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Reference Name Covering Dates Description Size File
WO71 352Colbert, Cornelius (prisoner 70)4 May 1916 - 6 May 1916

File relates to the field general courtmartial of Cornelius (Con) Colbert/Concobar O'Colbaird [Captain, Irish Republican Brotherhood; Irish Volunteers], held on the 4th of May 1916 at [Richmond Barracks, Dublin]. The courtmartial was presided over by Colonel D. Lapte (president), Major W. R. James and Major D. B. Freur. Charges brought against Colbert were that: 1. he 'Did an act to wit did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His majesty the King such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intention and for the purpose of assisting the enemy' and 2. he 'Did attempt to cause disaffection among the civilian population of His Majesty'. Colbert pleaded not guilty to the said charges, but was found guilty of charge 1. and sentenced to 'Death', and not guilty to charge 2. Charge Sheet and confirmation of sentence included signed by General J. G. Maxwell. No specific details of Colbert's execution [8th May 1916] included in the file.

Major J. A. Armstrong, Royal Enniskilling Fusiliers was called as a witness for the prosecution and stated 'On 30th April 1916 I was present at Bride Street and Patrick's Park when the British Forces were fired upon. The accused was one of a party which surrendered about 5 p.m. He was dressed in a Volunteer Captain's uniform and was armed... ' Colbert called no witnesses and his statement was 'I have nothing to say'.

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