1914
(DEC 1914) – RIC VOLUNTEERS – CORK CONTINGENT – LEAVE TODAY – The Cork city and county contingents of the Royal Irish Constabulary volunteers for the Irish Guards will leave Glanmire Terminus today by the 12.45 train. The men who are, physically, magnificent types of Irish manhood, will be sure to give a splendid account of themselves, not alone as regards knowledge and discipline, but in the field of battle, where several of their comrades have behaved with conspicuous gallantry and courage. Indeed in this relation it will be recalled that two RIC men have been promoted to commissioned rank on the field for their bravery. The contingent will march from Union Quay at 11.30 today, headed by the band of the Leinster Regiment, and accompanied by all their available comrades of the city force to Glanmire Terminus. The scene presented on the march through the city and at the railway station will be very impressive in its character, and the constabulary men, who will leave to do duty in the battle line, will carry away the best wishes of the people of the city and county of Cork.
Mr. A. Roche, MP, has announced his intention of attending at Glanmire station today to give God-speed to the departing RIC volunteers. He will avail of the opportunity to give each a suitable presentation as a token of admiration.
November 1914
(November 1914) – THE NEW ARMY – BIG CONTRACT FOR CORK FIRM – It is gratifying to record that the Lee Boot Factory have received an order from the War Office to supply 24,000 pairs of military boots for Lord Kitchener’s army. There is no doubt but the order will favourably impress the military authorities and further enhance the reputation of this well-known factory.
(DECEMBER 1914) – ARREST OF GERMAN IN CASTLETOWNSHEND – Skibbereen, Sunday. – Yesterday a German named Joseph M. Roeush was conveyed to Cork Jail from Castletownshend, by order of the military authorities. He was engaged as a servant with an English lady who recently left Castletownshend.
Irish National Volunteers marching on the South Mall, Nov., 1914
1915
'11th Casualty Clearing Station, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Overseas, 6th May, 1915. – My dear Pat, - As you saw by the papers, we arrived here last Sunday week. We landed under rifle fire, and had a large number of wounded to attend to. That evening we were camped on the beach under a high cliff, and the bullets kept pinging over us all night. On Thursday we moved up to the slope above the landing stage, but the shells were so thick that we had to evacuate the wounded and pull down all our tents again. We moved three times that day, but were shelled out on each occasion. Now we are fairly well placed. Shells have fallen within 20 or 30 yards of us, but we received great attention from one of their aeroplanes a few days ago. The pilot tried to drop bombs on us, and very nearly succeeded on Sunday, when a huge big bomb fell within ten yards of us as we were at breakfast. Fortunately it did not burst, or the mine officers would probably have been wiped out. Since then we have had aeroplanes up constantly watching for him, and the next time he comes along he will get a very warm reception. We are within three miles of the firing line, and it is very hard to sleep at night as they are constantly banging away at one another. There are some French 75s very near us; they are wonderful guns, and seem to be able to fire night and day, they are marvelous in their accuracy, and can burst shrapnel over the Turks’ lines 25 yards in front of ours. I think everybody would be very glad if peace were declared any day, as the whole business is nothing but absolute hell. I was very pleased when the 1lb of fags arrived this morning, as I was clean run out and reduced to smoking a pipe. We had some tobacco issued a few days ago, but no cigarettes. We are advancing now, and our big guns are banging away furiously. The Turks are replying, and their shells are whistling to the right and left of us, but none have actually come our way yet. The field post cards have not been issued yet, and it is very hard to find the time for writing letters. Hoping all are AI. – Your fond brother, Tom.'
‘Dear Matt – No doubt but you will be surprised at having a letter from me after such a long time, but I know you will excuse me under the circumstances. Now Matt, there is one thing I would like, and that is to have you here for a while. I bet you wouldn’t half enjoy it. It is great sport popping on the Germans, but you have to be a bit careful. I do often think of Piggott’s when I see some of those musical Germans coming. I just say there will be no more pianos for Riely to pack, and then I start to bang off. Down go Germans in galore, and the ruffians deserve all they get, for every town and village they go through they empty all the pubs, and don’t leave a drink for us. But we will pay them back when we get into Berlin.
Now, Matt, we happened to be in a fierce encounter the other day, and as I wasn’t killed then I never will be killed, as the bullets were whizzing all round me, and when the field was a bit clear I spotted a big fat German trying to make tracks for his own trenches. I let go, and blew his arm clean off. I went towards him, and found him twisting on the ground like an eel. Well, I could cry when I saw what I had done, but if I didn’t do him, he would do me. I brought him in as a prisoner, and I found he could speak broken English. He told me he was employed in a factory making pianos – (Shiedmeyer) I think it was – and I said if Mr. Partridge knew this what he would not do to me.
