November 1922

Nov?

After an attempt to capture rifles from pro-Treaty soldiers goes wrong in Harcourt St in Dublin, an anti-Treaty volunteer (William ‘Kruger’ Graham) is ‘captured and shot dead in the street’.  [One of the participants, Stephen Keys, in his BMH statement, is critical of the leader of the anti-Treaty ASU, Bill Roe, for his actions during this operation.]

Dorney (2017), pg 159

Early -Nov

Anti-Treaty volunteers in Dublin carry out a series of arson attacks – or attempted arson attacks – on income tax offices in O’Connell St, Gardiner St, Bond St and Adelaide Road. They also destroy the Rotunda Theatre and the bonded stores in Sheriff St.  This is part of the anti-Treaty forces campaign to economically cripple the emerging state.

Dorney (2017), pg 210

Nov-01

Anti-Treaty Lieutenant Patrick Mulchrone is shot dead in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.  It is claimed that he was shot after he was arrested. 

Price (2012), pgs 246-246

Nov-02

Pro-Treaty forces, led by Capt Michael ‘Tiny’ Lyons encounter two anti-Treaty army men (Michael O’Sullivan and Denny Connor) at Knockanes near Headford Junction, Co. Kerry.  O’Sullivan is killed (after capture it is claimed) and Connor escapes.

Also killed on this day is Private John Caddigan.

Macardle (1998), pg 12; Horgan (2018), pg 257; Doyle (2008), pgs 211-212; O’Farrell (1997), pg 202

Nov-02

In a possible attempt to kill Richard Mulcahy, four anti-Treaty volunteers approach the sentries on Portobello Barracks armed with revolvers.  One anti-Treaty volunteer, Frank Power, is shot dead.

Dorney (2017), pg 171

Nov-02

An anti-Treaty column, under Charlie Daly, is captured at Munacool [or Meenabul], Dunlewy, Co. Donegal.  The column had not posted sentries and it was surrounded.  They surrendered without a shot being fired. Along with Charlie Daly, among the other seven anti-Treaty men captured were Timothy O’Sullivan, Daniel Enright and Sean Larkin.  The eight men arrested were subsequently sentences to death on the 18th January 1923 – see March 14th 1923.

Another anti-Treaty column, under Sean Lehane, escapes Donegal by taking a boat across Donegal Bay to Sligo.

Ozseker (2019), pg 191; Ó Duibhir (2011), pgs 210-211 & 222

Nov-03

Liam Lynch arrives in Dublin and sets up his HQ in Tower House, Santry - the home of Mr and Mrs Michael Fitzgerald and Misses Nora, Kit and Nan Cassidy.

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 277

Nov-03

In a robbery on the Post Office in the Rotunda, Dublin, an anti-Treaty ASU gets away with £2,133. 

Dorney (2017), pg 157

Nov-03

Three pro-Treaty soldiers are killed when the car they are travelling in crashes (due to speeding) at the North Wall in Dublin.  A civilian (Edward Kavanagh) is also killed.

Dorney (2017), pg 154

Nov-03

Anti-Treaty forces blow up the bridge at Meanus between Killarney and Killorglin, Co. Kerry.

Doyle (2008), pg 212

Nov-03

An eight-man patrol of pro-Treaty soldiers is attacked at Sallins railway station in Co. Kildare and one soldier (Private Francis Crampton (from Swordlestown, Naas) is killed.

Durney (2011), pg 100

Nov-04

Pro-Treaty Captain James Boyle and Sergeant Treanor are killed in an ambush at Rockmarshall in Co. Louth.

Hall (2019), pgs 112 & 150

Nov-04

Pro-Treaty Private Thomas Gallagher is killed while attending wounded at Ballineen in Co. Kerry.

