Patrick Lawson - a member of "The Squad"

[corisande]

Striker wrote on the Squad thread , but then disappeared

Reference 'The Squad', I have a copy of my Grandfather's (Patrick Lawson) witness statement from the Bureau of Military History, Military Archives and he states that he joined the squad in March 1921. His enrolment into the squad with two others brought the unit up to 21 in strength, broken into three groups under the command of Joe Leonard, Tom Keogh and Jim Slattery. Paddy Daly was in charge of the entire squad.   

I know that on Bloody Sunday Patrick Lawson was told to go ‘ to some house in Phibsboro’, but when Sunday came another order arrived telling him not to go.

And that on Bloody Sunday an operation near the North Circular Road did not come off as the target, a Lt-Col, had left the house the day before and there was nobody at home when the Volunteers called. The raid was carried out by the 1st Battalion

Perhaps we can tempt Striker out of retirement, or perhaps anyone can add anything about this raid (always difficult to get information on failed raids)

[striker]

Hi All

Striker here.

Sorry for my absence.

Got a bit distracted researching another relative who served in World War One with the British Army.

Ref: Patrick Lawson and "The Squad". I'll check his witness statement to what he wrote about Bloody Sunday.

Striker

[margnip2]

Welcome back Striker, family history it takes you to so many different places   Hoping to find out more about my Granddad in July.  Seems he may have been involved in bloody Sunday, will report back either way.

[striker]

Hi all, Striker here.

The following text is what my grandfather, Patrick Lawson said about his involvement in 'Bloody Sunday' in his witness statement. At the time he was a member of F Company, 1 Battalion, Dublin Brigade and his Company Commander was Paddy Holohan. He did not join 'The Squad' until March 1921.

His exact text reads:

Bloody Sunday.
'On the night before Bloody Sunday, 21st November, 1920 Paddy Holohan, our Coy O/C. instructed us to present the following morning at 41 Parnell Square at ten minutes past eight. He told us that we were to carry our guns. Six of us were detailed and reported next morning at the appointed time. Paddy Holohan arrived and told us to go home as the job had been called off. The only information he gave me was that we were to have gone to some house in Phibsboro'. He just mentioned this in a casual conversation afterwards when the results of Bloody Sunday were known.'

Hope that helps.

Striker

[corisande]

Thanks Striker,

 very good of you to look up his witness statement

[strathmore]

Hi corisade, I too hope we can get striker out of retirement, as it appears Patrick Lawson is also my Grandfather and I am very interested in finding out more about him and especially in getting a picture of him, the photo on striker's postings show a picture of a young  man in uniform which I presume to be that of Patrick Lawson . If you have any photo I would be very interested in somehow obtaining some copies.  I searched the Archives in Glasinvein in 2010
and found he is indeed buried in Glasnevin, and upon an advanced search also found that he is in the same plot as his Mother & Father (Samuel & Catherine)

Look forward to a reply
Strathmore