August 1920

cAug-01-20/1

Registration offices opened for Expelled Workers in Belfast with an estimated 2,000 enrolling.  During the Autumn, they appeal for funds all over Ireland and abroad – first payments made to expelled workers on August 19th.  The Irish government eventually sets up a fund for the expelled workers and with approximately 8,140 registered on this scheme by early October.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 38

Aug-01-20/2

Meeting between IRA GHQ staff and representatives from southern brigades in 35 Lr Gardiner St., Dublin to discuss tactics. 

More Detail

 

Coogan (1990), pgs 142-143; Deasy (1973), pgs 131-133

Aug-01-20/3

A member of the British cabinet, Arthur Balfour, goes to Rome with the objective of getting the Pope to ‘denounce all incitements to disturbance in Ireland’.  However, the mission is not a success and eventually the British come to the conclusion that the Pope remaining neutral is the best that can be hoped.

See Jun-1920/8.  See also Jul-26-20/4.

 

Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 153

Aug-01-20/4

The body of Patrick Daly is found at Clonmore, near Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick.  He had been shot by the IRA as a spy.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 157-158

Aug-02-20/1

Two British soldiers appear in the Gurteen area of south Sligo claiming to be deserters.  The IRA interrogate them and arrange employment for them in a local hotel.  However, the two soldiers go back to their barracks after a few days.  The captain of the Gurteen company of the IRA, John Finn, is subsequently arrested by Crown Forces and sentenced to two years of hard labour for aiding and abetting the two soldiers.

Around this time another British soldier, John Watt, appears in the nearby Geevagh area claiming to be a deserter.  However, he is court martialled, convicted of being a spy and killed.  (His body was not uncovered until 1962.)

 

Farry (2012), pg 57; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 187

Aug-02-20/2

Restoration of Order in Ireland Act (ROIA) placed before British Parliament – guillotined through and received royal assent on August 9th and came into operation on August 13th. 

It legalises internment and gives military courts power to try capital cases and a number of other offences.  Coroners’ courts are replaced with Military Courts of Inquiry for deaths caused by Crown Forces.  However, the new regulations could only be used where “the prevalence of actual or threatened violence or intimidation had produced conditions rendering it impracticable for ordinary crime to be dealt with by due processes of ordinary law”. 

Townshend notes that the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) had expired as it was war emergency law.  However, in many ways, ROIA simply replaced DORA. For example, DORA 14B which provided for internment became ROIA 14B. Townshend also notes that “Like so many coercive laws passed under the Union in the previous century, it [ROIA] confirmed Ireland’s separateness from British norms”

According to Leeson “the British counter-insurgency truly began in earnest on 9 August, when the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act was passed”.  Elements of ROIA are given in Appendix Two of Sheehan (2017).

 

Townshend (1975), pg 103; Carey (2001), pg 5; Macardle (1999), pg 380; Phoenix (1994), pg 92; Leeson (2012), pgs 13-15; Townshend (2014), pgs 151-152; Boyce (1972), pg 48; Kautt (2014), pg 75;  Sheehan (2009), pg 43; Sheehan (2017), pgs 178-180

 

Aug-02-20/3

Speaking in the British House of Commons about the expulsion of Catholics and ‘rotten Prods’ from their work on Belfast, Greenwood disavows any responsibility saying that he had “no power to insist upon employers employing Roman Catholics, Orangemen, or anybody else” and that he was unable to “compel one trade unionist to work alongside another”. 

Question

 

Parkinson (2020), pg 35

Aug-02-20/4

The Irish Times reports that “the King’s writ runs no longer in many parts of the country” and continued that the Sinn Féin tribunals were “jostling British law into oblivion”

 

Townshend (2014), pg 129

Aug-04-20/1

Private J. Connelly of the BA’s Royal Scots accidently kills himself in Kilmihil, Co. Clare.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 158

Aug-04-20/2

Private Alfred Stonnell of the BA’s Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry accidently kills himself in the Union Workhouse in Limerick.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 158

Aug-05-20/1

On receiving information from IRA GHQ that a local hotel was to be taken over by the military, the Carrick battalion in Co. Donegal burn the hotel as well as the local RIC station.

 

Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 156

Aug-05-20/2

The RIC barracks at Blackrock outside Dundalk, Co. Louth is evacuated and it is burnt that evening by the IRA.

 

Gavin and O’Donnell (1999), pg 27

Aug-05-20/3

The East Clare Brigade of the IRA, led by Michael Brennan raid the Sixmilebridge RIC barracks. They gain entry as a friendly RIC man, Patrick Buckley, leaves open the door to the barracks. 

They overpower and tie up the RIC men in the barracks and make away with six carbines, six revolvers, a quantity of ammunitions and RIC intelligence information.  The RIC men are unharmed.

See also Jun-13-20/3.

 

Patrick Buckley subsequently leaves the RIC and joins the IRA in his native Co. Kerry.  However, he was to meet a tragic end – See Mar-07-23/2.

 

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 143-144

Aug-05-20/4

Lecky Road RIC barracks in Derry City is burned by the IRA.

 

Gallagher (2003), pg 30

Aug-05-20/5

In a memo to the British cabinet’s finance committee, CIGS Wilson says that since January 1920, the General Staff of the British army had “consistently and repeatedly advocated the urgent necessity of concentrating our forces in those areas which are vital to us”. 

He said that the highest priority should be given to the defence of the “main bases” of the Empire which according to Wilson were Britain and Ireland in the west and India in the East. Next in importance was Egypt which he called the “Clapham Junction” of imperial communication.  Areas of secondary importance were the Rhine, Mesopotamia, Palestine, Persia and the Black Sea.

 

Jeffrey (2006), pg 251

Aug-05-20/6

Private H. C. Jerrum of the BA’s Hampshire Regiment is accidently shot by a sentry and dies in the Central Military Hospital in Cork.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 158; Cork Fatality Register

cAug-05-20/7

An RIC patrol in Gortahork in Co. Donegal is attacked and disarmed by the local company of the IRA led by Frank O’Donnell.

