falkiner MC (32) from London was killed while on board a train near Tralee, Co. Kerry when the IRA machine gunned it.
The British policy of destroying property as a reprisal led to similar action being taken by the IRA against Unionist property throughout Ireland.
Mountjoy: The six sentenced to death on the 14th were allowed to meet and share time together. ‘Friends brought them in cakes and oranges. According to the nuns who visited them during their last days they ‘met together in one of the cells and made merry – Whelan and Bryan, with their fine voices, contributed musical items. Bryan also entertained the others by dressing up in part of the Black and Tan’s uniform.’
Tim Carey. ‘Mountjoy – The Story of a Prison’ The Collins Press, Dublin 2000.p194
New York; Harry Boland, as Envoy of the Republic to the United States, issued a statement:
‘A ‘new peace offensive’ is being launched against the Irish Republic. England would have the world believe she is anxious for peace while all the time carrying on her campaign of assassinations, burnings, lootings and reprisals and use her blood hounds to track down Irish citizens behind the smoke screen of ‘peace’ thus created by her news service.
Side by side with this morning’s peace talk, we read that General McCreedy’s Courts Martial have sentenced to be hanged Bernard Ryan, Patrick Doyle, Thomas Bryan an Frank Flood – this is the peace England offers Ireland. The representatives of the Irish people have time after time expressed their desire for peace. England can have peace tomorrow by withdrawing her army of occupation and her uniformed assassins from Ireland.
The peace propaganda is in line with England’s traditional policy – get the world to believe that she is anxious and willing to make peace and at the same time her troops and officials are guilty of every possible abomination in Ireland.
There will be no peace until the freedom of Ireland is secured. Dail Eireann has issued a manifesto to the world pledging the people of Ireland and their representatives to be faithful to the cause of an Independent Irish Republic until death.
Our friends in America need no assurance of Ireland’s determination to pay the full price for her liberty in this day. They can best aid Ireland by answering this peace propaganda of England by a determined effort to secure the recognition of the Irish Republic from their Government and protest against the reception of Sir Auckland Geddes as Ambassador of the Irish people to America.’
Irish Bulletin Vol 4 # 36/37. Issued by Irish Diplomatic Mission, Washington. Lynch Family Archives – Folder 1921-1937
Labour Leaders Foran, Johnson & O’Brien now attempted to meet with de Valera to discuss this potential development but were unable to see him as he was at the secret Dail Eireann meeting in Mountjoy Square. The three travelled on to London and met with the British Home Secretary, Edward Shortt, who told them that he believed the ‘British Cabinet was prepared to offer full Dominion Home Rule for 26 counties, but with restrictions on defence and foreign policy as well as no coercion of Ulster. According to Shortt, the Labour men declared that they would support a settlement that included fiscal autonomy. If such an offer was made, they would issue a manifesto accepting these terms….because of pending executions of members of the I.R.A, the Labour men refused to confer with other ministers…on their return to Ireland, Johnson & O’Brien met with de Valera … the only record of this meeting – a letter from the President to Collins – says nothing about the Labour proposal. De Valera did observe, however, that ‘feelers are being thrown out in all directions just now.’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P293
Constable Daniel Murphy (22) from Cork was killed while taking a dispatch to Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.
Constable Ernest Riley (26) from Sussex was killed in a joint RIC/Military search near Callan, Co. Kilkenny surprised the Flying Column of the Seventh Brigade, resulting in a shootout and the escape of most of the volunteers.
Cadet Walter Falkiner MC (32) from London was killed while on board a train near Tralee, Co. Kerry when the IRA machine gunned it.
The British policy of destroying property as a reprisal led to similar action being taken by the IRA against Unionist property throughout Ireland.
Mountjoy: The six sentenced to death on the 14th were allowed to meet and share time together. ‘Friends brought them in cakes and oranges. According to the nuns who visited them during their last days they ‘met together in one of the cells and made merry – Whelan and Bryan, with their fine voices, contributed musical items. Bryan also entertained the others by dressing up in part of the Black and Tan’s uniform.’
Tim Carey. ‘Mountjoy – The Story of a Prison’ The Collins Press, Dublin 2000.p194
New York; Harry Boland, as Envoy of the Republic to the United States, issued a statement:
‘A ‘new peace offensive’ is being launched against the Irish Republic. England would have the world believe she is anxious for peace while all the time carrying on her campaign of assassinations, burnings, lootings and reprisals and use her blood hounds to track down Irish citizens behind the smoke screen of ‘peace’ thus created by her news service.
Side by side with this morning’s peace talk, we read that General McCreedy’s Courts Martial have sentenced to be hanged Bernard Ryan, Patrick Doyle, Thomas Bryan an Frank Flood – this is the peace England offers Ireland. The representatives of the Irish people have time after time expressed their desire for peace. England can have peace tomorrow by withdrawing her army of occupation and her uniformed assassins from Ireland.
The peace propaganda is in line with England’s traditional policy – get the world to believe that she is anxious and willing to make peace and at the same time her troops and officials are guilty of every possible abomination in Ireland.
There will be no peace until the freedom of Ireland is secured. Dail Eireann has issued a manifesto to the world pledging the people of Ireland and their representatives to be faithful to the cause of an Independent Irish Republic until death.
Our friends in America need no assurance of Ireland’s determination to pay the full price for her liberty in this day. They can best aid Ireland by answering this peace propaganda of England by a determined effort to secure the recognition of the Irish Republic from their Government and protest against the reception of Sir Auckland Geddes as Ambassador of the Irish people to America.’
Irish Bulletin Vol 4 # 36/37. Issued by Irish Diplomatic Mission, Washington. Lynch Family Archives – Folder 1921-1937
13
A Moyasta, Co. Clare farmer and Sinn Féin magistrate named Tom Shannon was murdered in his home by unknown assailants-suspected to be British Forces
Arthur Griffith announced that ‘any peace proposals between the British Government and Ireland should be addressed, not to the Government’s prisoners, but to Dail Eireann.’
Griffith also managed to have a note smuggled to Patrick Moran signed by himself and Eoin MacNeill ‘All recognise that the death to which you are doomed by the tyrant and oppressor of our nation is an honour to you. We know you are going to that death in the spirit of the best and bravest of your race.’
Tim Carey. ‘Mountjoy – The Story of a Prison’ The Collins Press, Dublin 2000.p194
With the announcement that 6 Republican prisoners were to be executed in Mountjoy, Dublin Castle was ‘beseiged with assurances that both Moran and Whelan are innocent, and threats of what will happen if an innocent man is executed form the flying rumours of the day – one many who says definitely that he has evidence to give is being sought and will be questioned this afternoon though it is far from clear why he – and others – leave it to the last minute before they come forward if there is really anything in their assertions….a bad rumpus after the executions might make martial law imperative..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 141
Outside the prison, a crowd assembled with prayers recited and muted singing, before dispersing as curfew approached.
A Moyasta, Co. Clare farmer and Sinn Féin magistrate named Tom Shannon was murdered in his home by unknown assailants-suspected to be British Forces
Arthur Griffith announced that ‘any peace proposals between the British Government and Ireland should be addressed, not to the Government’s prisoners, but to Dail Eireann.’
Griffith also managed to have a note smuggled to Patrick Moran signed by himself and Eoin MacNeill ‘All recognise that the death to which you are doomed by the tyrant and oppressor of our nation is an honour to you. We know you are going to that death in the spirit of the best and bravest of your race.’