Well, Matt, if you saw me now you would have a good laugh. I am a proper mud lark! You know we live underground here and are partly uncivilised. Now, I haven’t time to say any more, for the Germans are starting off with their Jack Johnsons so I must go and give them a warm reception. Tell Pat I am anxiously waiting for a few lines from him or Norah. Tell Jerry Riordan I was asking about him and family. Good bye, Matt, don’t forget to write.’
‘I cannot tell you how sorry I am to be the bearer of such sad tidings, and I wish I could think of some less abrupt way of breaking to you the news of your son’s death. He was killed early this morning, very gallantly doing his duty, and I know his death will be deeply felt by the whole company. Ever since he joined the Battalion in the early autumn he has been a universal favourite. I personally feel his loss keenly. What your grief must be I hardly dare to think; at first it is impossible to realise that those who are taken away are really to be envied – all their toil and hardship are over, and they are truly at rest. I cannot give you any details of his death, but I believe he was killed instantly. I have just come back from attending the service. We laid him to rest in the British cemetery in the village, and the chaplain of the ____ Brigade read the service. Tomorrow we hope to have a cross erected over his grave so that you will be able to know where he rests. I have the ring which he always wore. I will send it back at the first opportunity. Your son was one of the most charming fellows I have ever come across, and his fine influence in the platoon will be very sadly missed.’
1916
(January 1916) – CAPTURED GERMAN GUN IN CORK – A small field gun is now on view in Patrick Street, Cork, near to St. Patrick’s Bridge. The war trophy is attracting a good deal of attention. It looks neither handsome nor massive, and is devoid of the smart trappings of the British guns. The aim of the Germans seemed to be to make with as little metal as possible an efficient weapon. Many are of opinion that should any similar war trophies come to Cork that a suitable site to place them as a compliment and recognition of the great work of the Munsters would be such districts as Fair Lane, Blackpool or the Coal Quay, for from these districts came many of the Munsters.
‘Dear Miss Murphy, - It is with the deepest regret that I write to tell you that your brother, (11398), Private C. Murphy, was killed in action on the night of the 14th of September during an attack on the German trenches. He was slightly wounded during the advance; unfortunately on his way he was hit by a shell and fell dead, killed instantaneously. One of the most popular men in the battalion, his death came as a great blow to everyone. I have been asked scores of times during the last week what happened to him, and expressions of sympathy have come in not only from the battalion but from the brigade, where his sporting qualities made him well known. I cannot tell you how much we miss him in the company, where his cheerfulness kept us going through many a hard time. Always ready to do more than his duty, ready to volunteer for any enterprise, he died, as I think he would have wished, in the thick of the fight. We are left to feel his loss, and knowing how great that loss will be to you I extend to you the heartfelt sympathy of the whole battalion, - Yours truly, J. Huggins, 2nd Lieutenant.’
‘My dear Mother, - I am sure you were surprised to get my postcard, and to see by it where I was (the postcard was not received). Well, as I often said before, there is no use in grumbling, and I am settling down to this life here in great style. As I was always an individual to settle down to new surroundings quickly. I am making the best of things here. We are really very comfortable, considering that we are prisoners. Three other fellows came practically all the way with me – not from the same regiment, and we make a nice party. As you can imagine, I have no other clothes but what I stand up in, and they are pretty badly knocked about, so as soon as you get my stuff along I want you to send me certain things out. I do not want too much, as it is difficult to get it moved about, as we are occasionally sent to different camps. Write to some of my friends for me, and tell them I am only allowed write two letters, and ask them write to me as they can do so as often as they wish. I hope you are all keeping in the best of health. I have been done out of my leave twice, but when peace is declared what a holiday I will have! It is indeed something to look forward to. There is nothing to grumble at about here – plenty of trees in the grounds and a very nice surrounding country. How I would appreciate a trip to Sherkin now. Perhaps I will have one before very long. Here one makes things as lively as possible. There is a reading-room, billiards, etc., and things are by no means dull. So, mother, dear, put your mind at ease and don’t worry about me, and look forward to the day when I will once more reach dear old Ireland. It is something to look forward to. I am in the best of health, and nothing to worry me. Send me regularly a parcel of eatables – one per week. Several of the Russian officers here and also Belgian and French speak English, and so we have a very nice time. They are fine fellows. I hope to start my French again, and by the time the war is over – which I hope will be soon – I expect to be quite proficient. The weather is glorious, and we have nothing to do but read all day long in the sun. Books are plentiful, so I am O.K. – your loving son, Jack.’
