Custom House Burning - Part 1 / John Wilson

[seanod]

Thanks to Gormangenealogy for that. That information is in an appendix in the Dublin in Rebellion book I mentioned, on page 406. I hadn't noticed it before and it's not in the index, so thanks for pointing it out. It is very odd that these people were allowed to join the British Army or RAF with their IRA records, but I suppose circumstances change and Irish Republicans were always a mixture of different people with different politics, ranging from Communist to Fascist.

[corisande]

It is very odd that these people were allowed to join the British Army or RAF with their IRA records

I would very much doubt that the recruiting offices had either time or the facilities (ie ability to check criminal databases) to see if a recruit had an IRA past.

[Gary Deering]

Very true, They would have made great training officers for the SAS working behind enemy lines,but I am sure your right they did not know about there past.

[seanod]

True enough, I didn't look at it like that! I suppose these days you have to present a full CV but back then ...

[corisande]

...back then you just said "Where do I sign Sir?"

[CAT59]

Not sure whether people have come across the book The History of the Sinn Fein Movement and the 1916 Rebellion before but there is a list of names in the Appendix that might be of interest

http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofsinnfei00joneuoft#page/434/mode/2up

[seanod]

Thanks for that. I'll check it against the book Dublin in Rebellion: A Directory, to see whether the details tally or not. It may contain new information. I'll let you know when I get back to Ireland next Wednesday.

[Gary Deering]

I am looking forward to getting my hands on that book,Would anyone be interested in that CD rom of the British files,if a few of us clubbed in together it would take the weight out of the price.

[shanew147]

I am looking forward to getting my hands on that book,Would anyone be interested in that CD rom of the British files,if a few of us clubbed in together it would take the weight out of the price.

I have access to the Special Branch Files (Dublin Castle) data mentioned earlier - if you want to post some details I'll try to arrange a lookup for you. Much of the files are in the form of hand written notes and letters - so it's not easy to read or search..


Shane