Tim Carey. ‘Mountjoy – The Story of a Prison’ The Collins Press, Dublin 2000.p194
With the announcement that 6 Republican prisoners were to be executed in Mountjoy, Dublin Castle was ‘beseiged with assurances that both Moran and Whelan are innocent, and threats of what will happen if an innocent man is executed form the flying rumours of the day – one many who says definitely that he has evidence to give is being sought and will be questioned this afternoon though it is far from clear why he – and others – leave it to the last minute before they come forward if there is really anything in their assertions….a bad rumpus after the executions might make martial law imperative..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 141
Outside the prison, a crowd assembled with prayers recited and muted singing, before dispersing as curfew approached.
14
From end of curfew, crowds surged up the roads leading to Mountjoy Prison with estimates of 20,000 there. ‘All classes of people were there, from newsboy to merchant, from peasant to priest, from young girls to aged women, subdued, calm, undaunted before the mute granite temple of death’
Tim Carey. ‘Mountjoy – The Story of a Prison’ The Collins Press, Dublin 2000.p194
Thomas Whelan, Patrick Moran, Thomas Bryan, Patrick Doyle, Frank Flood and Bernard Ryan were hanged in pairs from 6am. Flood, Doyle, Bryan & Ryan for ‘high treason by levying war’ as armed with explosives and firearms when captured in Drumcondra. Whelan & Moran were accused of complicity in the assassination of British officers on Bloody Sunday, 21 November 1920 when 11 British intelligence agents were killed.
The day was declared a day of mourning, with Trade Unions encouraging all businesses to remain closed from 8am until 11am.
Sturgis commented: ‘In the circumstances the newspapers were very calm and the day has so far been very quiet….the Post Office was most affected [by the 8-11am closure] and the discipline question must be taken up with London…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 142
The Evening Telegraph in Dublin carried banner headlines of ‘Dublin’s Mourning’.
An Auxiliary patrol of two lorries and an armoured car was attacked at 8.10pm in Brunswick Street, (now Pearse Street) Dublin which resulted in a fire-fight, Cadet Bernard Beard (34) from Staffs and Constable James O’Farrell (28) from Dublin were killed along with three IRA men, two civilians and the capture of two IRA volunteers; Tom Traynor and Jack Donnelly.
Ackerman of the Philadelphia Public Ledger was attempting to see Griffith, Fitzgerald and de Valera.
Five of the families made written requests for the bodies of their dead, but were refused and their bodies were buried in the grounds of Mountjoy.
From end of curfew, crowds surged up the roads leading to Mountjoy Prison with estimates of 20,000 there. ‘All classes of people were there, from newsboy to merchant, from peasant to priest, from young girls to aged women, subdued, calm, undaunted before the mute granite temple of death’
Tim Carey. ‘Mountjoy – The Story of a Prison’ The Collins Press, Dublin 2000.p194
Thomas Whelan, Patrick Moran, Thomas Bryan, Patrick Doyle, Frank Flood and Bernard Ryan were hanged in pairs from 6am. Flood, Doyle, Bryan & Ryan for ‘high treason by levying war’ as armed with explosives and firearms when captured in Drumcondra. Whelan & Moran were accused of complicity in the assassination of British officers on Bloody Sunday, 21 November 1920 when 11 British intelligence agents were killed.
The day was declared a day of mourning, with Trade Unions encouraging all businesses to remain closed from 8am until 11am.
Sturgis commented: ‘In the circumstances the newspapers were very calm and the day has so far been very quiet….the Post Office was most affected [by the 8-11am closure] and the discipline question must be taken up with London…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 142
The Evening Telegraph in Dublin carried banner headlines of ‘Dublin’s Mourning’.
An Auxiliary patrol of two lorries and an armoured car was attacked at 8.10pm in Brunswick Street, (now Pearse Street) Dublin which resulted in a fire-fight, Cadet Bernard Beard (34) from Staffs and Constable James O’Farrell (28) from Dublin were killed along with three IRA men, two civilians and the capture of two IRA volunteers; Tom Traynor and Jack Donnelly.
Ackerman of the Philadelphia Public Ledger was attempting to see Griffith, Fitzgerald and de Valera.
Five of the families made written requests for the bodies of their dead, but were refused and their bodies were buried in the grounds of Mountjoy.
15
Belgium cedes Rwanda to the UK.
Around this time, Mark Sturgis was put in contact with Labour leaders through J.J.Parkinson, a coal mine and racehorse owner and Richard Wyndham Quin, Keeper of the Horse for the Govenor General.
Belgium cedes Rwanda to the UK.
Around this time, Mark Sturgis was put in contact with Labour leaders through J.J.Parkinson, a coal mine and racehorse owner and Richard Wyndham Quin, Keeper of the Horse for the Govenor General.
16
The new First Lord of the British Admiralty, Lord Lee in a speech before the Institute of Naval Architects, proposed a naval agreement with the United States based on the principle of parity.
Constable James O’Brien (27) was killed in an IRA ambush at Ballymote, Co. Sligo.
Constables Charles Reynolds (33) from Roscommon and Thomas Sweney (24) from Galway were killed in an ambush at the Clifden R.I.C barracks, Co. Galway by the West Connemarra column. The IRA column retreated to the Maam valley, where they ambushed British reinforcements at Munterowan and Screebe. The Auxiliaries and Black and Tans burned several buildings in Clifden in reprisal for the attacks.
A British raid on two IRA Flying Columns at Nadd, in the mountains south of Banteer resulted in deaths of 3 IRA men and 2, Congo Maloney and Joe Morgan badly wounded. The information had been supplied by the IRA informer, Dan Shields who had also revealed details of the Mourne Abbey group.
Dublin: A troop lorry from Wellington Barracks, carrying British soldiers from the South Lancashire Regiment, was hit by two grenades hurled from overlooking buildings on Wexford Street, killing two soldiers (Lance Corporal Jarvis and Private G. Thomas) and wounding six others, one of whom, Private Whiting, died from his wounds two days later
The new First Lord of the British Admiralty, Lord Lee in a speech before the Institute of Naval Architects, proposed a naval agreement with the United States based on the principle of parity.
Constable James O’Brien (27) was killed in an IRA ambush at Ballymote, Co. Sligo.
Constables Charles Reynolds (33) from Roscommon and Thomas Sweney (24) from Galway were killed in an ambush at the Clifden R.I.C barracks, Co. Galway by the West Connemarra column. The IRA column retreated to the Maam valley, where they ambushed British reinforcements at Munterowan and Screebe. The Auxiliaries and Black and Tans burned several buildings in Clifden in reprisal for the attacks.
A British raid on two IRA Flying Columns at Nadd, in the mountains south of Banteer resulted in deaths of 3 IRA men and 2, Congo Maloney and Joe Morgan badly wounded. The information had been supplied by the IRA informer, Dan Shields who had also revealed details of the Mourne Abbey group.
Dublin: A troop lorry from Wellington Barracks, carrying British soldiers from the South Lancashire Regiment, was hit by two grenades hurled from overlooking buildings on Wexford Street, killing two soldiers (Lance Corporal Jarvis and Private G. Thomas) and wounding six others, one of whom, Private Whiting, died from his wounds two days later
17
Curfews were imposed in Dublin, as early as 8 p.m. From that hour until dawn, armoured trucks rumbled through the streets, pulling up outside houses listed for raiding. Large areas were cordoned off and searched.