 

Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 156

Aug-06-20/1

RC Bishop MacRory, in a letter, states that “Until this city [Belfast] is taught that it depends on Ireland, there will be recurrent outbursts of bigotry here, and a standing obstacle to the settlement of the whole of the Irish Question.”

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 39

Aug-06-20/2

Ninth Session of the First Dáil

Meeting in secret the Dáil deals with a large number of issues, the most controversial of which is the Belfast Boycott.

More Detail

 

Proceedings of the 9th Session of the First Dáil are available at: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1920-08-06/

 

See Sep-17-20/2 for the 10th Session of First Dáil.

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 160; Parkinson (2004), pg 73; Mitchell (1995), pgs 168-171 & 217; Parkinson (2020), pgs 123-

Aug-06-20/3

In O’Mahonhy’s of Belrose near Upton, Co. Cork, a meeting of the Brigade Council of the Cork No. 3 Brigade of the IRA takes place. Charlie Hurley is made Brigade O/C and Dick Barrett is made Brigade QM (to replace Hales and Harte respectively – See Jul-27-20/4). 

Also, according to Deasy, Ted O’Sullivan is made Brigade V/C but according to O’Donoghue, he was made V/C on the August 16th 1919 – See Aug-16-19/5.

 

Deasy (1993), pgs 131, 319 & 357

Aug-06-20/4

Two co-operative creameries burnt.

Macardle (1999), pg 377

Aug-07-20/1

Attempted attack on RIC barracks in Innishannon, Co. Cork has to called off when a weapon goes off prematurely and alerts occupants.

 

Deasy (1973), pg 134

Aug-07-20/2

IRA attack a six-man RIC patrol at Kildorrery, Co Cork.  All six are wounded with one (Constable Ernest Watkins) killed. 

More Detail

 

See Nov-26-20/2

Abbott (2000), pg 110; O’Donoghue (1986), pg108; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 158; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-07-20/3

Irish Command of the British Army sets up the 1st Infantry Division in counties of the north of Ireland.  (Previously the brigades in this region were part of the 5th Infantry Division.)

This division consisted of two brigades – the 15th Infantry Brigade, with its HQ in Belfast, covering the counties of Antrim, Armagh, Louth. Down and Monaghan and the Londonderry Brigade, with its HQ in Derry City, and covering the counties of Donegal, Londonderry, Tyrone, Cavan, Fermanagh, Sligo and North Leitrim. 

(Allocation of BA formations in divisions and brigades in Ireland at this point in time is given in Kautt.)

 

Kautt (2014), pgs 12 70-72;  Sheehan (2009), pgs 51 & 58; 

Aug-07-20/4

The boycott of the RIC continues.  For example, on this day the Roscommon Herald reports that “throughout County Leitrim the boycotting of police is carried on and there is no outside intercourse with or assistance in any way given to members of that body”.

 

McGarty (2020), pg 84

Aug-07-20/5

Flying Column of the Cork No. 2 Brigade formed at meeting in Mourneabbey. 

More Detail

Lynch in The Kerryman (1955), pgs 79-80

Aug-07-20/6

The courthouse in Donegal Town is burnt down by the IRA.

 

Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 157

Aug-08-20/1

Archbishop Daniel Mannix of Melbourne is refused permission to visit Ireland and he has to disembark at Penzance instead.  He stays in Britain for several months to the annoyance of some British politicians. 

See Sep-17-20/2.

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 85; Macardle (1999), pg 379

Aug-08-20/2

William Hartnett from Emly, Co. Limerick is shot dead by an RIC patrol which was firing at a cyclist who had failed to stop when ordered by the patrol.  The cyclist escaped.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 109; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 159

Aug-08-20/3

Lance-Corporal William Bricknell of the BA’s 15th (The King’s) Hussars accidently kills himself when he uses the butt of his rifle to poke at briars when hunting for rabbits in the grounds of the Workhouse in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath.  The rifle discharges hitting him in the chest.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 158

Aug-09-20/1

The British Under Secretary for Ireland, John Anderson, and other members of the Castle Authorities who has been resident in Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire) move into Dublin Castle for their own protection.

 

Townshend (1975), pg 108; Mitchell (1995), pg 208

Aug-09-20/2

Private Charles Burke of the BA’s The Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment) is accidently shot dead by a fellow BA soldier in Ebrington Barracks in Derry City.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 158-159

Aug-09-20/3

Ballina, Co. Mayo is placed under curfew by the British.

 

Sheehan (2009), pg 55

Aug-09-20/4

A seven-year-old Protestant boy, Matthew Park, of 60 Lawther St. in Belfast accidently kills himself with his step-father’s revolver.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 159

Aug-10-20/1

An IRA party of about 20 men, led by Frank Carty, ambush an RIC cycling party of four men near Chaffpool, Co. Sligo.  The RIC men are disarmed.  Carty is subsequently allowed by GHQ to purchase six Lee Enfield rifles in Dublin plus ammunition.

 

Farry (2012), pg 58

Aug-10-20/2

Thomas Farrelly or Farrell is shot dead by the British Army and another man injured at the junction of Greek St and Mary’s Lane in Dublin.  The British Army said that they were trying to disperse a crowd but several civilians stated that they shot without warning.  Rioting ensues in the area for the next few days.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 107; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 159; Molyneux and Kelly (2020), pg 268

 

Aug-11-20/1

Reported in the Irish News that a handful of long-serving Catholic workers are expelled from Dixon’s Saw Mills in Milewater Road in Belfast after they refused to sign a ‘loyalty’ pledge.  This occurred after a vote taken by their Protestant workmates.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 35

Aug-11-20/2

Dáil cabinet agree to a limited form of Belfast Boycott confining it to Belfast banks and insurance companies.  In September, Michael Staines is appointed to direct this boycott. 

According to Hughes, “By September 1920, possibly without Dáil sanction, the ban became general and drew much initial support from local government bodies, trade unions, and Catholic clergy”.  

