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| File Reference |
MSP34REF9518
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| Name |
Matthew Blanchfield |
| Gender |
male |
| Maiden/Other names |
Matthew John Blanchfield
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| Address detail |
| Street |
4 Ballybough Road, Ballybough, Dublin
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| County |
Dublin
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| Country |
Ireland
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| Address detail |
| Street |
1 Clonmore Terrace, Ballybough Road, Ballybough, Dublin
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| County |
Dublin
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| Country |
Ireland
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| Notes |
Date of birth not recorded on file
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| Notes |
Date of death not recorded on file
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| Associated files in MSPA |
34SP9174
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| Related files |
MSP34REF32028 (Peter Blanchfield, brother); 24SP10810 (Thomas Blanchfield, brother)
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| Easter rising service |
No |
| Organisation |
None |
| Pension Claim |
Yes |
| Award Pension |
No |
| Army Pensions Act 1923/1953 |
No |
| Military Service Pensions Acts 1924 |
No |
| Military Service Pensions Acts 1934 |
No |
| Military Service Pensions Acts 1949 |
No |
| Digital file |
Scanned/digital copyMSP34REF9518 Matthew Blanchfield.pdf
Scanned/digital copy34SP9174 Matthew Blanchfield.pdf |
| File dates |
08 November 1934 - 17 November 1939
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| Subject Information |
File relates to Matthew Blanchfield’s unsuccessful application for a military service pension under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934. Applicant claimed membership of the Irish Volunteers in the service periods between 23 April 1916 and July 1916. He was informed that the “act does not appear to apply” as the subject had National Army service in the Civil War period.
Matthew Blanchfield states that he joined B Company, 1 Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers in January or April 1916 (both given) under the command of Captain James O’Sullivan (MSP34REF59530) and Edward Daly. References state that he was brought into the organisation by his brothers Peadar Blanchfield (MSP34REF32028) and Thomas Blanchfield (24SP10810).
During Easter Week 1916, it is stated on file that the subject mobilised and took part in fighting against British forces at North Circular Road Bridge, Phibsboro/Cabra on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, he joined the Four Courts Garrison and was engaged in fighting in the Church Street and North King Street area until the surrender. Subject states that he was arrested and interned in Knutsford Jail [England]. Frank Fahy (MSP34REF37327) TD (1937) states that Matthew Blanchfield was hit on the head with the butt of a rifle and was left “lying unconscious for some hours” which left him with lasting damages. Applicant claims that he was transferred to Frongoch camp [Wales] and interned there until November 1916 when he was released due to “ill health”. Frank Fahy TD states that subject’s brother Peadar “refused his application to be allowed to rejoin the Volunteer”.
Taking the pro Treaty side in the civil War, Matthew Blanchfield states that he joined the National Army on 29 September 1922. It is claimed on file that the subject worked as waiter in the Officers’ Mess, Portobello Barracks for one day and then was based in the clothing stores and Men’s Cook House. Reference Sean Price claims that he also worked as a bootmaker and waiter in McKee Barracks, Dublin. Subject was discharged from the National Army as medically unfit on 05 July 1924.
It is noted by Seamus Ryan TD (1936) that JJ [John S] O’Connor (MSP34REF14701) and Thomas Maguire (MSP34REF24358) could “certify … the service given by Blanchfield in the Four Courts during Easter Week” (1938). Subject also gives the names of references as Frank Fahy, James Sullivan, Patrick Houlihan, Edward Lyons, John Jordan and John Mallon.
Sean Price wrote [in 1937] that “this man will be difficult to interview as he is roaming the streets, [he] stays sometimes in Salvation Hostel, Iveagh Buildings, or almost anywhere. He is not right in the head. If the board will call him, I would do my best to have him up”. Frank Fahy TD wrote on 30 November 1937 “he is now in a very bad way, ragged and starving, living on charity and unemployment relief”.
File includes references in support of the subject’s claim from Sean Price [1937 x3]; Sean Prendergast (1937) and representations by Seamus Ryan TD (1936).
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