9 replies to this topic

[mikebriggs]

I know that this subject has cropped up in a few threads previously but I was unable to find them, so I've started a new one  

Anyway in searching at the NA last month I came across a series of documents, which I think have only just been released, which throws a bit more light on the unnecessary executions immediately following the Easter Rising and the role played by the British Army.

The two documents that I am going to post are a 'Certificate of Execution' signed by Captain Whitehead (sp?) and also the plan that was devised to execute the prisoners.

In the latter document I find it quite, what’s the word? - disturbing - that although the men had not yet been found guilty the graves had already been dug and the quicklime already ordered!

The whole document makes quite sober reading and I'm sure that a similar scenario was enacted for all the men executed by the Army 1914-8.

I wonder what happened to Captain Whitehead?

If there is interest I can scan and post more of the documents (I only photocopied about 10)

cheers
Mike

[mikebriggs]

[attachment=59310:attachment]

[attachment=59311:attachment]

"Crown Copyright, held at the National Archives in piece WO35/67"

[John Hartley]

Mike

Thanks for posting this. As you know there is a related matter which cannot be discussed under Forum rules.

However, I recall past discussions about the "blank cartridge" and this might be the first bit of documentary evidence to suggest that it was actual practice. I recall reading tales of it but can't recall "evidence" before.

[Chris_Baker]

Would you please edit your post to add the words "Crown Copyright, held at the National Archives in piece" and add the piece number.

[mhifle]

Here is the listing for Captain H M Whitehead from the November 1916 Army List.

Regards Mark

[mikebriggs]

Would you please edit your post to add the words "Crown Copyright, held at the National Archives in piece" and add the piece number.

Sorry Chris, its now editied

[mikebriggs]

Here is the listing for Captain H M Whitehead from the November 1916 Army List.

Regards Mark

Thanks Mark

I can't find any mention of him in the 2/7th Battalion History so I can only assume that he moved to the Brigade/Divisional Staff and stayed there. I also can't find an MIC for him

[MelPack]

Mike

Can you post the other certificates if you have them?

They are a very striking and poignant piece of history.

Regards

Mel

[kildaremark]

For anyone who is interested:

The National Archives of Ireland have an on line exhibition on the Easter Rising - on the Bolands Mill garrison with statements by participants at http://www.nationalarchives.ie/topics/1916/index.html

The National Library of Ireland also has an on line exhibition at http://www.nli.ie/1916/


Not strictly World War 1 Chris but almost!


Mark

[Andrew Hesketh]

For anyone interested, there is a lot more about the Foresters and the Easter Rising on my site here:

http://www.derbyshirelads.uwclub.net/Men/a...son_memoirs.htm - the memoirs of an officer who led an execution
http://www.derbyshirelads.uwclub.net/Men/fc_dietrichsen.htm - an account of an officer killed in the rising.
http://www.derbyshirelads.uwclub.net/Sherw..._casualties.htm - full casualty list for the Sherwood Foresters Brigade.

A diary of events from a participant is due on the site imminently.

In the vast majority of cases above I am indebted to the magnificent John McGuiggan.