Also, three pro-Treaty soldiers are shot at when guarding the drawbridge at Blennerville, Co. Kerry resulting in the death of Private Peter Conroy from Limerick.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 205; Doyle (2008), pg 211

Nov-05

Ernie O'Malley is wounded and captured at his HQ in Mrs Shelia Humphreys, Ailesbury Road.  At this time, O'Malley is Assistant Chief of Staff and Commandant of the Northern and Eastern commands of the anti-Treaty army and had just being appointed Commandant of the Western Command.  A pro-Treaty soldier, Peter McCartney from Ballinamore in Co. Leitrim is killed in this raid when O’Malley tried to shoot his way out.  (Hopkinson and Dorney say it was the 4th November.)

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 278; Hopkinson (1988), pg 211;

Nov-05

Internment orders issued against four Protestant paramilitaries in Belfast and, in the next six weeks, another 12 men had been interned and others jailed for firearm offences.  Parkinson quotes Patrick Buckland as saying that there can “no denying that this [removal of the UPA threat] could have been achieved earlier and lives saved had the [NI] government been willing to use its powers as fully against loyalists as it [did] against nationalists” – see 27th March 1922. 

 

Parkinson (2004), pgs 280-281

Nov-05

Following the arrest of eight of his men on the 1st November, Frank Carty, O/C of the anti-Treaty South Sligo Brigade, has two men shot dead as spies near Tubbercurry.  During follow-up operations by pro-Treaty troops in the area two people are shot dead.  

Farry (2012), pg 104

Nov-05

Anti-Treaty prisoner, Bob Kenny, escapes from Kilkenny Jail – perhaps with the help of a pro-Treaty sentry.

Walsh (2018), pg 208

Nov-07

IRA Volunteer John Sharry dies of wounds that he had received when the Black and Tans had shot at people outside Moymore church in Co. Clare during the War of Independence.

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 312

Nov-07

Cabinet of Provisional Government resolves that Mulcahy must in future attend all cabinet meetings (as Minister of Defence).  Up to this date, he was attending one in three.

Dorney (2017), pg 135

Nov-08

Attack by the anti-Treaty Dublin ASU, led by Bill Roe, on Wellington Barracks on the South Circular Road.  (Wellington Barracks was a holding centre for anti-Treaty prisoners. It was also where Army Intelligence was based.) They took up positions on both sides of the Grand Canal with one group (armed with a Thompson submachine gun) on a rooftop with a clear line of fire into the parade ground.  One pro-Treaty soldier, Thomas Murphy, was killed and another, James Finlay, later dies of his wounds.  Some 20 soldiers and two civilians were wounded. Another civilian, called Keane, was killed in crossfire.

In a follow-up operation, one anti-Treaty man, James Spain, was shot dead on Susan Terrace near Donore Avenue after been captured.  The anti-Treatyites named his killer as Christy Clarke. Further information on the killing of James Spain is available here: https://comeheretome.com/2013/02/04/james-spain-of-geraldine-square/

 

This attack is followed by severe abuse of anti-Treaty prisoners in Wellington Barracks.

Dorney (2017), pgs 172-173

Nov-08

A mother and son are caught in an ambush by anti-Treaty volunteers on a pro-Treaty cycle patrol at Milltown village in Co. Kerry.  Both are wounded and the son (Jeremiah McKenna) died on the 12th November.  The McKeenas lived between Milltown and Castlemaine.

Doyle (2008), pg 215

Nov-09

Anti-Treaty volunteers and pro-Treaty troops engage at Carrigneamo between Macroom and Millstreet in Co. Cork.  AT led by Sean Moylan.

McDermott (2001), pg 271

Nov-09

Pro-Treaty Sergeant John O’Callaghan is shot dead by one of his own men in Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry.

