The October 2019 release is the 8th release from the Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection. This release will bring the number of individuals whose files are now available online up to 9,555 entries for individuals (representing over 28,700 files).
The files relate to claims lodged by 1,540 individuals, or by their dependants, contain new and unique information on the War of Independence and the Civil War.
Taking into account all the MSPC file series (whether available online or in the Military Archives), over 97,500 files have been processed individually by the Project team to date.
The files released in October 2019 include:
- 313 service pension applications lodged by women, most of them were members of Cumann na mBan. The files provide new information on the role played by women in the War of Independence and Civil War (intelligence, arms, violence).
- Files relating to the Saltmills explosion in Wexford (12/10/1920).
- Files relating to IRA activity in Derry and Belfast (1920-1922) and sectarian fighting in both cities.
- Files relating to three Belfast Protestant IRA members including a former member of the Orange Order.
- Files relating to the wounding of Church of Ireland Rev. Thomas Wilkinson (13/5/1920) by IRA members
- Attempted rescue of Frank Carty from prison van in Glasgow in May 1921 (files of 18 individuals involved in the attempt)
- Files relating to 45 members giving excellent overview of the structure and activity of the IRA and Cumann na mBan in Manchester.
- Files relating to 9 new 1916 Rising veterans.
NOTE: Individual applications relate to applications for service pensions, claims for gratuities or awards made by dependants, claims by veterans for wounds suffered or disablement or deterioration in health due to service in the period 1916-1923 and such related matters. All applications are made and processed under relevant legislation enacted by the Oireachtas from 1923.
The researcher must be aware that one individual has more than 1 file. Some have up to seven files, generated under different aspects of the legislation as enacted from 1923 to 1973. To improve access, individual files thus created are consolidated under the relevant name.