Dublin Castle issued information of rewards for the capture of the insurgent leaders. £10,000 was placed for information leading to the capture of Michael Collins, Brugha and Mulcahy and £3,500 for information leading to the capture of Cosgrave, McDonagh, Stack and the I.R.A Adjutant General, O’Sullivan. Anderson was somewhat doubtful about the idea, citing various earlier attempts to induce information on other leaders. Handbills were printed and distributed throughout the country and in Ulster. There were no takers.
Night and day the British forces were ambushed. In an attempt to capture Irish Volunteers injured in gunfights with British forces, all medical personnel were ordered to report all cases of bullet wounds. Doctors and nurses refused to obey, which resulted in raids on hospitals and suspects removed to military hospitals. Any wounded volunteers were usually picked up by their comrades and removed to remote or private nursing homes.
The Black and Tans and Auxiliaries during their numerous round-ups in towns and villages throughout Ireland systematically terrorised the population by forcing them to kneel, sing ‘God Save the King’, spit on portraits of De Valera, drag the tricolour through the mud or paint loyalist slogans on walls.
Constable John Grant (26) from Inverness was killed while on patrol near Tullacremin , Kerry.
The Flying Column fro Cork No.3 (West) Cork Brigade of 104 men led by Tom Barry were in an ambush location midway between Kinsale and Bandon, at Shippool. The RIC/Military patrol left Kinsale as usual but midway received information that an ambush was in place and returned to barracks and planned to encircle the Flying Column. Realising that the military had returned to barracks, Barry led his men to Crossbarry where he planned to ambush the encircling patrols. The roadway was mined with two devices and the column split into seven sections, six to be used as an attacking force and one to remain at the rear to protect it.
Ackerman from the Philadelphia Public Ledger submitted to Dublin Castle the text of an interview he had with de Valera. Sturgis sumarised it as ‘it is the usual bombastic high faluting stuff that this curious President indulges in. the only gem in it is that he says in terms that he is prepared to meet Craig or any other Irishman to discuss the welfare of Ireland but that the real quarrel is between the English and Irish nations and that internal Irish squabbles will be easy of adjustment when the main fight it won; he will be no party to any attempt to make more palatable the Partition Act of a foreign Government….Hammar should speak to Craig with a view to a suitable reply from him…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 143
The Anglo-Russian Agreement was signed
Bonar Law resigned from the British Cabinet and leadership of the Conservative party. Austen Chamberlain became leader of the Conservative party in coalition with Lloyd George’s Liberals.
USSR – Kronstadt Naval mutiny was crushed by the Red Army.
Lenin introduces capitalist-style economics with his New Economic Policy (NEP), in reaction to the collapse of the Russian economy that occurred because of ongoing civil war and an Allied blockade of the country designed to end Bolshevism.
Britain’s first birth-control clinic opened in London facing bitter criticism from the clergy and medical profession. It’s founder, 41 year old Dr. Marie Stopes aims to provide for ‘poorer women, overburdened by child bearing’
The public fundraising by the American Committee for Relief in Ireland began with the St. Patrick’s day parade in New York and the target of $10 million. President Harding and Vice President Coolidge supported the organisation, as did Herbert Hoover, the Secretary for Commerce. The American Red Cross declined initially to become involved ‘was pressured into contributing $100,000.’
Curfews were imposed in Dublin, as early as 8 p.m. From that hour until dawn, armoured trucks rumbled through the streets, pulling up outside houses listed for raiding. Large areas were cordoned off and searched.
Dublin Castle issued information of rewards for the capture of the insurgent leaders. £10,000 was placed for information leading to the capture of Michael Collins, Brugha and Mulcahy and £3,500 for information leading to the capture of Cosgrave, McDonagh, Stack and the I.R.A Adjutant General, O’Sullivan. Anderson was somewhat doubtful about the idea, citing various earlier attempts to induce information on other leaders. Handbills were printed and distributed throughout the country and in Ulster. There were no takers.
Night and day the British forces were ambushed. In an attempt to capture Irish Volunteers injured in gunfights with British forces, all medical personnel were ordered to report all cases of bullet wounds. Doctors and nurses refused to obey, which resulted in raids on hospitals and suspects removed to military hospitals. Any wounded volunteers were usually picked up by their comrades and removed to remote or private nursing homes.
The Black and Tans and Auxiliaries during their numerous round-ups in towns and villages throughout Ireland systematically terrorised the population by forcing them to kneel, sing ‘God Save the King’, spit on portraits of De Valera, drag the tricolour through the mud or paint loyalist slogans on walls.
Constable John Grant (26) from Inverness was killed while on patrol near Tullacremin , Kerry.
The Flying Column fro Cork No.3 (West) Cork Brigade of 104 men led by Tom Barry were in an ambush location midway between Kinsale and Bandon, at Shippool. The RIC/Military patrol left Kinsale as usual but midway received information that an ambush was in place and returned to barracks and planned to encircle the Flying Column. Realising that the military had returned to barracks, Barry led his men to Crossbarry where he planned to ambush the encircling patrols. The roadway was mined with two devices and the column split into seven sections, six to be used as an attacking force and one to remain at the rear to protect it.
Ackerman from the Philadelphia Public Ledger submitted to Dublin Castle the text of an interview he had with de Valera. Sturgis sumarised it as ‘it is the usual bombastic high faluting stuff that this curious President indulges in. the only gem in it is that he says in terms that he is prepared to meet Craig or any other Irishman to discuss the welfare of Ireland but that the real quarrel is between the English and Irish nations and that internal Irish squabbles will be easy of adjustment when the main fight it won; he will be no party to any attempt to make more palatable the Partition Act of a foreign Government….Hammar should speak to Craig with a view to a suitable reply from him…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 143
The Anglo-Russian Agreement was signed
Bonar Law resigned from the British Cabinet and leadership of the Conservative party. Austen Chamberlain became leader of the Conservative party in coalition with Lloyd George’s Liberals.
USSR – Kronstadt Naval mutiny was crushed by the Red Army.
Lenin introduces capitalist-style economics with his New Economic Policy (NEP), in reaction to the collapse of the Russian economy that occurred because of ongoing civil war and an Allied blockade of the country designed to end Bolshevism.
Britain’s first birth-control clinic opened in London facing bitter criticism from the clergy and medical profession. It’s founder, 41 year old Dr. Marie Stopes aims to provide for ‘poorer women, overburdened by child bearing’
The public fundraising by the American Committee for Relief in Ireland began with the St. Patrick’s day parade in New York and the target of $10 million. President Harding and Vice President Coolidge supported the organisation, as did Herbert Hoover, the Secretary for Commerce. The American Red Cross declined initially to become involved ‘was pressured into contributing $100,000.’
18
Dublin Castle continued to claim that the Crown Forces were effective with Sinn Fein forces on the run. Eventually it was realised by the propaganda department that this actually spurred on further and more frequent attacks against British forces throughout the country.
Michael Collins joined Liam Tobin of GHQ in London to further explore the possibility of assassinating most if not all of the British Cabinet. This was one of Cathal Brugha’s favoured tactics with the first campaign in November 1920 halted by the Dail Cabinet. Collins paid ‘devoted attention to Mrs Llewelyn Davies, who was arrested after his departure’ with Scotland Yard discovering too late that he was in Britain. Collins later abandoned the plan on the grounds that the operation would not be effective – England could always get another Cabinet. Brugha was more intent on the symbolism of the action, later leading a team to London to plan and attempt the assassinations.
Constable Wiliam Elton (24) from Middlesex was killed during an ambush near Castletownroche, Co. Cork.