This view is supported by Mitchell.  He says that “The boycott obviously struck a chord among party activists” and that the campaign intensified due “in part to the failure to reinstate expelled workers and the continuing flow of refugees from Belfast”.

Parkinson (2020) notes “Inside a month cases of supportive action were being reported across the island, although a combination of initial confusion over the aims and internal organisation of the movement … resulted in an uneven start to the South’s economic campaign”.

See Oct-12-20/4.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 73; Hughes (2016), pg 87; Mitchell (1995), pg 170; Parkinson (2020), pg 124

Aug-11-20/3

During a raid on his home in Hurdlestown, Kells, Co. Meath for arms, Reginald Radcliffe collapses and dies

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 159

cAug-11-20/4

An RIC patrol is ambushed by the IRA at Falcarragh, Co. Donegal and their weapons are taken from them.

Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 157-158

Aug-12-20/1

Terence MacSwiney (Lord Mayor of Cork, TD for Mid-Cork and Commandant Cork No. 1 Brigade); Liam Lynch (Commandant Cork No. 2 Brigade); Sean O’Hegarty (Vice-Commandant Cork No. 1 Brigade); Joseph O’Connor (QM Cork No. 1 Brigade); Daniel O’Donovan (O/C 1st Battalion, Cork No.1 Brigade); Michael Leahy (O/C 4th Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade) and six other men are arrested by British military at City Hall, Cork.

See Aug-16-20/2.

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 91; Borgonovo (2007), pg 5

Aug-12-20/2

A British army patrol arrives as a meeting of the officers of the Rosegreen Battalion of 3rd Tipperary Brigade is breaking up.  Firing ensues and three soldiers are wounded including Lieutenant Woufle.  

 

Ryan (1945), pg 143

Aug-12-20/3

The British army’s CIGS, Henry Wilson, records in his diary that (presumably at the British cabinet) they “went over all the military reasons for coming out of Persia” but again “all the old arguments were produced by Curzon and Milner to remain”.

See Dec-08-20/2.

 

Jeffrey (2006), pg 249

Aug-12-20/4

The Dáil’s Department of Local Government (with William Cosgrave as Minister) writes to all local authority bodies in Ireland asking them to sever their connections with the Local Government Board and align themselves instead with the Dáil’s Department of Local Government. 

See Dec-21-20/5.

 

Macardle (1999), pg 388; Phoenix (1994), pg 90

Aug-13-20/1

The British cabinet considers its policy in Ireland and the recently introduced ROIA.  The minutes note that “doubt was expressed as to whether the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act would succeed for any length of time unless the opinion of the country was behind it.  Strong measures would be required to put down the policy of the extremists, and there might come a point when public opinion would desert the Government”.

 

Boyce (1972), pg 48

Aug-13-20/2

Dublin Castle begins to issue a “Weekly Summary of Outrages”.  This was aimed at the RIC and intended to boost morale.  However, Townshend says that it “was generally seen as an encouragement to retaliation rather than the reverse”.

(On November 9th, the Irish Bulletin claimed that this publication had the “deliberate intention of inciting the English armed forces in Ireland to acts of outrage and violence against the Irish people”.)

 

Macardle (1999), pg 379; Mitchell (1995), pg 212; Townshend (1975), pg 112

Aug-13-20/3

The Irish News in Belfast carries an appeal from the Expelled Workers Group for funding to relieve the distress and economic hardship among the expelled workers and their families. 

The appeal met with considerable success and eventually garnished funds in Britain, North America, France and Australia.  The appeal compared the plight of the expelled workers to that suffered by the Belgians in 1914 but carried the reminder that “it was not the Huns [who] did this”.

 

Parkinson (2020), pgs 32-37

Aug-13-20/4

BA soldier, Henry Gould, dies in a motor traffic accident in Ballysimon, Co. Limerick.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 554

Aug-14-20/1

Patrick Lynch from Hospital, Co. Limerick dies after being taken from his house by British Army soldiers.  They bring him to the fair green and shoot him six times in the head and body

(Macardle and O’Halpin & Ó Corráin gives him name as Patrick Lynch and August 14th as the dates of his killing.  O’Donoghue gives his name as James Lynch and indicates that the BA may have thought they had Liam Lynch.  He also gives the date as August 4th.)

RIC Cyril Brewer could have been killed in revenge - See Jul-05-21/3.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 111; Macardle (1999), pg 379; O’Donoghue (1986), pg 93; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 159-160

Aug-14-20/2

The Connaught Tribune reports that Tyrone House near the village of Ballindereen, Co Galway was burnt to the ground.  It has been the home of the St George family but unoccupied for a number of years. (The occupants of Tyrone House had a notorious reputation in the locality.)

 

Henry (2012), pg 40

Aug-14-20/3

John Coughlan is executed by the IRA as an alleged informer in Cobh, Co. Cork.  His body was thrown into the sea tied to the axel of a cart.  One IRA leader, Mick Leahy, claimed that the IRA had released him and that he had hung himself.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 160; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-15-20/1

During riots in Limerick, two Black and Tans are attacked and beaten in Edward St., Limerick resulting in the death of one (Constable Cyril Nathan).

O’Callaghan says that Nathan was almost certainly shot by inebriated fellow Black and Tans as they engaged in reprisals. They damaged up to 100 houses and gave beatings to random civilians. An ex-BA soldier, Edward Paget, also dies after getting a savage beating by the RIC in People’s Park. 

Constable Nathan was from London with just over two months of service in the RIC.

 

Abbott (2000), pgs 110-111; O’Callaghan (2018), pgs 81-82; Abbott (2019), pg 139; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 160-161

Aug-15-20/2

Captain Joe McMahon of the South Cavan Brigade of the IRA is killed in an accidental explosion as he was trying to develop a homemade explosive. 

He was originally from Kilmaley, Co. Clare and he is brought home for burial.  The local IRA fire a volley of shots over his grave.  He had also played a significant part on the attack on Hugginstown RIC barracks – see Mar-08-20/1.

