Military Service Pensions Collection

 

 

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File Reference MSP34REF5778
Name Michael Melican
Gender male
Address detail
Street Kiltumper, Kilmihil
County Clare
Country Ireland
Address detail
Street Glenmore, Kilmihil
County Clare
Country Ireland
Date of birth 1899
Date of death 1962-07-12
Associated files in MSPA 34E9180
Related files DP454 John Breen, brother-in-law
Civilian occupation Farmer;
Easter rising service No
Organisation Irish Republican Army
Rank Unknown
Division 1 Western Division
Company C Company
Brigade 5 Brigade
Commanding Officer(s) Patrick Clancy; Michael Killoury; Martin Shanahan
Pension Claim Yes
Award Pension Yes
Army Pensions Act 1923/1953 No
Military Service Pensions Acts 1924 No
Military Service Pensions Acts 1934 Yes
Grade E
Notes Awarded 3 and 7/12 years service for pension purposes in 1951.
Military Service Pensions Acts 1949 No
Digital file Scanned/digital copyMSP34REF5778 Michael Melican.pdf
Scanned/digital copy34E9180 Michael Melican.pdf
File dates 26 November 1934 - 18 February 1982
Subject Information File relates to Michael Melican's receipt of a military service pension in respect of his service with the IRA for part of the periods between 1 April 1920 and 30 September 1923. Applicant also claimed unsuccessfully for other periods. Claims that he joined the Irish Volunteers in August 1917 and took part in the usual activities. During the War of Independence Melican states that he was involved in: raids for arms; wounding a civilian at Knockmore who refused to hand over a gun (October 1919); mobilised for an attack on an RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary) named Hanley which was later called off (June/July 1920); on the run; blocking roads at Kilmihil; raids for mails; burning of Kilmihil military and police barracks (December 1920). Claims that he was appointed Second Lieutenant in April 1920. Further claims that he was engaged with Bill Haugh's Active Service Unit (Flying Column). Melican states that he was involved in intelligence work, including the incepting of mail, which led to the arrest at Doonbeg Railway Station and eventual execution of an individual named D'arcy - a school teacher living in Cooraclare. He claims that D'arcy had supplied information that led to the execution of individuals named Shanahan and McNamara. States that during the Truce period he spent time in training camps at Cooraclare and Tullycrine. Melican says that during the Civil War he formed and was in charge of an Active Service Unit from the locality. States he was in charge of a party that attacked the National Forces barracks at Kilmihil in which one member of the forces was killed. Mentions that he was also involved in sniping attacks and destruction of roads and bridges. Also states that he acted as Battalion Officer Commanding from September/October 1922 and was constantly involved in intelligence work. File contains: typed transcript of sworn evidence given by the claimant before the Advisory Committee, Military Service Pensions Act, 1934 (4 March 1937); R.15 sheet detailing rank on critical dates; references from Percy Cooper, Sean Flanagan and Patrick Joseph McInerney; successful application for a Service (1917-1921) Medal without Bar; one page typed signed statement signed by Melican as part of his appeal; handwritten statement submitted by claimant in support of his petition under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1949; material relating to payment of balance of pension to widow; certified copy of death certificate for Michael Melican; material relating to payment of balance of pension to widow; material relating to payment of pension to widow. Material relating to family closed.