Burgery ambush - West Waterford IRA under Pax Whelan, George Lennon and George Plunkett from Dublin HQ, ambushed a convoy of Black and Tans returning to Dungarvan via the Burgery. One Black and Tan was killed along with two IRA volunteers (Pat Keating and Seán Fitzgerald). More details here.
An IRA firing squad executed a Dungarvan constable, Michael Hickey. Affixed to his tunic was the notation "police spy". He was later interred, upon the intercession of the parish priest, in an unmarked grave belonging to his fiancée's family at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Dungarvan.
Dublin Castle continued to claim that the Crown Forces were effective with Sinn Fein forces on the run. Eventually it was realised by the propaganda department that this actually spurred on further and more frequent attacks against British forces throughout the country.
Michael Collins joined Liam Tobin of GHQ in London to further explore the possibility of assassinating most if not all of the British Cabinet. This was one of Cathal Brugha’s favoured tactics with the first campaign in November 1920 halted by the Dail Cabinet. Collins paid ‘devoted attention to Mrs Llewelyn Davies, who was arrested after his departure’ with Scotland Yard discovering too late that he was in Britain. Collins later abandoned the plan on the grounds that the operation would not be effective – England could always get another Cabinet. Brugha was more intent on the symbolism of the action, later leading a team to London to plan and attempt the assassinations.
Constable Wiliam Elton (24) from Middlesex was killed during an ambush near Castletownroche, Co. Cork.
Burgery ambush - West Waterford IRA under Pax Whelan, George Lennon and George Plunkett from Dublin HQ, ambushed a convoy of Black and Tans returning to Dungarvan via the Burgery. One Black and Tan was killed along with two IRA volunteers (Pat Keating and Seán Fitzgerald). More details here.
An IRA firing squad executed a Dungarvan constable, Michael Hickey. Affixed to his tunic was the notation "police spy". He was later interred, upon the intercession of the parish priest, in an unmarked grave belonging to his fiancée's family at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Dungarvan.
19
Crossbarry Ambush
One of the largest engagements of the Irish War of Independence, this ambush took place near the small village of Crossbarry in County Cork, about 20 km south-west of Cork city. About a hundred Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteers, commanded by Tom Barry, escaped an attempt by about 1,200 British troops to encircle them.
The British commanders thus planned a major operation to capture the IRA column, mobilising about 1,200 troops, to converge on the area from several different directions. According to Tom Barry, 400 British troops came from Cork, 200 from Ballincollig, 300 from Kinsale and 350 from Bandon.[2] Later in the day about 120 Auxiliaries also left Macroom. The British sweep was mounted early on the morning of 19 March.
RIC & Military patrols continued to close in on Barry’s Flying Column from three directions, searching all houses and buildings as they came across them. Near Ballymurphy, a few miles from the column, soldiers found Charlie Hurley, the Cork No.3 Brigade Commander and in the ensuing fight, he was killed. As the military continued to move in on the Brigade, they left some vehicles with their drivers and soldiers in place. As the IRA unit fought its way from the cordon, they came across a British military detachment and in the fighting, Constable Arthur Kenward (26) from Surrey was killed along with six British soldiers and an IRA volunteer, Peter Monaghan. More details here.
In Co. Waterford, Sergeant Joseph Hickey (36) from Limerick and Constable Sydney Redman (25) from Kent were killed in an ambush of a joint RIC/Military patrol near Dungarven. Hickey had been taken prisoner and was later found executed in a bog, two miles from the scene of the ambush.
Crossbarry Ambush
One of the largest engagements of the Irish War of Independence, this ambush took place near the small village of Crossbarry in County Cork, about 20 km south-west of Cork city. About a hundred Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteers, commanded by Tom Barry, escaped an attempt by about 1,200 British troops to encircle them.
The British commanders thus planned a major operation to capture the IRA column, mobilising about 1,200 troops, to converge on the area from several different directions. According to Tom Barry, 400 British troops came from Cork, 200 from Ballincollig, 300 from Kinsale and 350 from Bandon.[2] Later in the day about 120 Auxiliaries also left Macroom. The British sweep was mounted early on the morning of 19 March.
RIC & Military patrols continued to close in on Barry’s Flying Column from three directions, searching all houses and buildings as they came across them. Near Ballymurphy, a few miles from the column, soldiers found Charlie Hurley, the Cork No.3 Brigade Commander and in the ensuing fight, he was killed. As the military continued to move in on the Brigade, they left some vehicles with their drivers and soldiers in place. As the IRA unit fought its way from the cordon, they came across a British military detachment and in the fighting, Constable Arthur Kenward (26) from Surrey was killed along with six British soldiers and an IRA volunteer, Peter Monaghan. More details here.
In Co. Waterford, Sergeant Joseph Hickey (36) from Limerick and Constable Sydney Redman (25) from Kent were killed in an ambush of a joint RIC/Military patrol near Dungarven. Hickey had been taken prisoner and was later found executed in a bog, two miles from the scene of the ambush.
20
Constable James McKenna (28) from Longford was killed near his barracks at Falcarragh, Co. Donegal in an IRA attack led by Peadar O’Donnell.
Constable William Cambell (37) from Leitrim was on sick leave in Mullinahone, Tipperary when he was shot dead.
12 IRA were killed along with 4 wounded and 4 captured in a large gun battle with British forces in Clonmult, five miles north of Midleton. The result of a betrayal, the house in which the IRA members were meeting was surrounded.
For more newsclippings March 20 1921- click here
Constable James McKenna (28) from Longford was killed near his barracks at Falcarragh, Co. Donegal in an IRA attack led by Peadar O’Donnell.
Constable William Cambell (37) from Leitrim was on sick leave in Mullinahone, Tipperary when he was shot dead.
12 IRA were killed along with 4 wounded and 4 captured in a large gun battle with British forces in Clonmult, five miles north of Midleton. The result of a betrayal, the house in which the IRA members were meeting was surrounded.
For more newsclippings March 20 1921- click here
21
A Kerry IRA ambush at Headford Railway junction near Killarney engaged troops leaving a train from Mallow in a protracted and vicious gun battle. Three civilians were killed when caught up in the fighting, two IRA officers killed and around 20 British soldiers.
In an ambush at Lispole, County Kerry, three IRA volunteers were killed.
The IRA attacked the homes of up to sixteen USC officers in the Roslea district of Fermanagh, killing three and wounding others. IRA volunteers were also wounded and one captured.
Attack on RIC patrol at Rosemount, Dundrum, County Dublin. Two RIC constables wounded.
A Kerry IRA ambush at Headford Railway junction near Killarney engaged troops leaving a train from Mallow in a protracted and vicious gun battle. Three civilians were killed when caught up in the fighting, two IRA officers killed and around 20 British soldiers.
In an ambush at Lispole, County Kerry, three IRA volunteers were killed.
The IRA attacked the homes of up to sixteen USC officers in the Roslea district of Fermanagh, killing three and wounding others. IRA volunteers were also wounded and one captured.
Attack on RIC patrol at Rosemount, Dundrum, County Dublin. Two RIC constables wounded.