 

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 147; Walsh (2018); pg 65; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 160-161

Aug-15-20/3

The RIC barracks in Mountcharles in Co. Donegal is attacked by the local IRA company.  This attack was meant to be a supporting operation to a major attack on the RIC barracks in Donegal Town but this latter operation was called off when many of the IRA men failed to show up on time.

 

Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 158

Aug-15-20/4

The Dáil Minister of Home Affairs, Austen Stack, appoints James Creed Meredith and Arthur Clery as Supreme Court justices and Cahir Davitt and Diarmuid Crowley as appeal court judges.  He also appoints Conor Maguire to join Kevin O’Sheil as a judicial commissioner.  Mitchell notes that “all six jurists served … on both the supreme and circuit courts”.  Later, to deal with the pressure of cases, temporary circuit court judges were appointed.

(The Department of Home Affairs received just £2,705 in 1919 and 1920 but expenditure rose to £16,426 in 1921.)

 

Mitchell (1995), pg 145; O’Sullivan Greene (2020), pg 182

Aug-15-20/5

Kanturk Company of IRA attack a British military guard on a downed airplane at Drominagh near Clonbanin, Co Cork.  One British Army soldier is killed (Private A. E. Nunn).

See Aug-16-20/3.

Lynch in The Kerryman (1955), pg 79; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 159; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-15-20/6

Francis McNiece from Ardress, Loughall, Co. Armagh is shot dead when travelling in a car which was shot at, mostly likely by the UVF.  Another passenger in the car, Francis Donaghy, is wounded and dies two days later. 

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 113; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 160 & 162

Aug-15-20/7

IRA Volunteer Matthew Lynch dies on active service.

 

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 325

Aug-16-20/1

In the British House of Commons, Llyod George says that he would consider any proposals on Ireland provided such proposals did not entail the secession of Ireland from the United Kingdom, endanger the security of the British Isles or threaten the separate position of Ulster.

 

Boyce (1972), pg 128; Mitchell (1995), pg 217

Aug-16-20/2

The British authorities release all the men they captured at City Hall, Cork on August 12th except Terence MacSwiney who goes on hunger strike started on August 11th by untried prisoners in Cork Jail led by Maurice Crowe (Tipperary) and Michael Fitzgerald. 

O’Donoghue says that, if they had not been released, the capture of so many important IRA men could have been a staggering blow to the IRA.  Townshend says that it was “an almost incredible intelligence failure”.   

See Aug-17-20/2.

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 92; Townshend (2014), pgs 193-194; Borgonovo (2007), pg 5

Aug-16-20/3

Patrick Clancy (O/C Kanturk Battalion) and Jack O’Connell (O/C ASU Cork No. 2 Brigade are killed resisting arrest by joint party of RIC and British Army at Jack O’Connell’s home at Derrygallon, Co. Cork. 

They had taken part in an attack on soldiers guarding a plane downed by accident near Kanturk the previous day.

O’Donoghue (1986), pg94; O’Farrell P (1997), pg 16 & 104; Lynch in The Kerryman (1955), pg 80; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 161; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-16-20/4

After a number of attempts, the IRA manage to kill RIC District Inspector William Wilson in George St. or Patrick St., Templemore, Co. Tipperary.  It is said that he was killed by Jim Stapleton, the same IRA man who killed DI Hunt in Thurles over a year earlier. (See Jun-23-19/1)

Jim Leahy, O/C Tipperary No. 2 Brigade, said that DI Wilson was involved in the killing of Michael Small (See Jul-04-20/6).

There were major reprisals in Templemore after the killing of District Inspector Wilson. As part of a general rampage by RIC men and BA soldiers in the aftermath of the killing, the Templemore Town Hall and three local creameries (Castleiney, Killeen and Loughmore) are burnt. In addition, many shops and houses are destroyed.

During the burning of the Town Hall, two British soldiers from the Northampton Regiment receive mortal injuries. One (Lance –Corporal Herbert Fuggle) dies from burns and the other (Lieutenant-Colonel Sidney Beattie) is injured in an accident and later dies form his wounds.

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 80; Abbott (2000), pg 111; Breathnach (2017), pg 557; Macardle (1999), pg 377; Leeson (2012), pg 170; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 161-162

Aug-16-20/5

Kerry No.2 Brigade attempt to ambush the RIC at Beaufort Bridge between Killorglin and Killarney but the car in which the RIC were travelling manage to drive through the ambush position.

 

O’Shea (2021), pg 32

Aug-17-20/1

Macready issues a Special General Routine Order warning that the severest disciplinary measures would be taken against any looting or retaliation. (Sheehan notes that Macready underplayed the number of reprisals engaged in by BA soldiers and Townshend notes that he was somewhat ambivalent about them.) 

Tudor was supposed to issue a parallel order but did not do so until November 11th – see Nov-11-20/5 and then it was not an order but a memorandum for information and guidance.  (Townshend says Tudor issued his memorandum on November 9th.)

[Macready’s order given in Kautt (2014).]

 

Townshend (1975), pg 112; Kautt (2014), pgs 207-208; Sheehan (2017), pg 44

Aug-17-20/2

Terence MacSwiney is transferred from Cork prison to Brixton prison in London  – see Aug-24-20/1.

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 86

Aug-17-20/3

A four-man RIC patrol is attacked by IRA men from the Ardara, Co. Donegal battalion of the IRA resulting in injuries to all four RIC men with two being seriously wounded. The same unit attacks another RIC patrol near the chapel in Ardara the following night.

 

Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 159

Aug-18-20/1

IRA men from the 4th and 5th Battalions of the Kerry No. 1 Brigade ambush a joint RIC-British Army patrol two miles west of Annascual on the Dingle peninsula. 

The Crown Forces surrender – two are wounded and are brought to a local doctor.  The remainder are marched to Annascual, given tea and sent to Dingle in commandeered cars. (Unusually, there were no reprisals – perhaps because there were no fatalities and the men who surrendered were not badly treated.)

