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| File Reference |
MSP34REF10801
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| Name |
William Chambers |
| Gender |
male |
| Maiden/Other names |
Willie Chambers
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| Address detail |
| Street |
Tallagh, Ballycroy, Westport
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| County |
Mayo
|
| Country |
Ireland
|
| Address detail |
| Street |
Dooriel, Ballycroy, Westport
|
| County |
Mayo
|
| Country |
Ireland
|
| Address detail |
| Street |
Shramore, Newport, Westport
|
| County |
Mayo
|
| Country |
Ireland
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| Address detail |
| Street |
Treenlaur, Newport, Westport
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| County |
Mayo
|
| Country |
Ireland
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| Date of birth |
1883
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| Notes |
Exact date of birth not recorded on file
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| Date of death |
1955-01-21
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| Associated files in MSPA |
34D1059; 1P674; V705; 1RBA115
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| Civilian occupation |
Small Farmer;
|
| Easter rising service |
No |
| Organisation |
Irish Republican Army |
| Rank |
Private
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| Unit |
2 Battalion
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| Company |
E Company (Shramore)
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| Brigade |
West Mayo Brigade
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| Commanding Officer(s) |
Joseph Doherty
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| Organisation |
Irish Republican Army |
| Rank |
Battalion Intelligence Officer
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| Unit |
2 Battalion
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| Brigade |
West Mayo Brigade
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| Commanding Officer(s) |
Joseph Doherty
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| Organisation |
Irish Republican Army |
| Rank |
Staff Captain
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| Division |
4 Western Division
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| Commanding Officer(s) |
Michael Kilroy; Peter J MacDonnell
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| Pension Claim |
Yes |
| Award Pension |
Yes |
| Army Pensions Act 1923/1953 |
Yes |
| Type of Award |
WPWound pension
|
| Notes |
Awarded a wound pension under the Army Pensions Act, 1934
|
| Military Service Pensions Acts 1924 |
No |
| Military Service Pensions Acts 1934 |
Yes |
| Grade |
D |
| Notes |
Awarded 5 and 1/3 years service for pension purposes in 1937
|
| Military Service Pensions Acts 1949 |
No |
| Digital file |
Scanned/digital copyMSP34REF10801 William Chambers.pdf
Scanned/digital copy34D1059 William Chambers.pdf
Scanned/digital copy1P674 William Chambers.pdf
Scanned/digital copy1RBA115 William Chambers.pdf
Scanned/digital copyV705 William Chambers.pdf |
| File dates |
30 October 1924 - 16 June 1970
|
| Subject Information |
File relates to William Chambers’ receipt of a military service pension in respect of his service with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in the service periods between 1 April 1920 and 30 September 1923 during the War of Independence, Truce period and Civil War. Applicant also claimed unsuccessfully for service in the periods between 1 April 1917 and 31 March 1920.
William Chambers states that he originally joined the Irish Volunteers in County Mayo in 1914 but did not become active until 1917. The subject claims that he served under the command of Thomas Cleary (MSP34REF3991) and helped to procure arms and construct dugouts in the 1917-18 period.
Attached to E Company (Shramore), 2 Battalion, West Mayo Brigade IRA under the command of Joseph Doherty (Battalion Commandant), it is stated that the applicant took part in IRA operations and general activity during the War of Independence (January 1919 – July 1921) including: transporting IRA men Jimmy Swift (James Swift) and Hughes (“dressed up as women”) to another village during a big round up at Skerdagh and serving as Battalion Intelligence Officer for a short period.
On 17 March 1921, the applicant states that he was leading IRA men to safety following the ‘Battle of Skirdagh’, Newport. As they were crossing “cliffs and wild mountain”, William Chambers slipped off the rocks and injured his leg. According to this medical report, the subject received first-aid and then went into hospital in August 1921..
During the Truce period, the subject states that he attended an IRA training camp at Sheean (two weeks) and Ballycroy (two weeks).
He was appointed Staff Captain at Divisional Headquarters, 4 Western Division under the command of Michael Kilroy (MSP34REF839) and Peter J MacDonnell (MSP34REF3420). William Chambers also claimed that he acted as Supply Officers at the Divisional Headquarters at Ross House, Newport, County Mayo.
Taking the anti-Treaty side in the Civil War (June 1922 – May 1923), the subject claims that he acted as Quartermaster of the Command Field Hospital at Mallaranny (Mulranny), County Mayo.
William Chambers states that he was captured on 20 December 1922 by National forces. He was imprisoned in Rump Square, Athlone [County Westmeath] and No. 2 Tintown Camp [the Curragh, County Kildare] until release in March or April 1924.
Material on file shows that William Chambers married Bridget McDonnell on 25 November 1922.
Padraic O’Donnell (20 February 1925) wrote to W. Sears TD to inform him that some individuals including William Chambers from Newport, County Mayo who had taken an “active part in the late Irregular campaign” were no applying for pensions and gratuities from the Government.
File contains a sworn statement made by the applicant before the Advisory Committee on 1 December 1936 and a statement of Michael Kilroy on behalf of applicant on 10 June 1936.
File includes a hand-written and typed references in support of the subject’s claim from PS [O Docharcaigh] (1924); M. Canon McDonnell (1925); Padraic O Maille (1925); P. [MacGriobusy] (1925); Sean [O Náradháigh] (1925); Thomas Moran (1925); Gerald Flynn (1925); Anthony Conway (1925); Thomas Moone (1925); PE Walsh (1925); Michael Kilroy (1935; 1936; 1938-39) and Thomas Cleary (Undated).
Representations were made by Richard Walsh TD (1934); E. Moane TD (1934) and Michael Moran TD (1939).
William Chambers was also awarded a wound pension in 1937 under the Army Pensions Act, 1932 for the injury he received in 1921. File includes completed application forms; doctor’s notes; marriage certificate (1922) and medical reports.
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