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File relates to the field general courtmartial of Michael O'Hanrahan [Vice Commandant, Irish Volunteers; Irish Republican Brotherhood], held on the 3rd of May 1916 at [Richmond Barracks, Dublin]. The courtmartial was presided over by Brigadier General C. G. Blackader (president), Lieutenant Colonel G. German and Lieutenant Colonel W. J. Kent. Charge against O'Hanrahan was that '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'. O'Hanrahan pleaded not guilty to the said charge, but was found guilty and sentenced to 'Death by being Shot'. Charge Sheet and confirmation of sentence included signed by General J. G. Maxwell but no specific details of Pearse's execution [4 May 1916] in the file.

Major J. A. Armstrong, Royal Enniskilling Fusiliers was called as a witness for the prosecution and his statement is included in the file. Major Armstrong identified O'Hanrahan as one of the party of men who surrendered on April 30th [1916] 'the accused belonged to one of the parties. He was in uniform and armed.' On cross examination by O'Hanrahan, Lieutenant Armstrong stated that 'All the officers appeared to be armed with pistols or revolvers. I cannot say whether he was armed or not... ' In his defence O'Hanrahan stated that he was acting under the orders of his superiors 'As a soldier of the Republican Army acting under the orders of the Provisional Government of that Republic duly constituted I acted under the orders of my superiors.'