 

Horgan (2018), pgs 78-81

Aug-18-20/2

Longford IRA, led by Sean MacEoin and Sean Connolly, carry out a raid for arms on the Upper Military Barracks, Longford Town.  Barracks was occupied by the 18th Lancers and raid was assisted by a BA deserter.

The IRA get away with eight rifles and a quantity of ammunition.

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 142; Coleman (2003), pg 120

Aug-18-20/3

The Ballyvourney Company of the Cork No. 1 Brigade attack a military cycle patrol at Knockanure.  Captain Frederick Sharman of the Manchester Regiment is killed and four soldiers wounded.  After 30 minutes, the survivors surrendered.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 162; Sheehan (2017), pg 119; O’Suilleabhain (1965), pgs 81-87; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-19-20/4

A RIC foot patrol opens fire on a vehicle approaching with no lights on near Boston on the Clare-Galway border.  However, the approaching vehicle is carrying RIC men and the shots kill one RIC man called James (or Jason) Duffy.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 316; Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 153; Abbott (2019), pg 405; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 162

Aug-19-20/5

IRA Volunteer Patrick Kennedy from Annascual, Co. Kerry is killed by a mixed patrol of the RIC and East Lancashire Regiment when he was crossing a field. 

See Oct-29-20/6.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 110; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 162

Aug-19-20/6

Ballymahon RIC barracks attacked by Longford IRA.  Sean Connolly made a hole in the roof of the barracks and threw in home-made bombs containing sulphur. The 11 RIC men surrendered.  The IRA captured 10 rifles, 4 revolvers, 12 grenades and assorted ammunition.

 

Coleman (2003), pg 121; Hopkinson (2002), pg 142

Aug-20-20/1

Private Joseph Goodreid of the BA’s South Wales Borderers is accidently shot dead by a fellow BA soldier in Millmount Barracks, Drogheda, Co. Louth.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 162

Aug-20-20/2

General Macready, GOC-in-C of the British Army in Ireland, writes to the War Office making the case for the use of military aircrafts in Ireland “fire from aeroplanes would materially assist the forces on the ground, with little or no danger to harmless individuals”.   However, the British cabinet disagrees.

More Detail

 

Townshend (2014), pgs 153-154

Aug-20-20/3

An ex-BA soldier, James Herlihy, is abducted in Cork City and killed by the IRA as an alleged informer.  He was killed by men from G Company, 2nd Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade.  He was buried in the Farmers Cross district.

According to the CFR, information on Herlihy supplying the names of IRA men to the British was given to the IRA by Cornelius (Con) Conroy who worked as a “confidential clerk” for the BA in Victoria Barracks in Cork. 

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 162-163; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-21-20/1

RIC Sgt Daniel Maunsell is shot and killed as he returns from his home in Inchigeelagh to Macroom, Co. Cork.  His killers were probably Mick Séan Rua O’Sullivan and Ted Quinlan of the IRA’s Inchigeelagh Company, Cork No. 1 Brigade.

The Kilmurry and Crookstown companies of the IRA ambush an RIC lorry returning from the scene of the above attack.  A number of RIC men are injured and Michael Galvin (QM of the Kilmurry Company) is killed.

 

Abbott (2000), pgs 111-112; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 163 & 164; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-21-20/2

RIC Detective Constable John Hanlon is shot dead in the kitchen of Walsh’s public house in Moore St., Kilrush, Co Clare.  He was shot by Liam (Bill) Haugh of the West Clare Brigade IRA. 

In the follow-up searches around Kilrush, Volunteer Patrick Burke is arrested with a revolver and severely mistreated.  He is sentenced to two years in prison but dies shortly after his release due to his bad treatment.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 112; Art O’Donnell BMH Statement, No.  1322, pg 54; Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 147; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 163

Aug-21-20/3

A five-man RIC cycle patrol is ambushed at Red Bridge near Oranmore, Co Galway.   One RIC man is killed (Constable Martin Foley) and two are wounded (Sgt Mulhearn and Constable Brown).  The Volunteers taking part in the ambush are from Castlegar and Oranmore companies and led by Joseph Howley and Brian Molloy.

The RIC carry out major reprisals in the village of Oranmore burning a number of buildings and the family home of Joseph Howley (Keane’s Bar).

(Henry says that this ambush was not sanctioned by Seamus Murphy, O/C Galway Brigade.  Murphy left Galway for Dublin the following month and the Galway brigades were re-organised.) 

See Dec-09-20/5 and Mar-24-21/3.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 112;

McNamara (2018), pgs 123-124; Henry (2012), pgs 73-79 & 174; Leeson (2012), pg 44; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 163

Aug-21-20/4

Due to the number of mail raids by the IRA, the British Army took to delivering mail by plane.  In the Munster (BA’s 6th Division) area, a typical flight would start in Fermoy and make drops in Dungarvan, Waterford, Kilkenny and Clonmel before returning to Fermoy.  On this date, a Bristol Fighter plane got into difficulty and was forced to land near Lismore, Co. Waterford.  The crew was unharmed but the local IRA burnt their plane before releasing them.

See Nov-17-20/4.

 

McCarthy (2015), pg 70

Aug-21-20/5

An RIC patrol from Kill Barracks, Co Kildare is ambushed at Greenhills on the main Dublin to Naas road.  One RIC man is killed at the scene (Constable Patrick Haverty) while another (Sgt Patrick [O’]Reilly) later dies from wounds received. 

The IRA is led by Thomas Harris, O/C Kildare No. 2 Brigade.  There were reprisals in Kill village and in Naas following this ambush with a large number of raids, a business burnt and people attacked by the RIC.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 112; O’Farrell P (1997), pg 42; Durney (2013), pgs 110-115; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 164 & 170

Aug-21-20/6

A four-man RIC patrol is ambushed in Jocelyn St., Dundalk resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable Thomas Brennan) and the wounding of the three others (Sgt Clarke and Constables Witherden and Isdell). 

