Finding my grandfather Paddy Byrne in the 1926 census was not an easy task as outlined in an earlier post. I found a "Patrick Byrne" who matched name, age, and birthplace, but much to my and my family's surprise - it showed him as a Private in the Defence Forces (Irish Army). I was not 100% sure that this soldier was my grandfather. So, I contacted the Defence Forces Military Archive, and after establishing that I was a descendent, they sent me a copy of the service record of the man in the census!
My grandfather's service book.
Within minutes of opening the file I was certain that I had found my grandfather. He was "17 1/2" when he enlisted on 20th February 1923 - the Irish Civil War was still raging, it ended three months later on 24th May 1923. I expect that he did not see action as a new recruit so close to the end of this sad civil war. I now know from my aunt Bernie that he did not live in the family home and that he was an apprentice blacksmith. My aunt tells me that he told her years later that he "ran away and joined the army". His next of kin is listed as "Mrs M Byrne" - his mother Maggie. Note that he did not give his father as next of kin - more about this in later posts.
We have always had some confusion about the spelling of the "Byrne" surname. In 1957, when Paddy sought a passport before emigrating to Canada, a birth certificate was required. One in the name of "Patrick Byrne" could not be found, so he tried "Patrick Burns" - which worked. In the service record, his surname is given as: Byrne, Byrnes, and Burns. Also, his first name is either Pat or Patrick.
My grandfather was discharged from the army as "Medically unfit" on 21st October 1930.
Much of the documentation is difficult to read as it is provided in low resolution (to send to me as an email). I plan to visit the Cathal Brugha Barracks where I can see original file and get better copies. More blog posts to come!
Note to family:
If any members of the Byrne family reading this would like a copy of the (low resolution) Military Archive Service Record for Patrick Byrne, please PM me and I'll get a copy to you.
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