1916 Rising. GPO Evacuated. Civilian Casualties

April 28: TODAY in Irish History: 1916 Rising – James Connolly

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Today in Irish History: Curated by Conor Cunneen IrishmanSpeaks

Chicago Motivational Humorous Business Speaker, Author and History buff.

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1916: One of the bloodiest days of the 1916 rising. Commanding officer General Sir John Maxwell orders strong action against the rebels:

“The most vigorous measures will be taken by me to stop the loss of life and damage to property which certain misguided persons are causing in their armed resistance to the law. If necessary I shall not hesitate to destroy any buildings within any area occupied by the rebels and I warn all persons within the area specified below, and now surrounded by HM troops, forthwith to leave such area.”

General Sir John Maxwell

Maxwell’s orders were carried out with chilling efficiency in many cases including the deaths of more than a dozen innocent civilians at the hands of British troops in the North King Street Massacre.  British troops had suffered over 40 casualties in this inner city area of Dublin during the previous days.The top Home Office offical Sir Edward Troup, told the prime minister, Herbert Asquith: “The root of the mischief was the military order to take no prisoners.” See Guardian Newspaper report.

The burning GPO which the rebels have held since Monday April 24th is evacuated after intensive bombardment by British artillery.

Damage to the GPO

View of GPO and Sackville Street from Nelson's Pillar

OTHER EVENTS ON THIS DAY IN IRISH HISTORY

1863: Just a few days before the Battle of Chancellorsville, Brigadier-General, Commanding Thomas Frances Meagher writes a report to Major John Hancock:

“I have the honor to inform the major-general commanding the division that, in accordance with instructions received from him, I proceeded to this ford on yesterday forenoon, to relieve Colonel Kelly and take command of the brigade.

On arriving at the ford where I found the Sixty-third encamped, I learned that Colonel Kelly had, an hour previous, proceeded to the United States Ford, at which place, I was advised by the major general, two regiments of the brigade were to be stationed. Accordingly, I set out at once to the United States Ford, taking the corduroy road leading up from Banks’ Ford to the Warrenton pike, being ignorant of the River road, not having either a map or guide to direct me. I proceeded along the Warrenton pike until I reached Hartwood Church, when I took the road leading to the United States Ford, at which I arrived some time about 5 p.m., and found everything perfectly quiet, and the Sixty-ninth and One hundred and sixteenth posted there in the best order. Colonel Kelly had left something more than an hour before, to return to Banks’ Ford.”

Thomas Francis Meagher

Thomas Francis Meagher, Fenian, Civil War soldier, politician.


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This history is written by Irish author, business keynote speaker and award winning humoristIrishmanSpeaks – Conor Cunneen. If you spot any inaccuracies or wish to make a comment, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the comment button.

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