In retaliation, the Sinn Féin hall is attacked as are two public houses owned by the McGuill family – Lawlor says that these attacks were “sectarian violence” i.e. carried out by loyalists.  (James McGuill, had been elected to the urban and county councils for Sinn Féin and was O/C of the local Battalion of the IRA.)

In response, the large drapery store owned by Thomas Craig (who was a Protestant) on the Market Square and other premises nearby are set on fire on the 27th August.  Most of the thirteen shop assistants and servants living above the Craig’s shop manage to escape the burning building but three do not.  They are Elizabeth Wilson from Ballyhooley, Ballynure, Co. Antrim; Georgina Rice from Ardee and Alexander Alderdice from Drogheda.  All three are Protestants. 

McGuill publicly disassociated the IRA from the attack on Craig’s store.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 113;

Lawlor (2009), pgs 178-179; Lawlor (2011), pg 58; Hall (2019), pgs 71-72; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 164 & 166-167

 

Aug-22-20/1

RIC man (Sgt Thomas Craddock) is shot and killed on King (now Pearse) St., Athlone. IRA squad led by James Tormey.  Craddock was killed on the orders of IRA GHQ.

See Oct-19-20/3.

Abbott (2000), pg 113; Sheehan (2017), pg 359; O’Callaghan (2012), pg 185;O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 163

Aug-22 to Sep-01-20/1

Killing of Swanzy and Belfast Riots

District Inspector Oswald Swanzy, RIC, is shot by IRA on August 22nd just after he left Christ Church Cathedral, Market Sq., Lisburn, Co Antrim.  After the killing of Swanzy, riots broke out in Lisburn, Bangor, Banbridge and Belfast.

Many people are killed the riots in Belfast. Parkinson says at least 25 in a 5-day period and McDermott says 22 killed in late August violence with approximately equal numbers of Catholics and Protestants. Putting all the names mentioned in various sources together, especially those given in O’Halpin and Ó Corráin, it adds up to 35 people killed or mortally wounded in Belfast between August 25th and September 1st - 19 Protestants, 14 Catholics and 2 British Army soldiers.  Most are killed by Crown Forces in their attempts to put down riots.

 

 More Detail

 

O’Farrell P (1997), pg xvi; Coogan (1990), pg 149; Hopkinson (2002), pg 156; Hart (1998), pg 79; Abbott (2000), pgs 113-115; Macardle (1999), pg 384-385; Phoenix (1994), pg 89; Parkinson (2004), pgs 49-50 & 66-72; McDermott (2001), pgs 50-58; Lawlor (2009), pgs 102-151; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 164; Glennon (2020), pg 3; Parksinson (2020), pgs 51-59

Aug-22-20/2

East Mayo IRA under Sean Corcoran (O/C Swinford Battalion and East Mayo Brigade) and Sean Walsh (Captain of the Bohala company) capture Ballyvary RIC Barracks. They get away with 20 rifles, 25 revolvers and a considerable amount of ammunition.

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 133; Price (2012), pgs 94-95

Aug-22-20/3

Creamery at Knocklong, Co Limerick burnt down by RIC men.  (It is owned by Sir Thomas Cleeves, a Unionist.)

 

Coogan (1990), pg 144; Macardle (1999), pg 377

Aug-22-20/4

Joseph Cunningham, a judge in the Republican Courts for Co. Westmeath, is arrested by the RIC and severely beaten.

 

Gallagher (1953), pg 81

Aug-22-20/4

The BA’s GHQ in Ireland issues regulations under ROIR including the replacement of coroners’ courts with Military Courts of Inquiry.

 

Sheehan (2009), pgs 52-53

Aug-23-20/1

Ambush at Macroom, Co. Cork is which six RIC men are shot and a number of rifles captured.  (Same as ambush on August 21st - See Aug-21-20/1?)

Coogan (1990), pg 143; Macardle (1999), pg 353

Aug-23-20/2

Private Joseph Evans of the BA’s Machine-Gun Corps is accidently shot in Charville, Co. Cork.  He dies the next day.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 165; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-24-20/1

Irish Peace Conference starts in the Antient Concert Rooms, 47-49 Great Brunswick St in Dublin.  Over 600 delegates attend including Horace Plunkett.  They call for the release of Terence MacSwiney.

See Aug-31-20/7.

 

Molyneux and Kelly (2020), pg 271

Aug-24-20/2

RIC patrol ambushed at Glengarriff, Co. Cork resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable John McNamara) and the wounding of another (Constable Patrick Cleary).

Abbott (2000), pg 116; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 165; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-25-20/1

RIC patrol ambushed on Chapel St., Bantry, Co. Cork resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable Matthew Haugh). 

Mossy Donegan, O/C Bantry Battalion, Cork No. 3 Brigade, said that he had Haugh shot as he was responsible for killing Cornelius Crowley on the June 25th – see June-25-20/1.  The IRA ambushers included Ralph Keyes, John Keohane and Cornelius O’Sullivan.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 117; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 165; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-25-20/2

In a memo to the British cabinet on the Milner’s proposals for Egypt (see Mar-08-19/1), Churchill says that these proposals, which he described as giving Egypt sovereign status outside the British Empire, provided a distressing example for both Ireland and India. 

However, Morgan describes Milner’s proposals as giving Egypt self-government over its internal affairs and Mitchell says that Egypt (in an agreement signed on July 6th) only got nominal independence.

See Dec-29-20/2.

 

Jeffrey (2006), pg 253; Morgan (1979), pg 120; Mitchell (1995), pg 107

Aug-25-20/3

Private Joseph Young of the BA’s Cameron Highlanders Regiment or Royal Scots Regiment is killed at the Hutments in Cobh, Co. Cork in an attack by men from the 4th Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade of the IRA. 

Two other BA soldiers are wounded in this attack and the IRA capture a number of BA weapons.

