18 Military Mission War Diary
War Diary of number 18 Military Mission, UK National Archives
Reference WO 178/2. Based in Northern Ireland,
1940-1942. Provided liaison duties between British Troops
in Northern Ireland (B.T.N.I.) and the Irish Army.
1940
6 Jun 0800 Major M. H. ap R. Pryce
arrived DUN LAOGHAIRE. (Previous to this a staff conversation
had been held on 25 May. Eire Army produced statement of
organization and of situation in country as regards
administrative matters)
7 Jun Pryce introduced to
J.P. Walshe (Secretary to Dept. of External Affairs) by Sir John
Maffey (U.K. Representative to EIRE).
8 Jun Pryce interviewed
Mr. Walshe and Col. Liam Archer (Chief Staff Officer i/c G.2.
- Intelligence - Branch)
10 Jun Pryce spent evening
with Mr. Walshe and Col. Archer.
17 Jun Pryce had an
interview with Col. Archer.
20 Jun Pryce had an
interview with Col. Archer.
2 Jul Pryce had an
interview with Col. Archer.
5 Jul Major General J.M.R.
Harrison C.B., D.S.O. went to Northern Ireland to take
over as G.O.C. Mission.
8 Jul Lieutenant T.B.
Weldon (Princess Louise's Kensington Regt. ) reported for
duty as I.O. and Lieutenant H.F.B. Tregaskis (General
List: Intelligence) reported for duty as Cipher Officer to the
Mission.
9 Jul Major General
Harrison assumed command of Mission. Pryce interviewed Col.
Archer.
10 Jul Major S. Hales
Pakenham-Mahon (E. Yorkshire Regt.) reported for duty as
D.A.Q.M.C.
12 Jul Pryce met Major
General Harrison in M.O.8 War Office.
13 Jul Capt. R.W.C.
Reeves (Royal Corps of Signals) reported for duty as
Signals Offr.
14 Jul Capt. K.G.
Comerford Green (Wiltshire Regt.) reported for duty as
I.O.
15 Jul Major Byas,
Staff Officer, N.I.D. imprisoned by EIRE authorities after
obviously reconnoitring with a map.
16 Jul Lieut. Weldon left
LONDON i/c Mission transport by road for LISBURN via
STRANRAER/LARNE.
18 Jul Major Byas
released.
19 Jul Major
Pakenham-Mahon, Captains Reeves, and Green and Lieut Trogaskis
left LONDON with main party of Mission. Lieut. Weldon
arrived with transport at STRANRAER.
20 Jul Major Pakenham
Mahon, Captains Reeves and Green and Lieut Tragaskis sailed from
STRANRAER and disembarked at LARNE, then proceeding to H.Q.,
British Troops in Ireland. (Mission attached to VI Corps H.Q.
for rations and accommodation). Lieut. Weldon arrived same day.
24 Jul Major Pryce and W/Comdr.
Lywood picked up Col. Mulcahy (Chief of Army Air Corps) at
BALDONNEL and drove him to CURRAGH.
31 July Major Pryce visited
General Harrison at Mission.
1 Aug Pryce drove Gen.
Harrison to DUBLIN where the latter stayed with Sir John
Maffey.
In
afternoon Gen. Harrison had an interview with Mr. Walshe and
then with Mr. de Valera.
2 Aug Gen. Harrison had an
interview with Mr. de Valera, Mr. Aiken (Minister for
Co-ordination of Defence) and Mr. Traynor (Minister for Defence)
4 Aug Pryce drove General
Harrison via ROSCREA to CHOGHAN Co. ROSCONON where the night was
spent with Capt. French.
5 Aug Pryce and General
Harrison drove via SLIGO, BUNDORAN, SWANLINBAR,
ENNISKILLEN, back to BELFAST. A road report was submitted.
6 Aug Pryce drove back to
DUBLIN.
19 Aug Capt. The Hon W.
J. French assumed the appointment of A.D.C. to the G.O.C.
Mission.
23 Aug Pryce drove to
BELFAST.
24 Aug Pryce visited
Mission and returned to DUBLIN.
26 Aug Gen. Harrison
arrived DUBLIN accompanied by Capt French.
27 Aug Con. Harrison
accompanied by Maj. Pryce interviewed Mr. Walshe.
28 Aug Gen. Harrison
accompanied by Maj. Pryce interviewed Mr. Aiken.
29 Aug Gen. Harrison left
DUBLIN.
31 Aug Maj.Pryce
interviewed Col. Archer.
6 Sep Maj.Pryce interviewed
Col. Archer.
10 Sep No. 8 Det. 45
Wireless Sec (Strength 4 O.Rs, one No. 9 set) arrived and
reported to 6 Comd Sigs. who will retain the Det. at the
disposal of 18
Mission.
Maj. Pryce did road recce:
230 miles.
13 Sep Maj. Pryce
interviewed Col. Archer.
17 Sep Pryce drove to
LISBURN visited 18 Mission and drove back to DUBLIN.