Hyphenated American
The term "hyphenated American" first appeared in print around 1889, and by 1904 had become commonly used as a derogatory term. This became a contentious issue during World War I, with the questioning of the primary political loyalty of ethnic groups with close ties to Europe, especially German and Irish Americans. Former President Theodore Roosevelt in speaking to the largely Irish Catholic Knights of Columbus at Carnegie Hall on Columbus Day 1915, commented: "There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. When I refer to hyphenated Americans, I do not refer to naturalised Americans. Some of the very best Americans I have ever known were naturalised Americans, Americans born abroad. But a hyphenated American is not an American at all ... The one absolutely certain way of bringing this nation to ruin, of preventing all possibility of its continuing to be a nation at all, would be to permit it to become a tangle of squabbling nationalities, an intricate knot of German-Americans, Irish-Americans, English-Americans, French-Americans, Scandinavian-Americans or Italian-Americans, each preserving its separate nationality, each at heart feeling more sympathy with Europeans of that nationality, than with the other citizens of the American Republic ... There is no such thing as a hyphenated American who is a good American. The only man who is a good American is the man who is an American and nothing else." President Woodrow Wilson regarded "hyphenated Americans" with suspicion, saying, "Any man who carries a hyphen about with him carries a dagger that he is ready to plunge into the vitals of this Republic whenever he gets ready.” |
For more newsclippings March 21 1921- click here
22
Dublin Castle’s assessment of the I.R.A was at times misinformed. At one stage it was widely asserted that some of the I.R.A ‘gunmen’ were hired goons from the backstreets of New York, Boston and Chicago. Sir Edward Carson even made the assumption in Parliament. The US Consul, Frederick Dumont reported to Washington that ‘Men of the Flying Column are paid monthly wages, the ‘gunmen’ special amounts, depending upon whom they kill.’
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P269
Mitchell further comments that while there were about a hundred volunteers ready to travel from America, only a handful actually arrived and fought, one of whom returned the following month with a trunk of de Valera’s personal effects.
Funding of the Sinn Fein movement was another difficult subject for the British intelligence services. Reports that Sinn Fein was running low on funds were described as being a reason why peace would be made shortly. Of course the American relief efforts came under close scrutiny as a result. The reality was that the organisation was far from being in the red, Flying Columns were self-financing, partially equiped with captured arms and ammunition with additional funds coming from local levies.
Constables William Deveraux (57) from Roscommon and Michael Dowling (30) from Wiclow were killed while on patrol near Blackwood, Co. Roscommon.
Attack on Auxiliaries at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire. 3 Auxiliaries killed and at least 1 wounded. One IRA volunteer (Lt. Jim McIntosh) was killed
Sergeant John Coughlan (48) from Mayo was killed and four officers wounded in a West Mayo IRA Fying Column ambush near Drummin, Co. Mayo.
Sergeant Samuel Nixon of the Special Constabulary was killed at his home at Roslea, Co. Fermanagh during one of several attacks on Unionist farms in the Roslea district. Sergeant William Gordon, also of Roslea was killed in another attack shortly afterwards.
The numbers of persons interned in Ireland by the British now stood at 2,569 ( up 1,091 since January 17th ).
For more newsclippings March 22 1921- click here
23
Ernest Blyth issued the first of the Dail’s prohibition order, banning English farm tools and machinery.
This was followed with bans on biscuits, boot polish, soap, margarine, fruit preserves, calendars, medicated wines and ointments.
Lloyd George’s speech to the commons was not well accepted by the Labour party ‘because they hoped and expected a generous peace offer in one hand and war in t’other’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 143
Sturgis also recorded being told that ‘the Shins regard themselves tricked and sold over Clune. Clune saw them all and went to London with terms in his pocket and was led on and then turned down…of course I said ‘not so’ but that’s their reading of it..’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p185
Constable Edward Leslie (21) and Captain Sir Wilfred Peek were killed and four wounded in an IRA South Roscommon Brigade ambush on a joint RIC/Military patrol near Scramogue, Co. Roscommon. Following the attack, two men in civilian clothes were captured, claiming they were prisoners being taken to Longford. Taking the men with them, the IRA Brigade discovered shortly afterwards that they were Black and Tan officers, Agnew and Buchanan. Both were executed. Arms and ammunition including a Hotchkiss machine gun were captured by the IRA. One volunteer was killed in the Scramogue Ambush.
The Press reports that 28 people were killed and 33 wounded in various ambushes on this day, bringing the total for the previous five days to 65 killed and 67 wounded.
Six IRA volunteers of the Cork number 1 Brigade were captured by British forces at Clogheen, County Cork and summarily shot
The Irish Bulletin reacquainted its readers with the reality of the Irish Hierarchy: ‘The Catholic Bishops of Ireland are one of the most conservative bodies in the country. The majority are not in agreement with the more forward elements in the Republican movement. Some are numbered among its strongest opponents’
Strong words indeed for a pro-Irish newspaper.
For more newsclippings March 23 1921- click here
Ernest Blyth issued the first of the Dail’s prohibition order, banning English farm tools and machinery.
This was followed with bans on biscuits, boot polish, soap, margarine, fruit preserves, calendars, medicated wines and ointments.
Lloyd George’s speech to the commons was not well accepted by the Labour party ‘because they hoped and expected a generous peace offer in one hand and war in t’other’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 143
Sturgis also recorded being told that ‘the Shins regard themselves tricked and sold over Clune. Clune saw them all and went to London with terms in his pocket and was led on and then turned down…of course I said ‘not so’ but that’s their reading of it..’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p185
Constable Edward Leslie (21) and Captain Sir Wilfred Peek were killed and four wounded in an IRA South Roscommon Brigade ambush on a joint RIC/Military patrol near Scramogue, Co. Roscommon. Following the attack, two men in civilian clothes were captured, claiming they were prisoners being taken to Longford. Taking the men with them, the IRA Brigade discovered shortly afterwards that they were Black and Tan officers, Agnew and Buchanan. Both were executed. Arms and ammunition including a Hotchkiss machine gun were captured by the IRA. One volunteer was killed in the Scramogue Ambush.
The Press reports that 28 people were killed and 33 wounded in various ambushes on this day, bringing the total for the previous five days to 65 killed and 67 wounded.
Six IRA volunteers of the Cork number 1 Brigade were captured by British forces at Clogheen, County Cork and summarily shot
The Irish Bulletin reacquainted its readers with the reality of the Irish Hierarchy: ‘The Catholic Bishops of Ireland are one of the most conservative bodies in the country. The majority are not in agreement with the more forward elements in the Republican movement. Some are numbered among its strongest opponents’
Strong words indeed for a pro-Irish newspaper.
For more newsclippings March 23 1921- click here
24
Sinn Fein felt that peace talks were virtually impossible with the continuining executions taking place. Sturgis felt that Sinn Fein intimated that the Cork executions on Saturday ‘made peace talks impossible’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 147
John Cuffe, the Dublin auctioneer was now meeting with Sturgis in the Vice Regal Lodge. His contacts included some direct and indirect links with the Sinn Fein leaders and provided this insight:
‘..the Executive meeting had taken place – that they felt the greatest reluctance to face going to London without knowing they will get something – they are in fact afraid of the gunmen and distrustful of the PM…the most significant thing he said was that everybody was sick of it, which he had said before, and there was a definite limit to the time the IRA could carry on. Some times, said he, when an ambush is prepared they lie out for a week waiting their chance which is a great strain etc etc.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 143
An additional round of captured IRA Volunteers scheduled for execution were postponed on the grounds of a Habeas Corpus writ.
A bomb was thrown at a group of soldiers at Westport, County Mayo. British reprisals took place that night throughout West Mayo
Germany – 24 killed during a Communist led attempt to take over the city.