 

Sheehan (2017), pg 119; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-26-20/1

Led by Sam O’Flaherty and Dr. J. P. McGinley, the IRA attack the RIC barracks in Drumquin, Co. Tyrone resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable James Munnelly).

The RIC man was shot by James McMonagle.

More Detail

 

Abbott (2000), pgs 117-118; McCluskey (2014), pg 91; Lawlor (2011), pgs 59-60; Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 161-168; Ozseker (2019), pg 117; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 165

Aug-26-20/2

John Hynes from Shanagolden, Co. Limerick is killed by the RIC.  Toomey says that Hynes was 60 years old and shot by a Constable Thomas Huckerby (a notorious ‘Black and Tan’) during a major reprisal in Shanagolden for indignities earlier meted out to Huckerby and another ‘Black and Tan’.  O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that Hynes was 76 years old and quote Lord Monteagle as saying that Hynes was a “most harmless … Pensioner”.

During this reprisal by the RIC, a number of shops, a creamery and the Carnegie Hall were set on fire.

See Sep-19-20/1.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 110, Toomey (2008), pg 64; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 166

Aug-26-20/3

Sligo IRA, with help from North Mayo IRA, attack and destroy Enniscrone coastguard station. Six rifles, six revolvers and gelignite captured. 

The following Sunday, four men are arrested by Crown Forces – three of whom are convicted of taking part in the raid. (Price says September 2nd.)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 136; Farry (2012), pg 58; Price (2012), pgs 95-96

Aug-26-20/4

Private John Kelly of the BA’s Manchester Regiment is accidently shot dead in the Military Barracks, Ballincollig, Co. Cork.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 166; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-26-20/5

Private Francis Day of the BA’s South Wales Borderers is accidently shot by a fellow BA soldier at Gormanstown aerodrome in Co. Meath.  He dies the following day in hospital.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 167

Aug-27-20/1

When cycling from Roscommon to Kiltoom, Constable William Potter is shot and killed at Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon by members of the IRA’s South Roscommon Brigade.

Some days later the RIC arrive in the village of Knockcroghery during a fair day.  They round up all the men who are at the fair and herd them into a handball alley.  The men are then bull whipped.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 118; O’Callaghan (2012), pgs 187-188; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 165-166

Aug-27-20/2

After a party of the BA’s Cameron Highlanders are ambushed near Midleton, Co. Cork, (see Aug-25-20/3), Sean Buckley from Midleton, Co. Cork is taken prisoner by the Cameron Highlanders along with his brother Batt (Bartholomew). 

When being taken to Cork both were shot, Sean fatally. According to the Crown Forces, they were shot when trying to escape. Sean Buckley was not a member of the IRA.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 103; Macardle (1999), pg 380; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 167; Sheehan (2017), pg 119; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-27-20/3

An RIC patrol is attacked at Graigue, Co. Longford (between Drumlish and Ballinamuck) resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable John Mullan) and the wounding of three others (Constables Brogan, Reidy and King). 

Constable Mullan is the first RIC fatality in Longford.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 118; Coleman (2003), pg 121; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 167

Aug-27-20/4

According to O’Halpin and Ó Corráin, a party of the BA’s Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders are fired as they drive through Churchtown in Co. Cork.  The British soldiers return fire.

One soldier, Private Charles Hall of the BA’s RASC, is wounded (and dies shortly afterwards) and two other BA soldiers are wounded.  They were Lieutenant Begg and Private H. Winterton or Wintern.  Private Hall was the driver. 

Sheehan says that it was Lieutenant Begg who was killed and Private Winterton severely wounded. He does not mention Private Hall.  However, the Cork Fatality Register records only the death of Private Hall.

See Aug-29-20/3.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 167; Sheehan (2017), pg 119; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-28-20/1

General Macready writes to CIGS Wilson saying that “The actions of these “Black and Tans” of Tudor’s makes me increasingly anxious” and that he is worried that his troops might have to intervene “if they are brought face to face with some of the wild acts of retaliation which these men are carrying out”.

Macready did not have long to wait – see Sep-08-20/2.

 

Jeffrey (2006), pgs 265-266

Aug-28-20/2

A retired British army officer, Major George Johnstone or Johnston, is shot and killed in his house in Glenties or Ardara or Rosbeg, Co. Donegal.  The major was seventy years old and he was shot during a raid for arms by the IRA.

 

Macardle (1999), pg 384; Ozseker (2019), pg 116; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 168

Aug-28-20/3

Following the ambush in Churchtown (see Aug-27-20/4), BA soldiers from the Cameron Highlanders carry out a major retaliation in Cobh, Co Cork.  They smash nearly every shop window in Cobh.  The official report from Dublin Castle calculated the destruction of six shops, 64 partially wrecked and three shops looted.

In the early hours of August 29th, they shoot and kill George Walker (who was an ex-BA soldier and a Protestant) for allegedly failing to stop when ordered to do so.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 169;  Kautt (2014), pg 228; Sheehan (2017), pgs 25 & 36 & 43; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-28-20/4

Major Harry Chads of the BA’s Border Regiment dies when the plane he which he travelling crashes near Castlebar Aerodrome in Co. Mayo.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 168

Aug-29-20/1

According to O’Farrell, P. Hughes from Roscommon dies on this day.  (However, there is no other collaborating source.)

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 110

Aug-29-20/2

An ambush is laid for a RIC/British Army patrol by IRA men from the Cork No. 3 brigade (mostly from the Bandon Battalion) led by Sean Hales at Brinny Bridge on the Crossbarry-Bandon Rd. 

However, the ambush party is attacked from the rear and Lt Tim Fitzgerald from the Mount Pleasant company is killed.  He is the first member of the Cork No. 3 brigade to lose his life in action.  Sheehan says that the BA was “acting on information provided”.

See Jan-21-21/7.

(Deasy says August 20th; O’Farrell gives the date as August 28th. O’Halpin and Ó Corráin – as well as the Cork Fatality Register say August 29th.)