Doyle (2008), pgs 217-218 & 290

Nov-10

Erskine Childers arrested at his cousin’s Robert Barton house at Annamoe, Co Wicklow.  He had a small automatic on him given to him by Michael Collins.  Hopkinson says that he had been summoned back to Dublin by de Valera who had appointed him Minister of Publicity in his anti-Treaty cabinet.  However, Curran says that he was dissatisfied with the propaganda work he had been doing in the south, had resigned and returned to Dublin. (Dorney says 11th)

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 189; Dorney (2017), pg 2017

Nov-13

Attack by a 12-man strong anti-Treaty ASU (from South Dublin Brigade) on a 7-man pro-Treaty army patrol on Ulverton Road, Dalkey, Co. Dublin.  One pro-Treaty soldier (Corporal Samuel Webb) and one civilian (called Manning) are killed.

Dorney (2017), pg 164

Nov-13

Charles Boyce, son of the owner of a pawn shop in Michael St, Waterford City, is shot dead in a fracas in his father’s shop with three men who, it is presumed, were anti-Treaty volunteers.

McCarthy (2015), pg 114

Nov-13/14

Anti-Treaty Captain Peter O’Connell from Anascual is captured at Farmer’s Bridge, Co. Kerry along with two other anti-Treaty men after a failed ambush attempt.

On the 14th, nearly 60 anti-Treaty volunteers captured in a number of pro-Treaty sweeps in Co. Kerry.  Anti-Treaty Volunteer Michael Flynn is killed during a sweep on the Slieve Mish/Derrymore area. 

Doyle (2008), pg 218

Nov-14

The only Civic Guard killed in service during the Civil War, Garda Henry Phelan, is shot dead by anti-Treaty volunteers in a shop in Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary.  The Garda and his two companions were told to hand over their arms but, of course, they did not have any.  The killing is very unpopular. A few weeks later (see December 12th), the anti-Treaty leadership issue an order that unarmed police men are not to be fired on.  (On the 16th November, the Freeman’s Journal has an editorial saying that the Civic Guard should be treated like the DMP.)

Walsh (2018), pgs 210-211; Garvin (1996), pgs 112-113

Nov-15

General election in United Kingdom.  Only two constituencies are contested in Northern Ireland. Two nationalists TJS Harbison and Cahir Healy (an internee) are elected in the two-seater Fermanagh and Tyrone constituency with large majorities over their unionist opponents. Unionist win the other eleven seats – ten of them uncontested.  More Detail

 

Phoenix (1994), pgs 262-3; Walker (1992), pg 15

Nov-15

Twenty-five anti-Treaty prisoners escape from Kilkenny Jail

Walsh (2018), pgs 207-208

Nov-16

The anti-Treaty Director of Intelligence, Michael Carolan, compiles a list of twelve men who he believes are in the “Free State Murder Gang”.  The list includes ex-Squad members William Stapleton, James Conroy, Frank Bolster, and former IRA Intelligence Section men Sean O’Connell, Charlie Dalton, Joe Dolan and Charlie Byrne.  Also Sam Robinson and Robert Halpin and three more soldiers without a pre-Truce record.  Other anti-Treaty sources also named John Bolger and Charles McCabe. (Liam Tobin not mentioned - he was Director of Army Intelligence at the time.) 

Dorney (2007), pg 184

Nov-17

Childers brought before a Military Court.  He is sentenced with unlawful possession of a weapon, found guilty and sentenced to death.  His sentence is confirmed by the Army Council. See 24th November.

 

Macardle (1999), pg 811; Curran J M (1980), pg 257

Nov-17

The first executions under the Public Safety Bill take place.  In Kilmainham Jail, four anti-Treaty Volunteers are executed for possession of revolvers – all arrested in late October.  (Hopkinson says five.) They are 21-year old Peter Cassidy (7 Usher St., Dublin); 18-year old James Fisher (Eckland St., Dublin); 21-year old John Gaffney (3 Usher St., Dublin) and 21-year old Richard Twohig or Touhig (1 O’Connor Buildings, Dublin).  Cassidy and Gaffney were from the 3rd Battalion and the other two from the 2nd Battalion.  Tom Johnson protests in the Dáil but Mulcahy says that he knows that people will be shocked and saddened by the executions but stern measures had to be taken or assassins and wreckers would destroy the country.