Sinn Fein felt that peace talks were virtually impossible with the continuining executions taking place. Sturgis felt that Sinn Fein intimated that the Cork executions on Saturday ‘made peace talks impossible’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 147
John Cuffe, the Dublin auctioneer was now meeting with Sturgis in the Vice Regal Lodge. His contacts included some direct and indirect links with the Sinn Fein leaders and provided this insight:
‘..the Executive meeting had taken place – that they felt the greatest reluctance to face going to London without knowing they will get something – they are in fact afraid of the gunmen and distrustful of the PM…the most significant thing he said was that everybody was sick of it, which he had said before, and there was a definite limit to the time the IRA could carry on. Some times, said he, when an ambush is prepared they lie out for a week waiting their chance which is a great strain etc etc.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 143
An additional round of captured IRA Volunteers scheduled for execution were postponed on the grounds of a Habeas Corpus writ.
A bomb was thrown at a group of soldiers at Westport, County Mayo. British reprisals took place that night throughout West Mayo
Germany – 24 killed during a Communist led attempt to take over the city.
25 - Good Friday
The US Consul in Dublin wrote to the Secretary of State on the banning orders ‘ The order will cause considerable damage to English trade, as no dealers, for fear of Sinn Fein raids, and no farmers will stock or purchase such articles for the time being, or long enough to guage the effectiveness of Sinn Fein opposition’
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P246
At a meeting of the Irish Transport Union executive, Thomas Foran proposed another deputation to London. However because of the failure to halt executions of I.R.A men and the potential futility of the visit, it was not approved.
For more newsclippings March 25 1921- click here
26
Sturgis met with Thomas Foran, General President of the ITGWU at the races ‘He is a queer looking specimen but was pleasant enough. He repeated much of what Cuffe said yesterday and ‘I said my piece’ as usual in the confidential ‘everybody wants to help style’. He said definietly that they would not go to the PM, not yet anyway, but wanted me to find out at once whether Criag or Carson would see them..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 143
President Warren Harding endorsed the work of the American Committee for relief in Ireland. The British ambassador in Washington, Sir Auckland Geddes tried unsuccessfully to have President Harding disown it.
“ In fact the Harding administration exerted pressure on the British to allow the Committee...ultimately distribute over $5 million in Ireland for charitable purposes. It should be noted that the Committee...stayed out of the de Valera - Cohalan feuding and from the time of its inception in December 1920 organised the sending to Ireland of two and a half times as much money as de Valera caused to be sent. He too collected some $5 million but ordered about $3 million to be retained in America even when he left the country.”
Tim Pat Coogan “De Valera, Long Fellow, Long Shadow” Hutchinson, London. 1993. p170
British press reaction varied on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry on the conditions in Ireland. The Manchester Guardian acknowledged the validity of the Inquiry findings adding ‘We may as well keep our tempers and take our pelting with any dignity that is left us’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P199
The Under-Secretary writing to Macready advised ‘that there might be a Rising in the West’
In Moscow, Dr Patrick McCartan was asked by Tehecherin to stay another month in Russia. While waiting McCartan also explored the possibility of setting up trade links with Russia and a letter outlining his ideas was sent to Litvinoff. However there was to be no reply, perhaps as the prime Soviet objective in Britain and Ireland was a trade agreement with Britain which took place the following month. Despite these new developments and the obvious shift in emphasis, McCartan remained in Moscow until June 18th.
Having had enough of elderly clerics denouncing violence or the push towards a republic and independence, ‘Old Ireland’ finally commented: ‘If the Irish Republic today could count on the allegiance of even half the Irish Bishops, the intrigues would be checked, the enemy’s hope of our surrender ruined, and peace would undoubtedly follow rapidly. But the record of Irish bishops has always been so faulty from an Irish standpoint that one is hardly disapointed when they do not rise in their actions to the standards of plain Irishmen.’
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P287
Sturgis met with Thomas Foran, General President of the ITGWU at the races ‘He is a queer looking specimen but was pleasant enough. He repeated much of what Cuffe said yesterday and ‘I said my piece’ as usual in the confidential ‘everybody wants to help style’. He said definietly that they would not go to the PM, not yet anyway, but wanted me to find out at once whether Criag or Carson would see them..’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 143
President Warren Harding endorsed the work of the American Committee for relief in Ireland. The British ambassador in Washington, Sir Auckland Geddes tried unsuccessfully to have President Harding disown it.
“ In fact the Harding administration exerted pressure on the British to allow the Committee...ultimately distribute over $5 million in Ireland for charitable purposes. It should be noted that the Committee...stayed out of the de Valera - Cohalan feuding and from the time of its inception in December 1920 organised the sending to Ireland of two and a half times as much money as de Valera caused to be sent. He too collected some $5 million but ordered about $3 million to be retained in America even when he left the country.”
Tim Pat Coogan “De Valera, Long Fellow, Long Shadow” Hutchinson, London. 1993. p170
British press reaction varied on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry on the conditions in Ireland. The Manchester Guardian acknowledged the validity of the Inquiry findings adding ‘We may as well keep our tempers and take our pelting with any dignity that is left us’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P199
The Under-Secretary writing to Macready advised ‘that there might be a Rising in the West’
In Moscow, Dr Patrick McCartan was asked by Tehecherin to stay another month in Russia. While waiting McCartan also explored the possibility of setting up trade links with Russia and a letter outlining his ideas was sent to Litvinoff. However there was to be no reply, perhaps as the prime Soviet objective in Britain and Ireland was a trade agreement with Britain which took place the following month. Despite these new developments and the obvious shift in emphasis, McCartan remained in Moscow until June 18th.
Having had enough of elderly clerics denouncing violence or the push towards a republic and independence, ‘Old Ireland’ finally commented: ‘If the Irish Republic today could count on the allegiance of even half the Irish Bishops, the intrigues would be checked, the enemy’s hope of our surrender ruined, and peace would undoubtedly follow rapidly. But the record of Irish bishops has always been so faulty from an Irish standpoint that one is hardly disapointed when they do not rise in their actions to the standards of plain Irishmen.’
Arthur Mitchell. ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & Mcmillan. 1995. P287
For more newsclippings March 26 1921- click here
27
Sir John Anderson met with Shortt ( previous Chief Secretary for Ireland and current Home Secretary ) who said that ‘the PM is in a much more yielding mood and is prepared, not only to make big fiscal concessions but to take the iniative and say – of course after preliminary discussion nto which the Ulster people will be brought – what price he is willing to pay for peace. Shortt is satisfied that Carson, Craig and Co will not be an obstacle. Shortt is anxious that Foran and his friends should come over but if they won't he and Montagu are willing to come over and meet them in Burgess’ house at Kingstown. …this, says Jonathan, looks like business – so it does if these fellows will only recognise it.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 148
For more newsclippings March 27 1921- click here
27
Sir John Anderson met with Shortt ( previous Chief Secretary for Ireland and current Home Secretary ) who said that ‘the PM is in a much more yielding mood and is prepared, not only to make big fiscal concessions but to take the iniative and say – of course after preliminary discussion nto which the Ulster people will be brought – what price he is willing to pay for peace. Shortt is satisfied that Carson, Craig and Co will not be an obstacle. Shortt is anxious that Foran and his friends should come over but if they won't he and Montagu are willing to come over and meet them in Burgess’ house at Kingstown. …this, says Jonathan, looks like business – so it does if these fellows will only recognise it.’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 148
For more newsclippings March 27 1921- click here
28
General Macready assessed the Irish situation as being ‘the strain is very great, especially on young soldiers of which the army is at present composed’ and added he could not guarantee that ‘increased activity during the summer months will result in the total supression of Rebel activities’ and pleaded for additional reinforcements.
