April / May 2021 Newsletter

Members Newsletter (April / May 2021)

Sunny summer greetings to all members and potential members from the Society office holders. The names and email addresses of the officers are to be found on page 1 of the MSOI Journal.

As you are aware, communication is vital to all organisations. The MSOI, in an effort to improve lines of communication between members and office holders, has set up a new collective email address, by means of which all society officer holders will get a copy of all emails sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and will be immediately aware of all proposals for improvement or expansion and even constructive criticism if it is offered. We urge you to send your views by email and participate in the further development of the society. Special thanks to the few who to date have given feedback on recent activities especially in relation to the zoom presentations.

Is it coincidental that when I look up at the wall of my home office I see the print of The Landing of Troops from H.M.T. River Clyde, by Charles Dixon, that today is 25th April, the fateful day when that collier was run aground in 1915 at V Beach on the Gallipoli peninsula. Thankfully, it’s not 6:30 a.m. now, but mid-day in the Irish midlands. The picture shows representations of the soldiers of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, Royal Munster Fusiliers and Hampshire Regiments. Many of these young men were shot as they disembarked and the sea around the landing zone turned, we are told, red with their blood. All or most were buried there. This landing is characterised by countless deeds of endurance and heroism on both sides. Perhaps there is some comfort to be found in the words:

"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.
Therefore rest in peace” (Kemal Ataturk)

The multiplicity of detail in this picture of soldiers pouring out of the ship “into the jaws of death” prompts me to think of the importance of the research activity on the part of MSOI members and a need to extend knowledge of those who fought and died in the colours at that time. The scene depicted by Dixon is poignant and I study it often. I purchased this print copy many years ago at a Medal and Militaria Fair. Let’s hope these events will be back again in the not too distant future.

Progress since March Newsletter

Zoom Communications

On Monday 19th April our second lecture took place. For the benefit of those who were unable to attend a brief summary of the lecture and the accompanying Show and Tell is given here. Above all, it was a resounding success. Thanks for all the positive feedback to the society and congratulations especially to the key note speaker, Gordon Power.

Gordon Power - Military Genealogy
For me, this lecture was the perfect beginning to learning about the importance of research (the person behind the medal) and in particular the difficulties that may be encountered when using the various search engines/platforms. Having recently joined Ancestry, Gordon identified all my feelings of frustration experienced to date. But his recounting of his handling of the records and solutions to researching problems was invaluable.

To take one example, his search for a Wexford soldier was solved when he realised that the hand written word ‘Wexford’ had been entered as Oxford in the Ancestry system. Thus he found the person he was searching for.

I could recommend Gordon’s presentation as compulsory viewing for all serious and new researchers. I look forward to listening to him again when the recording is available.

Show and Tell

Two items were presented

Darrell McKinley showed us a Military MBE, Military Medal, 1914-15 trio and defence medal to Lieutenant Percival Weller, 7th Bn Royal West Kents from his own collection. Weller won his MM for gallantry at Albert in 1916 and was also awarded a Divisional commendation that accompanied the group. Weller then served in "K" Company of the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary at the time of heightened levels of violence in Cork and district. Weller was confirmed as one of about 50 Auxiliaries who was present during the infamous burning of Cork. His MBE was awarded in 1944 as a Captain in the Kent Home Guard.

Dermot Sparrow showed a wonderful Illuminated Scroll to District Inspector Sparrow, a close relative who served in the Royal Irish Constabulary and briefly gave a summary of a very interesting career in policing. This was a lovely example of family history and memorabilia. Several attendees believed they could add to his story and offered to do so.

We thank both Darrell and Dermot for participating in this section of the meeting and invite others to get in touch and have a go.

Dates for your diary

It has been agreed that the 3rd Monday of each month will be the date of the future Zoom lectures.

We have a great lineup of speakers for the coming months - mark your calendar.

Date Topic Speaker

17th May Crowning Glory Robbi Peel

21st June 1866 Chassepot, French Arsenal and Foreign makes
The Inter Alllied Victory Medal Martin McDwyer
Paul Field

19th July The Black and Tans Jim Herlihy

16th August Spike Island's Republican Prisoners, 1921 Tom O'Neill

20th September Collected Memories
Weapons of the Irish War of Independence Conor Dullaghan
Kieran McMullen

18th October Irish Doctors in the Second World War Pat Casey
Kevin Cullen
Joe Duignan

Date	Topic	Speaker
17th May	Crowning Glory	Robbi Peel
21st June	1866 Chassepot, French Arsenal and Foreign makes The Inter Alllied Victory Medal	Martin McDwyer Paul Field
19th July	The Black and Tans	Jim Herlihy
16th August	Spike Island's Republican Prisoners, 1921	Tom O'Neill
20th September	Collected Memories Weapons of the Irish War of Independence	Conor Dullaghan Kieran McMullen
18th October	Irish Doctors in the Second World War	Pat Casey Kevin Cullen Joe Duignan

Work in Progress

We are attempting to draw up a protocol or guide lines for good Zoom etiquette. We seek recommendations so that the Zoom presentations will run even more smoothly in future. Many of these are common to "in person" meetings and also "common sense". This is a different platform for those who take responsibility for the society I.T. and is a learning process for all.

It is hoped to use Zoom controls to mute all attendees except for the presenting guest, although to avoid unnecessary distractions when a speaker is presenting, all microphones and mobile phones should be muted.
The Spotlight facility is intended to be used so that the speaker is full screen but please be aware that if your camera is on, you may be visible on grid view to other attendees and should behave appropriately.
The chat facility must be used exclusively to raise questions through the chair. This facility is not intended to facilitate online communication between those present.

While there may be some limited time for members and visitors to chat on line before the formal commencement of the meeting, once the meeting begins all discussion must be managed formally through the chairperson.
When a visitor/guest or member of the society wishes to comment or raise a question, this should be done through the “hand facility” on Zoom. There is also a facility to raise questions through the chat facility.

The above rules are necessary to facilitate the smooth running, safety and enjoyment of the meeting for all present. We appreciate that the use of technology can be a little difficult at times, so we will explain how to use some of the features on Zoom at the start of our meetings.

Journal

Currently "At the Printers" and we are pleased to announce that the Journal will be issued shortly BUT is your subscription paid up to date? Journal publications have associated costs of printing and posting and the society needs member renewal fees in order to function. Articles for future journals are requested. Original, well researched articles, including reference to sources, are welcome.

Liam Corcoran

Membership Secretary

Medal Society of Ireland