 

O'Farrell P (1997), pg xxiii & 222 & 223 ; Hopkinson (1988), pg 189; Macardle (1999), pg 811; Curran J M (1980), pg 256

Nov-18

Irish Independent comes out against the government’s execution policy

Dorney (2017), pg 148

Nov-18

Pro-Treaty soldiers open fire on a demonstration supporting anti-Treaty prisoners in O’Connell St in Dublin.  One member of Cumann na mBan is killed – Lillie Bennet.

Dorney (2017), pg 163

Nov-19

Four anti-Treaty volunteers blew themselves up when laying a mine on the Nass Road near Inchicore, Dublin.  They were Captain Thomas Maguire, Lieutenant Paddy Egan and Volunteers Thomas S Whelan and Bernard Curtis.

Dorney (2017), pg 156

Nov-19

Pro-Treaty Private Michael Bailey is shot dead in an ambush on the Naas Road, Co. Kildare

Durney (2011), pg 101

Nov-20

British Parliament reassembles with Bonar Law as Prime Minister.  Two bills are introduced “Irish Free State Constitution Bill” and “Irish Free State (Consequential Provisions) Bill”.  

 

Macardle (1999), pg ?; Curran J M (1980), pgs 262-263

Nov-21

Meeting in Dublin of northern nationalists with both Sinn Féin and ‘Hibernian’ nationalists present.  They decide to continue with the policy of non-recognition of the Northern Ireland Government.  Comment 

 

Phoenix (1994), pgs 264-265

Nov-21

Anti-Treaty forces ambush a pro-Treaty patrol at Essexford on the Louth/Monaghan border.  Pro-Treaty soldier Louis Conaty is fatally wounded and six others wounded.  The anti-Treaty take theirs arms and ammunition.

Hall (2019), pg 114

Nov-22

Pro-Treaty Private Peter Behan from Great Connell, Newbridge, Co. Kildare is killed in action

Durney (2011), pg 101

Nov-24

Erskine Childers is executed in Beggars Bush Barracks in Dublin by pro-Treaty forces.  Firing squad was commanded by Paddy O’Connor.  There is a detailed description of the lead-up to and the actual execution in the O’Connor and Connolly book.

O'Farrell P (1997), pg xxiii; Macardle (1999), pg 814; Curran J M (1980), pgs 257-258; Dorney (2017), pg 211; O’Connor and Connolly (2011), pgs 127-131

Nov-24

Michael Kilroy - Commandant of the anti-Treaty 4th Western Division - is wounded and captured during a massive sweep in west and south Mayo which went on for a number of days. The pro-Treaty officer in charge said that five of his troops and 11 anti-Treaty men were killed during this operation. One of those killed is pro-Treaty Captain Joe Ruddy (implicated in the killing of J C Milling RM on March 31st 1919). Another pro-Treaty casualty was Joe Walsh who was in the West Mayo Flying Column.  Anti-Treaty casualties were Woods from Westport Quay; P. McEllin from Kiltimagh and Murphy from Galway.

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 278; Hopkinson (1988), pg 217; Price (2012), pg 236

Nov-24

Pro-Treaty Private James Murray killed in action in Castledermot, Co. Kildare

Durney (2011), pg 101

Nov-24

Resigning as Chairman of the Anti-Partition League, Lord Midleton said “Lloyd George went back on his pledges, Griffith’s soft words have borne no fruit” and he went on to complain about the lack of powers for the Senate.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 196

Nov-26

Pro-Treaty soldier Michael Casey dies in Rathmore, Co. Kerry. 

A few days earlier, pro-Treaty Private F. Mullen died from wounds that he received in an ambush at Lixnaw. Co. Kerry.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 203; Doyle (2008), pg 224

Nov-26

Ardara House at Ladytown, Co. Kildare is burned by anti-Treaty forces. Valued at £3,000.