 

Deasy (1973), pgs 135-136; O’Farrell (1997), pg 40 & 107; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 169; Sheehan (2017), pg 123; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-30-20/1

A curfew is imposed in Belfast. (It was to last until 1924.)

 

Abbott (2019), pg 349

Aug-31-20/1

Lt Colonel FH Dorling takes over as O/C of the Manchester Regiment in Cork.  In charge of No. 3 District covering Ballincollig to Blarney to Donoughmore to Millstreet to Ballyvourney.

 

Sheehan (1990), pg 69

Aug-31-20/2

The British Army in Ireland issues an order to its officers that “due to the present situation”, they should send their wives and families to England.

 

Mitchell (1995), pg 208

Aug-31-20/3

The Kilkenny IRA kill William Kenny from Graiguenamanagh as a spy.  The execution is carried out by drowning Kenny in the River Barrow.

 

Walsh (2018); pgs 70-72; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 173

Aug-31-20/4

CIGS Wilson writes to Macready asking “whether it would not be possible to lay more traps for the Sinn Feins in the shape of derelict lorries, aeroplanes, etc”.  Macready replies on September 1st saying that “constant traps have been laid” and “in many cases successful, but naturally we keep this to ourselves, as we have no wish for these “accidents” to be talked and joked about by Cabinet Ministers”.

See Sep-05-20/1.

 

Jeffrey (2006), pg 266

Aug-31-20/5

James Longeran, from Tinalira, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford is dragged from his bed by a large group of armed and masked men. He is taken outside and shot dead.  His father and brother are also beaten.  The RIC think that this killing arose from an agrarian dispute.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 170

Aug-31-20/6

Loyalist workers from the GNR’s Adelaide Works force Catholic workers from their place of work – some 430 Catholic workers are driven out. 

By September 15th, Catholic engine drivers and firemen are allowed to return but others are only allowed to return if they sign a declaration of loyalty to the king and the constitution.

 

Lawlor (2011), pgs 62-63

Aug-31-20/7

George Gavan Duffy, the Dáil envoy in Paris, is expelled from France after he demands action from the French President to ensure MacSwiney’s release.  He moves to Brussels.

See Sep-04-20/2.

 

Mitchell (1995), pgs 186-187

Aug-31-20/8

James Gordon or O’Gorman is abducted from Penrose Quay in Cork City by men from E Company, 1st Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade, IRA. 

According to O’Halpin and Ó Corráin, after reading the notebook found on Gordon, Sean Hegarty, O/C Cork No. 1 Brigade orders that Gordon be shot as an alleged spy.  He is taken to Knockraha and executed. 

Murphy says that Gordon was ex-BA and ex-RIC.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 170-171; Murphy (2011), pg 64; Cork Fatality Register

Aug-31 to Sep-01-20/1

Monaghan IRA, under Eoin O’Duffy, carry out a series of raids for arms on unionist houses in the Monaghan area.  These raids go badly wrong for the IRA and result in the deaths of four IRA volunteers.

In a raid on the Crawford family house outside the village of Drum, IRA Volunteer Peter O’Reilly is mortally wounded. 

IRA Volunteer Bernard Marron is killed in a raid on James McCaul’s farmhouse.  The IRA carry out reprisals on the McCauls two weeks later – James is wounded and his son Robert told to leave the country.

IRA Volunteer Owen [Mc]Keenan is wounded in another raid at Gortnanan, Threemilehouse. He dies a number of weeks later.

Volunteer Patrick McKenna is shot dead when raiding the farmhouse of William and Robert Fleming in Drumgarra.  The IRA subsequently exact revenge - see Mar-28-21/2.

In two other raids, two IRA men are badly injured.

Monaghan unionists organise local patrols to defend themselves and their property.  This eventually led to the formation of the County Monaghan Protestant Defence Association.

 

Dooley (2000), pgs 42-43; Dooley (2017a), pgs 82-83; Lawlor (2011), pg 65-67; O'Daly in The Kerryman (1955), pg 51; O’Farrell (1997), pg 113; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 171 & 179

Aug-1920/1

Workers in the bakery and mill in Bruree, Co. Limerick declare a soviet under the banner “Bruree Workers Soviet Mills – We Make Bread Not Profits”.  Countess Markievicz intervened on behalf of the owners and the soviet ended on September 3rd.

 

O’Callaghan (2018), pg 126

Aug-1920/2

During August, 148 magistrates resign. 

With regards to the republican courts, the Inspector General of the RIC notes in his August report that the “directions that the police are to attend these courts, but not otherwise interfere is undoubtedly doing harm and steadily undermining the authority of the government.  They could easily be dispersed in most cases”. 

As part of the more the stringent coercive policy (enactment of the Restoration of Order Act, introduction of the Auxiliaries, withdrawal of grants from Sinn Féin controlled local authorities, etc.), republican courts were to face widespread disruption over the coming months and were, to a large extent, driven underground. However, they still managed to function, albeit at a reduced level.

 

Macardle (1999), pg 363;  Coleman (2003), pgs 104-105

Aug-1920/4

Four officers from the Roscommon IRA receive death threats from The All Ireland Anti-Sinn Féin Society.  Within a week, three of these officers are attacked.

 

Borgonovo (2007), pg 7

Aug-1920/5

First company of the Auxiliary Division of the RIC goes into the field in Ireland. ‘A’ Company, is stationed in Woodstock House near Inistioge in Co. Kilkenny. They soon begin to make their presence felt. 

 

Walsh (2018); pg 72

Aug-1920/6

In late August, an attempt is made to burn the Church of Ireland church in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.  The IRA arrest three men – they are released after they plead guilty and agree to pay compensation.

 

Farry (2102), pg 56

Aug-1920/7

IRA GHQ issued general instructions on the forming of flying columns.  (Townshend believes that the formation of flying columns was an unintended consequence of ROIA.)

In his 2014 book, Townshend gives October 4th as the date that GHQ issued a general order on the formation of flying columns.

 

Townshend (1975), pg 114; Townshend (2014), pg 184

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