In a raid on 11 Molesworth Street, the British seized a correspondence file ‘on the ‘Soviet Alliance’ ( as the American newspapers called it )…the Cabinet examined the documents and turned them over to American correspondents as part of the propaganda battle in the United States….under the proposed treaty, the Irish Republic would obtain arms from Soviet Russia; Irish officers would receive military training there and Irish businessmen would be encourage to develop trade ties. ...’ Then there was the Church mandate reading ‘The Government of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic accords to all religious denominations represented in the Republic of Ireland every right accorded to religious sects by the Russian Constitution and entrusts to accredited representatives of the Republic of Ireland in Russia the interest of the Roman Catholic Church within the territory of the Russian Republic’. Dr. McCartan in his notes declared ‘This clause gives us a good grip on the Vatican and makes them less impressionable by British agents.’
Sturgis met with Secretary of the ITGWU, O’Brien in Cuffe’s home on the North Circular Road and discussed the letter received from Sir John Anderson’s meeting with Shortt. ‘I said that Cabinet Ministers are a starchy lot and this was a big step from them – a real hand held out. O’Brien said that they would consult their colleagues at once…I said that we could sit down and take our time but for two things – firstly, that every day by which this tomfool killing on both sides was shortened the better and secondly, that they ought to take advantage of this accidental lull in executions which couldn’t last forever. They were most attentive whn I spoke of our firm intention to stop unauthorised reprisals, using this as an argument to point the difficulty of asking the military to stay legal executions, effect on the troops etc…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 149
An IRA attack on mixed patrol of Auxiliaries and military occurred on Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire. One lorry was hit by a grenade, and sped away to George's Street, where it ran into a burst of fire from another IRA patrol. This convoy then proceeded to the Blackrock area where it was ambushed again at Temple Hill. Tender disabled by bomb. Several auxiliaries and one IRA volunteer were wounded
For more newsclippings March 28 1921- click here
General Macready assessed the Irish situation as being ‘the strain is very great, especially on young soldiers of which the army is at present composed’ and added he could not guarantee that ‘increased activity during the summer months will result in the total supression of Rebel activities’ and pleaded for additional reinforcements.
In a raid on 11 Molesworth Street, the British seized a correspondence file ‘on the ‘Soviet Alliance’ ( as the American newspapers called it )…the Cabinet examined the documents and turned them over to American correspondents as part of the propaganda battle in the United States….under the proposed treaty, the Irish Republic would obtain arms from Soviet Russia; Irish officers would receive military training there and Irish businessmen would be encourage to develop trade ties. ...’ Then there was the Church mandate reading ‘The Government of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic accords to all religious denominations represented in the Republic of Ireland every right accorded to religious sects by the Russian Constitution and entrusts to accredited representatives of the Republic of Ireland in Russia the interest of the Roman Catholic Church within the territory of the Russian Republic’. Dr. McCartan in his notes declared ‘This clause gives us a good grip on the Vatican and makes them less impressionable by British agents.’
Sturgis met with Secretary of the ITGWU, O’Brien in Cuffe’s home on the North Circular Road and discussed the letter received from Sir John Anderson’s meeting with Shortt. ‘I said that Cabinet Ministers are a starchy lot and this was a big step from them – a real hand held out. O’Brien said that they would consult their colleagues at once…I said that we could sit down and take our time but for two things – firstly, that every day by which this tomfool killing on both sides was shortened the better and secondly, that they ought to take advantage of this accidental lull in executions which couldn’t last forever. They were most attentive whn I spoke of our firm intention to stop unauthorised reprisals, using this as an argument to point the difficulty of asking the military to stay legal executions, effect on the troops etc…’
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 149
An IRA attack on mixed patrol of Auxiliaries and military occurred on Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire. One lorry was hit by a grenade, and sped away to George's Street, where it ran into a burst of fire from another IRA patrol. This convoy then proceeded to the Blackrock area where it was ambushed again at Temple Hill. Tender disabled by bomb. Several auxiliaries and one IRA volunteer were wounded
For more newsclippings March 28 1921- click here
For more newsclippings March 28 1921- click here
29
Captain Cecil F Lees was killed on Wicklow Street by an IRA assassination team.
A fake edition of the ‘Irish Bulletin’ was produced by Dublin Castle.
A Black and Tan Constable William Stephens (41) from London was shot and killed in Ballyhaunis, Co. Galway.
For more newsclippings March 29 1921- click here
29
Captain Cecil F Lees was killed on Wicklow Street by an IRA assassination team.
A fake edition of the ‘Irish Bulletin’ was produced by Dublin Castle.
A Black and Tan Constable William Stephens (41) from London was shot and killed in Ballyhaunis, Co. Galway.
For more newsclippings March 29 1921- click here
30
Late March saw a general increase in individuals, both Irish & British, offering to assist moves towards and Anglo-Irish agreement and peace. Art O’Brian was told ‘by a London friend that Basil Thompson, the head of Scotland Yard, was willing to act as and intermediary. O’Brien found this to be ‘a good joke’.’
Michael Collins was as usual more forthright on these individuals ‘ May God help these poor people and their trust in silly souls. Yet they are a nuisance, and they had a way of getting themselves into the papers and into all sorts of things’
The newspaper ‘Old Ireland’ put it directly ‘ These people do not realise that by keeping the door of intrigue open, that by encouraging the enemy’s hope that the Irish claim may be compromised, they are making the existence of the Black and Tans and Auxilliaries possible’.
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P294
Head Constable Edward Mulrooney (48) from Limerick and Sergeant Michael Hallissey (42) from Kerry were killed and two constables wounded in an ambush at Ballyfermot, Dublin.
Authorised reprisals began in Westport and Clifden organised by Detective Inspector Cruise
Sir John Anderson met with Craig and in letter advised that Craig ‘is fully prepared to meet ‘my friends’ either in London or Ireland. He told Jonathan exactly how far he is prepared to go ‘and it is very far indeed’.
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 143
Perhaps morale within the I.R.A units was not as cohesive as presumed, judging by Richard Mulcahy’s letter warning it may be necessary to use the death penalty to ‘stiffen morale’. Commanders of the 1st Southern and 1st Northern Divisions reported that their men ‘were feeling the effects of British sweeps’.
De Valera in the meantime justified the use of ambush tactics against British forces ‘if they [ the British ] may use their tanks and steel armoured cards, why should we hestitiate to use stone walls and ditches? Why should the use of the element of surprise be denied to us?
Conor O’Clery ‘Ireland in Quotes’ The O’Brien Press Dublin 1999 p.52
For more newsclippings March 30 1921- click here
Late March saw a general increase in individuals, both Irish & British, offering to assist moves towards and Anglo-Irish agreement and peace. Art O’Brian was told ‘by a London friend that Basil Thompson, the head of Scotland Yard, was willing to act as and intermediary. O’Brien found this to be ‘a good joke’.’
Michael Collins was as usual more forthright on these individuals ‘ May God help these poor people and their trust in silly souls. Yet they are a nuisance, and they had a way of getting themselves into the papers and into all sorts of things’
The newspaper ‘Old Ireland’ put it directly ‘ These people do not realise that by keeping the door of intrigue open, that by encouraging the enemy’s hope that the Irish claim may be compromised, they are making the existence of the Black and Tans and Auxilliaries possible’.
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P294
Head Constable Edward Mulrooney (48) from Limerick and Sergeant Michael Hallissey (42) from Kerry were killed and two constables wounded in an ambush at Ballyfermot, Dublin.
