An interesting witness statement by soldier Edward Handley re his supplying arms to the Irish Citizen Army after 1916
Edward Handley witness statement
Much of this British Army service tallies with the Medal Index Card and Service Record of 8248, Corporal Edward Handley, who enlisted with the 4th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers in October 1904, aged 17years 9months. Re-enlisted in November 1910.
Entered France 9th October 1914. Awarded the 1914 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal for service during WW1.
Reduced to the ranks (Private) after deserting from 3rd May 1916. Court Martialled 27th June 1916.
Received a Gun Shot Wound to the right thigh in December 1914. Later transferred to the Labour Corps (as number 228123) and discharged in March 1919.
Edward Handley gets a mention in the witness statement of James O'Shea for his supply of arms
James O'Shea witness statement
I've just started researching this extended family Johnny, was looking for what you have just posted.
ReplyDeleteHis sister Christina Handley married Henry Cassidy who served at College of Surgeons, he was interned in Frongoch and returned to marry Edwards sister in 1917, sadly he died in 1924 aged 38/39.
His family history goes back to the 1780s in the Liberties on his Maternal side, Bride St-Kevin St,New st, and another branch to Harold X..I believe they may have been descended from a Quaker family who settled in Dublin in the early 1700s.
Any further info be gratefully received...thanks.
I missed the entry re Henry Cassidy in the witness statement.
DeleteHe was a member of No 1 Section (High St), with George Oman/Martin Kelly/Edward Burke in charge (data from Ann Matthews re the ICA). Henry was number 137. In the 1916 Rebellion Handbook he is with the batch sent to Knutsford on 3rd May 1916.
Had another look at Edward's service record. Definitely shows discharged March 1919 which is at odds with the witness statement. Always a possibility he was employed as a civilian in barracks. Wife Sarah, son Hubert, father James (?). If he was putting rifles out of the back of Portobello Barracks near Harold's Cross (Robert Emmet Bridge) he would have been near Sweeney's fruit and grocers. 1 son in the army; 1 in the Rising at the South Dublin Union and 1 later involved as a messenger for Collins etc.