From Lyn and Keith Edmonds

1 November 2009

Dublin Castle Location

One of our areas of interest resulting from several visits to Gallipoli in the past couple of years is Dublin Castle. (Lyn’s grandfather was in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and we believe he must have been at Dublin Castle at some time). Initially, we were not sure what it was nor where it was – but we were determined to find out.

Based on the extensive research that we have done including War Diaries and trench maps we developed a theory on both its existence and location.

There is reference in an RDF War Diary stating that General de Lisle decided to call a blockhouse ‘Dublin Castle’ - commemorating the work done by members of the RDF in securing it and its immediate vicinity as part of the front line.

There is also a diagram in one of the War Diaries that includes Dublin Castle – but the diagram has no location, orientation or scale. However, by carefully researching trench maps, it has been possible to identify an area on the maps that closely resembles the diagram.

Using Google Earth and experience gained from our own trips, it has been possible to locate this area on the ground and in September this year we were able to fit in a further trip to ‘prove’ our theory.

We set off during our visit to walk the area – knowing exactly where we were headed, but not sure what we would find. One part of the War Diaries diagram shows the blockhouse to be near a wall. Imagine our delight when arriving at the exact point we believed to be Dublin Castle, we found a wall - exactly where predicted!

We spent a lot of time walking the area around ‘Dublin Castle’ and after several visits to the site on different days, remain convinced that we have identified its location. The wall itself and the position of several ditches nearby which look like they may have been part of the old trench system, including a large communications trench which is now a stream (dry at the time of our visit) all seem to support our theory.

We are currently writing up the work we have done for publication, but whilst doing this, thought we would share our conclusion with members of the forum.

This is that Dublin Castle was a blockhouse, very close to the main front line, at:

40°19'1.93"N, 26°16'49.04"E

Its location can be seen via Google Earth and is marked with a push-pin on the map provided.

For reference, we have scaled the map to include Azmac Cemetery (top left) to make its location more obvious for those who do not know the area so well.

We have several pictures of the area and will post some of these as time permits.

2nd try - map with pin visible

As I understand it the line which solidified into the final positions in this area was that which marked the furthest positions held by 163 Brigade following their 12 August action.

In their reports the 8th Hants refer to a position known as Carisbrooke Castle (an Isle of Wight Castle), was this later re-named as Dublin Castle, which would have been wider known, and as the 8th Hants, IoW Rifles did not return to this sector, their name fell into disuse. It is my understanding that we neither advanced from or gave up the positions they held.

The trench maps I have seen do not give a clear indication of the sunken road held by 163 Brigade during 13th and part of 14th August, but I note from the GE picture that in the area you have identified a road/ track is visible.

While you almost certainly have identified the correct spot, I think I must put in a claim for the lads of 163 Brigade in capturing and holding that area, if my theory about Carisbrooke/Dublin Castle is correct.

If I am wrong then it is odd that two feature became known as castles and yet they cannot be far from each other.

Gareth

Lyn and Keith

Thanks for the Google flag and GPS Lat/Long.

Definately on my must do list next April

Peter

I came across this in the Brigade War Diary, I don't know if you have it. There is another page if you want it - I just bunged this here temporarily as I ma sorting the NA bundle at the moment. It seems to state that "Dublin Castle" was 2 blockhouses, rather than one

Thanks very much for posting this; it is very useful supplementary material for us.

Although the RDF diary reports that General de Lisle visited the 'blockhouse' at 10.30am on Oct 7th and said it was to be known as Dublin Castle, the diary entry further on refers to 2 blockhouses/huts. These would correspond with the brigade report and indeed would help to explain the development in that area at a time when the 2 huts were originally E of the firing line.

Thanks again
Lyn

The job lot that NA sell along with RDF War Diaries that I actually wanted, includes the brigade diaries. They are on NA337 pages 084, 085, 086 and 087 if you have the job lot

There may be more as I am not reading them at the moment, just descrambling the PDF files that you get from NA for your £3.50.

I was quite taken with the hotel you recommend there - we will try to get there next April probably - it looks really nice

I assume this is the map you found in the War Diaries. It shows location in relation to trenches

yes, we have managed to correlate this sketch diagram with trench maps and as you can see there are 2 squares marked and an old blockhouse.

We found remnants of the wall in this area after walking extensively and researching a 'fit' to the present terrain.

(See my original message for full details of location)

Kind regards
Lyn