|
|
 |
| File Reference |
MSP34REF12939
|
| Name |
Nellie Hughes |
| Gender |
female |
| Address detail |
| Street |
Gallows Hill, Castlebar
|
| County |
Mayo
|
| Country |
Ireland
|
| Date of birth |
1897-04-21
|
| Date of death |
1976-12-31
|
| Associated files in MSPA |
34E5963; DP10889
|
| Related files |
MSP34REF4334 (Michael Hughes, brother); MD15225 (Thomas Hughes, relation?); MD25838 (Laurence Hughes, relation?)
|
| Easter rising service |
No |
| Organisation |
Cumann na mBan |
| Rank |
Unknown
|
| Unit |
1 Battalion
|
| Company |
Castlebar Branch
|
| Brigade |
1 Brigade (West Mayo)
|
| Commanding Officer(s) |
Dr. A. McBride; James Chambers
|
| Pension Claim |
Yes |
| Award Pension |
Yes |
| Army Pensions Act 1923/1953 |
Yes |
| Type of Award |
SPASpecial Allowance (DP file)
|
| Military Service Pensions Acts 1924 |
No |
| Military Service Pensions Acts 1934 |
Yes |
| Grade |
E |
| Notes |
Awarded 1 and 25/36 years service for pension purposes in 1942
|
| Military Service Pensions Acts 1949 |
No |
| Digital file |
Scanned/digital copyMSP34REF12939 Nellie Hughes.pdf
Scanned/digital copy34E5963 Nellie Hughes.pdf
Scanned/digital copyDP10889 Nellie Hughes.pdf |
| File dates |
4 April 1935 - 16 March 1977
|
| Subject Information |
File relates to Nellie Hughes’ receipt of a military service pension in respect of her service with the Cumann na mBan in the service periods between 1 April 1920 and 31 March 1923 during the War of Independence, the Truce period and Civil War. Applicant also claimed unsuccessfully for service in the periods between 23 April 1916 and 31 March 1920 and between 31 March 1920 and 30 September 1923.
The applicant had at least one brother Michael Hughes (MSP34REF4334) active in the IRA. Thomas Hughes (MD15225) and Laurence Hughes (MD25838) of Gallows Hill, Castlebar, County Mayo were likely to have been close relations.
Nellie Hughes states that she was a member of Cumann na mBan from 1915 until 1923.
Attached to the Castlebar Branch, 1 Battalion, 1 Brigade (West Mayo), Cumann na mBan, it is stated that the applicant took part in general Cumann na mBan activity in during the War of Independence (January 1919 – July 1921) including: attending first-aid lectures by Dr. A. McBride, County Surgeon, Castlebar in the County Hospital and Rooney Hall; fund-raising; distributing propaganda; dispatch work; conveying small arms; breaking up British Army recruitment meeting and attacking speakers on platforms; throwing stones at the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC); procuring arms from the Munster Fusiliers; aiding four British Army deserters by sourcing them lodgings for a couple of weeks and providing them with civilian clothing.
In [May 1921], the applicant’s brother was wounded during fighting between IRA and Crown Forces at Kilmeena, County Mayo. Nellie Hughes claims that he recuperated at the home of Mrs. Faulkner (MSP34REF40660), The Grove, Castlebar, County Mayo.
On 21 April 1921, it is claimed on file that the Hughes family home was attacked and wrecked by the ‘Black and Tans’ (RIC) who wore masks. Nellie Hughes states that she was “taken out and ill-treated.” Claims that she was fired on by Crown Forces when she tried to escape. The applicant further alleges that all of her family, especially an unnamed brother, were “terribly beaten” and Nellie Hughes was forced to “leave and go on-the-run for six months”.
Taking the anti-Treaty side in the Civil War (June 1922 – May 1923), the applicant states that she took part in similar activity. References on file claim that she helped IRA Volunteers escape from Castlebar by having a change of clothes ready and escorting them a distance of 1.5 miles. Further alleges that she threatened individuals in the locality who were suspected spies.
File includes signed handwritten and typed statements regarding subject's service from Thomas McDonnell (1938) and E. Moane (1937). Representations were made on behalf of the applicant by Michael Ó’Móráin (Minister for Lands) (1968). Also contains a typed summary and sworn statement made by the applicant before the Advisory Committee on 11 March 1938.
File also contains material relating to Nellie Hughes’ successful application for a Special Allowance under the Army Pensions Acts including: completed application forms; doctor’s notes; medical reports; signed handwritten reports from Social Welfare investigating officers regarding applicant’s financial circumstances (1948–76) and Award Certificates. Nellie Hughes complained of various health issues including kidney trouble, nerves etc.
|
|