Durney (2011), pg 137

Nov-27

Liam Lynch sends letter to the Ceann Comhairle of the "Provisional Parliament of Southern Ireland" saying that "unless your army recognises the rules of warfare in future we shall adopt very drastic measures to protect our forces."  And he states that all TDs who supported the special powers resolution shared in the guilt.  (Text of letter is given as Appendix 29 in Macardle.)  Two days later, he issues a general order to men to kill listed categories of Provisional Government supporters – TDs who supported the bill, high court judges, hostile newspaper publishers, etc. Also said that the houses of various pro-Treaty politicians and soldiers are to be burnt.

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 279; Hopkinson (1988), pg 190; Macardle (1999), pg 822; Curran J M (1980), pg 260; Dorney (2017), pg 213

Nov-27

A railway bridge on the line between Listowel and Lixnaw is blown up by anti-Treatyites.

Doyle (2008), pg 219

Nov-28-29

In the Dáil, George Gavan Duffy launches a strong attack on the government in the Dáil over the execution of Childers and the other executions.  In this, he is supported by Dr. Patrick McCartan.  The policy of executions is defended by O’Higgins and Mac Neill.  Comment

Macardle (1999), pg 815; Curran J M (1980), pgs 257-260

 

Nov-28

Pro-Treaty soldiers aboard a train from the Curragh to Dublin are ambushed resulting in two soldiers being wounded, one fatally.

Dorney (2017), pg 165

Nov-29

A letter from a pro-Treaty TD, Donal O’Rourke, appears in the press saying he has resigned.  (He says that he was a supporter of the Collins-de Valera Pact.)

 

Macardle (1999), pg 815

Nov-29

A civilian, Patrick Griffin, is killed when a Crossley tender (with pro-Treaty soldiers on board) goes out of control on Lower John’s Street, Kilkenny City.

Walsh (2018), pg 247

Nov-30

Three anti-Treatyites Patrick Farrelly (from 67 Chancery Lane, Dublin), John Murphy (56 Bellview Buildings, Dublin) and Joseph Spooner (36-37 McCaffery’s Estate, Dublin) are executed in Beggars Bush, Dublin. They were captured with revolvers and bombs after an attempt was made to blow up Oriel House on the 30th October.  When it is announced in the Dáil that these executions have taken place, they are denounced by Tom Johnson as anarchy and he demands that the military trials be made public.  He is supported by Darrell Figgis.

 

O'Farrell P (1997), pg 223 & 225; Macardle (1998), pg 816; Dorney (2017), pgs 211-214

Nov-30

Patrick Lynch of Moyrisk, Co. Kerry (O/C of 3rd Battalion, anti-Treaty Kerry No.3 Brigade) is killed by pro-Treaty forces during a raid on his house.

 

Macardle (1998), pgs 26-28; Doyle (2008), pg 225

Nov-30

Pro-Treaty man, Charles Gyles, was shot at close range by two men in Clanbrassil St in Dundalk.  According to a pro-Treaty army memo, he had been involved in intelligence work for some time.

Hall (2019), pg 112

Nov-30

Two pro-Treaty soldiers are killed in an ambush outside Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo carried out by Frank Carty’s anti-Treaty column.

Parry (2012), pg 104

End -Nov

8,338 anti-Treaty prisoners held through-out Ireland

Dorney (2017), pg 192

Nov

Plans by anti-Treaty forces to capture Baldonnel Aerodrome and bomb Leinster House and Beggars Bush barracks from the air were postponed on a number of occasions and eventually dropped altogether after the capture of Mullaney’s column – see 1st December

Durney (2011), pgs 101-102

Nov

Emmet Dalton leaves his command of the Pro-Treaty forces in Cork in mysterious circumstances.  There is difficulty getting a replacement.  After Sean O Muirthile took over for a short time, David Reynolds was appointed.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 203

 

 

 

Nov

Jock McPeake hands over the armoured car, the Slievenamon to the anti-Treaty forces.  (McPeake had driven the Slievenamon at Beal na Blath on Aug 22nd.)

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 203

 

 

 

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