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Reference Name Covering Dates Description Size File
WO71 353Mallin, Michael (prisoner 78)5 May 1916 - 7 May 1916

File relates to the field general courtmartial of Michael Mallin [Irish Citizen Army]. The courtmartial was held on the 5th of May 1916 at [Richmond Barracks, Dublin] and was presided over by Colonel E. W. S. K. Maconchy (president), Lieutenant Colonel A. M. Bent and Major F. W. Woodward. Charges brought against Mallin 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'. Mallin pleaded not guilty to the said charges, but was found guilty of charge 1. and sentenced to 'Death', and not guilty of charge 2. Charge Sheet and confirmation of sentence included signed by General J. G. Maxwell. No specific details of Mallin's execution [8th May 1916] included in the file.

Witness statements for both prosecution and defence are included on file. Two Dublin Metropolitan Police constables were called as witnesses for the prosecution for the purpose of identifying Mallin as a member of the Irish Citizen Army. Captain H. E. Wheeler, Reserve of Officers was also called for the prosecution and he stated 'I was on duty on 30th April outside the College of Surgeons. A body of prisoners surrendered to me between 12.30 p.m. and 1 p.m. the prisoner and the Countess of Markievicz came out of the side door of the college. The prisoner was carrying a white flag and unarmed but the Countess was armed... '

Mallin called one witness for his defence, Mr. L. J. Kettle, and made a statement in which he stated that he was ordered by Countess Markievicz to take command of St. Stephen's Green on Sunday '... I had verbal instructions from James Connolly to take 36 men to St. Stephen's Green and to report to the Volunteer officer there. Shortly after my arrival at St. Stephen's Green the firing started and the Countess of Markievicz ordered me to take command of the men as I had been so long associated with them... I made it my business to save all officers who were brought in to St. Stephen's Green. I gave explicit orders to the men to make no offensive movements and I prevented them attacking the Shelbourne Hotel.' he further stated 'I indignantly repudiate any idea of assisting Germany.'

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