1917
‘In the Field, 1-4-’17 – My Dear Mother and Father – Just a few lines, hoping you are both well. I know you know by now about the scrap we had out here, but thank God, I pulled through without being wounded. We have lost a few of the boys. The weather out here is very hot, and we made it hot for Johnny Turk. You would smile if you saw how we have our meals. We have tea, bully beef, oxo, and biscuits, and we as happy as we can be. The only thing we are short of are cigs. Send some out as soon as you can. We are at present trying to smoke tea leaves. I was never so hard up for smokes in all my life. Also send out some cig paper. I have no more to say this time. Hoping it finds you both in the very best of health, as it leaves me at present, thank God, - I remain your ever loving son.
P.S. Mother, I was wearing a Rosary Bead around my neck when I was fighting, and it was that which saved my life. Good bye and God bless you both.’
(NOV 1917) – FETE FOR BLINDED SOLDIERS – Everything promises well for the complete success of the Grand Fete, which is to be opened at 3 o’clock this evening at the Gregg Hall, South Mall, Cork, by General and Mrs. Doran for a very worthy object, which has the sympathy of all who feel for those men who have suddenly and rudely been deprived of one of life’s most valuable assets – their sight. The greatest thoroughness has marked the work of those in whose hands the Fete is to come to success, and the hall is most delightfully fitted out. Stalls, competitions and games have all been provided for the choicest operettas by some of Cork’s best talent, will be produced. The band of the King’s Liverpool Regiment will play throughout the whole day, and the ‘Smart Set’ Dramatic Society will contribute towards further entertainment. Rarely has charity and enjoyment been so well blended, and there seems nothing to mar the prospects of a fine success for the Fete.
1918
(March 1918) – WAR TANK IN CORK – Much interest was manifested in Cork yesterday in the progress of His Majesty’s tank ‘Ezrah’ through some of the city streets. Crowds lined the route which it was announced the tank would traverse, and when it made its appearance in Summerhill the footpath and road were thronged. Owing to its great width the traffic in Summerhill was impeded, and the trams being unable to pass, had to return to King [MacCurtain] Street whilst this huge war machine was making its journey along this thoroughfare. It was the intention of the military to travel across the new bridges and along by Lapp’s Quay and the South Mall, to the Grand Parade, but as it was feared that the pipes under these streets might be injured by such great weight, this tour had to be abandoned, and many who waited in these streets for its arrival were disappointed. Instead of crossing the bridges it turned along King [MacCurtain] Street, up York Street and back to the barracks by Wellington Road, followed by a large crowd. Yesterday’s tour was for the purpose of training the crew, and not in connection with recruiting for the Tank Corps, as had been announced.
(May 1918) - THE SILVER SHORTAGE - In Cork yesterday, the improvement in the situation caused by the scarcity of silver currency was hardly perceptible. In the payment of old age pensions at the Post Office, the difficulties were again marked, and the business was, at times, held up as a consequence. The amount of new silver trickling into circulation is as yet not affecting to any appreciable extent the great shortage, and it is now clear that the practice of putting silver away, which was responsible for such heavy losses in general trading still continues.
(Sept 1918) – IRISH REGIMENTS AT THE FRONT – A striking attraction at the Coliseum Picture House, King [MacCurtain] Street, next week will be a splendid war film entitles ‘With the Irish Regiments in France.’ Screened exclusively at enormous expense, the picture depicts movements of Irish troops from the base to going over the top, and includes wonderful scenes of the Irish Guards, the Royal Irish Rifles, the Royal Irish Fusiliers, the Royal Munster Fusiliers, and other Irish regiments at work and recreation. The Rifles are shown marching past, and in the rest camp behind the line, receiving their letters, being ‘pals,’ taking tea, cleaning equipment, and so on. The Royal Dublin Fusiliers are shown at gas drill, arms inspection, and recreations, while in connection with this portion of the film a message from Rev. A. Coyle, R.C. Chaplain, to Irishmen at home, is filmed. The film of the Munsters depicts that gallant regiment returning from the line to camp, and the whole battalion passes before the audience. Life out of the trenches, depicting Irish soldiers engaged in such ordinary occupations as shaving, hair-cutting, washing up, etc, is screened; and in the case of the Irish Guards, a company of this splendid regiment is seen assembling preparatory to a ‘push,’ going over the top, crossing ‘No Man’s Land,’ and finally returning with a ‘bag’ of prisoners. The film also includes a fine show of tanks. One noteworthy feature of the whole cinema display is that the pictures are very clear, being taken at close quarters, and the face of any man filmed can be recognised by his friends.
Munster Memorial, Ypres (Ieper) Belgium
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