Authorised reprisals began in Westport and Clifden organised by Detective Inspector Cruise
Sir John Anderson met with Craig and in letter advised that Craig ‘is fully prepared to meet ‘my friends’ either in London or Ireland. He told Jonathan exactly how far he is prepared to go ‘and it is very far indeed’.
The Last Days of Dublin Castle – The Diaries of Mark Sturgis. Irish Academic Press Dublin & Oregon 1999. p 143
Perhaps morale within the I.R.A units was not as cohesive as presumed, judging by Richard Mulcahy’s letter warning it may be necessary to use the death penalty to ‘stiffen morale’. Commanders of the 1st Southern and 1st Northern Divisions reported that their men ‘were feeling the effects of British sweeps’.
De Valera in the meantime justified the use of ambush tactics against British forces ‘if they [ the British ] may use their tanks and steel armoured cards, why should we hestitiate to use stone walls and ditches? Why should the use of the element of surprise be denied to us?
Conor O’Clery ‘Ireland in Quotes’ The O’Brien Press Dublin 1999 p.52
For more newsclippings March 30 1921- click here
31
The official casualty list for two months:
Crown Forces killed: 174. Wounded: 288
Irish Volunteers and Civilians killed: 317. Wounded: 285.
British Forces available in Ireland numbered 32,000 soldiers and 13,000 RIC (Including 5,000 Black and Tans and 1,000 Auxiliiaries ). General Macready believed he needed a minimum of 100,000 to restore Ireland ‘to its prewar condition’. The I.R.A strenght was 5,000 active strength and 50,000 support and available for action.
General Gough wrote ‘ Law and order have given place to a bloody and brutal anarchy in which the armed agents of the crown violate every law in vainless and vindictive and insolent savagery. England has depraved further from her own standards, and further from the standards even of any nation in the world, not excepting the Turk and Zulu, than has ever been known in history before’
Macardle. ‘The Irish Republic’ Irish Press. Dublin 1957. p.432.
The situation in Ireland was now growing worse daily, morale within the British Administration in Dublin Castle was low and British public opinion was beginning to strongly turn against the British forces actions in Ireland.
The policy of combating terrorism with terrorism and reprisals (while officially sanctioned by the London Government as a means of bringing pressure to bear on the Republican movement and forcing it's leaders and the general population to ‘come to their senses’) was unsuccessful.
Sergeant Ambrose Shea (46) from Wicklow and Constable Charles Bowles (23) from Kent were killed in an attack on the Rosscarbery RIC Barracks by Tom Barry’s Column of 30 men and 2 officers. Nine other constables were wounded.
Constable Stanley Moore (30) from Glamorgan was shot dead in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.
The American Committee for Relief in Ireland published it’s first report ‘following closely on the interim report of the commision of inquiry, stating that there were 100,000 Irish people ‘who are in pitiful need of instant help….material damage to Irish shop buildings, factories, creameries and private dwelling houses inflicted by British forces in the last 12 months amounts to aproximately $20 million’.
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P265
Not surprisngly, the British Embassy in Washington issued a press release that the ACRI statement was ‘inaccurate and unfounded…every case of distress and destitution is directly due to the the effects of the Sinn Fein rebellion’ The Manchester Guardian reported it’s viewpoint ‘ It is to be hoped that the English people will realise the full ignominy of this charitable movement. It is as though Ireland were Armenia and we the Turks’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P265
James O’Mara told Mary McSwiney that ‘nothing is being done at Washington because there is nothing to do and no one to do it with. Neither De Valera, nor you, nor Ireland makes the least impression on Washington, any more that on Paris or Berlin’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p174
O’Mara’s assesment was justified. Unlike Wilson, Harding’s administration could afford to ignore the Irish question as the Republicans were not indebted to any Irish politcians and there was no longer the issue of the League of Nations. Hardings presidency was to exert no pressure on the British Government over Ireland.
Rumours that Lord French was due to leave the position of Lord Lieutenant were rife in Dublin Castle – with a departure June.
The IRA recorded 53 operations against British forces during March 1921.
State of Emergency declared in Britain after a coal strike is called.
Churchill tells Jewish representatives that the UK will abide by the Balfour Declaration and give them a homeland in Palestine.
For more newsclippings March 31 1921- click here
The official casualty list for two months:
Crown Forces killed: 174. Wounded: 288
Irish Volunteers and Civilians killed: 317. Wounded: 285.
British Forces available in Ireland numbered 32,000 soldiers and 13,000 RIC (Including 5,000 Black and Tans and 1,000 Auxiliiaries ). General Macready believed he needed a minimum of 100,000 to restore Ireland ‘to its prewar condition’. The I.R.A strenght was 5,000 active strength and 50,000 support and available for action.
General Gough wrote ‘ Law and order have given place to a bloody and brutal anarchy in which the armed agents of the crown violate every law in vainless and vindictive and insolent savagery. England has depraved further from her own standards, and further from the standards even of any nation in the world, not excepting the Turk and Zulu, than has ever been known in history before’
Macardle. ‘The Irish Republic’ Irish Press. Dublin 1957. p.432.
The situation in Ireland was now growing worse daily, morale within the British Administration in Dublin Castle was low and British public opinion was beginning to strongly turn against the British forces actions in Ireland.
The policy of combating terrorism with terrorism and reprisals (while officially sanctioned by the London Government as a means of bringing pressure to bear on the Republican movement and forcing it's leaders and the general population to ‘come to their senses’) was unsuccessful.
Sergeant Ambrose Shea (46) from Wicklow and Constable Charles Bowles (23) from Kent were killed in an attack on the Rosscarbery RIC Barracks by Tom Barry’s Column of 30 men and 2 officers. Nine other constables were wounded.
Constable Stanley Moore (30) from Glamorgan was shot dead in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.
The American Committee for Relief in Ireland published it’s first report ‘following closely on the interim report of the commision of inquiry, stating that there were 100,000 Irish people ‘who are in pitiful need of instant help….material damage to Irish shop buildings, factories, creameries and private dwelling houses inflicted by British forces in the last 12 months amounts to aproximately $20 million’.
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P265
Not surprisngly, the British Embassy in Washington issued a press release that the ACRI statement was ‘inaccurate and unfounded…every case of distress and destitution is directly due to the the effects of the Sinn Fein rebellion’ The Manchester Guardian reported it’s viewpoint ‘ It is to be hoped that the English people will realise the full ignominy of this charitable movement. It is as though Ireland were Armenia and we the Turks’
Arthur Mitchell ‘Revoloutionary Government in Ireland – Dail Eireann 1919-22’ Gill & McMillan 1996. P265
James O’Mara told Mary McSwiney that ‘nothing is being done at Washington because there is nothing to do and no one to do it with. Neither De Valera, nor you, nor Ireland makes the least impression on Washington, any more that on Paris or Berlin’
Michael Hopkinson ’The Irish War of Independence’ Gill & MacMillan, Dublin 2002. p174
O’Mara’s assesment was justified. Unlike Wilson, Harding’s administration could afford to ignore the Irish question as the Republicans were not indebted to any Irish politcians and there was no longer the issue of the League of Nations. Hardings presidency was to exert no pressure on the British Government over Ireland.
Rumours that Lord French was due to leave the position of Lord Lieutenant were rife in Dublin Castle – with a departure June.
The IRA recorded 53 operations against British forces during March 1921.
State of Emergency declared in Britain after a coal strike is called.
Churchill tells Jewish representatives that the UK will abide by the Balfour Declaration and give them a homeland in Palestine.
For more newsclippings March 31 1921- click here