20 Sep Maj. Pryce did road
recce to WATERFORD and back.
22 Sep Maj. Pryce did road
recce round COLLINSTOWN.
23 Sep Gen. Harrison
arrived DUBLIN.
24 Sep Gen. Harrison
accompanied by Maj. Pryce interviewed Mr. F.H. Boland (Asst.
Sec. Dept. of External Affairs)
25 Sep General Harrison
left DUBLIN
28 Sep Maj. Pryce did road
recce to VALENCIA with Lord Monteagle.
29 Sep Maj. Pryce did rd
recce to BLARNEY.
30 Sep Maj. Pryce did rd
recce back to VALENCIA.
1 Oct Maj. Pryce did rd
recce back to DUBLIN
4 Oct Maj. Pryce did rd
recce back to WEXFORD and back.
7 Oct Maj. Pryce did rd
recce.
8 Oct Maj. Pryce did rd
recce back to DUBLIN via ENNIS, LOUGH REA and ATHLONE.
14 Oct Maj. Pryce drove to
Mission and returned to DUBLIN with Gen. Harrison.
15 Oct Maj. Pryce drive
Gen. Harrison round Adv. Base area.
16 Oct Gen. Harrison,
interviewed Mr. Walsh, Gen. McKenna (chief of Staff, EIRE Army)
and Col. Archer
17 Oct Gen. Harrison left
DUBLIN.
24 Oct Maj. PRYCE drove Maj.
Rowbotham (S.O.R.E, B.T.N.I) round adv. Base Area.
28 Oct ? Maj. Pryce visited
M.O. 8.
31 Oct 2/Lt. S.C.L.
Maffey (Coldstream Guards) assumed appointment as I.O. to
18 Mission.
4 Nov General Harrison
arrived DUBLIN. Maj. Pryce and Wing/Comdr. Lywood (Air
Attache) saw Col. Archer.
5 Nov Gen. Harrison saw Mr.
Walshe, Gen. McKenna and Col. Archer.
6 Nov Gen. Harrison lunched
w1th American Minister and left DUBLIN.
18 Nov Maj. Pryce arrived
at Mission.
19 Nov Maj. Pryce at
Mission.
20 Nov Maj. Pryce returned
to DUBLIN with Lt. Col. Wade (D.A.Q.M.C., B.T.N.I.) and
Maj. Cheney (D.A.P.B.), rd recce on way
21 Nov Maj. Pryce drove
Col. Wade and Maj. Cheney round Adv. Base Area.
27 Nov Major Beard (6 Comd
Sigs) and Major Pryce had an interview with Co. Archer in
DUBLIN. Major Beard handed Col. Archer a list of questions
concerning technicalities of the telephone layout in the DUBLIN
Area.
30 Nov Maj. Pryce visited
mission and returned same day.
6 Dec Maj. Pryce and and
Wing Comdr Lywood took Col. Archer out to lunch.
9 Dec Maj. Pryce visited
Mission and returned same day.
23 Dec Maj. Pryce left
DUBLIN and visited M.O. 8.
27 Dec Maj. Pryce visited
M.O. 8.
28 Dec Maj. Pryce arrived
DUBLIN.
1941
1 Jan
W/Comdr. Lywood & Maj. Pryce interviewed Col. P. Mulcahy
(Chief of Eire Army Air Corps).
15 Jan Maj. Pryce visited
18 Mission and returned to DUBLIN.
18 Jan Maj. Pryce visited
18 mission and returned to DUBLIN.
25 Jan Maj. Pryce visited
18 Mission and returned to DUBLIN.
Jan Mission
took part in 53 Div War Game, as a result of which certain
observations were made by the Mission, and a copy of them was
forwarded to
M.O. 8.
The remarks by M.O. 8 on these notes were
dated 5 Feb. 41.
7 Feb Maj. Pryce visited
Col. Mulcahy at his house.
14 Feb Capt. R.W.C. Reeves
relinquished appointment of Signals Officer to Mission.
16 Feb Gen. Harrison
arrived in DUBLIN.
17 Feb Gen. Harrison saw
Mr. Walshe, Gen. McKenna and Col. Archer.
18 Feb Gen. Harrison left
DUBLIN.
20 Feb Maj. Pryce saw Col.
Archer and visited 18 Mission.
21 Feb Major Pryce called
at M.O. 8.
24 Feb Major Pryce visited
18 Mission
25 Feb Major Pryce returned
to DUBLIN. saw Col. Archer
28 Feb Major Pryce went to
18 Mission.
2 Mar Major Pryce returned
to DUBLIN.
3 Mar No. 8 Det. 45
Wireless Sec (strength 4 O.Rs, one No. 9 Set, put on strength of
Mission.
W/Comdr Lywood and Major Pryce lunched with Mr. Walsh.
4 Mar Major J. Hill
(D.A.A.G., B.T.N.I.) accompanied by Major Pryce, made a road
recce.
6 Mar Major Pryce visited
Mission, carrying out recce on way.
10 Mar Major Pryce saw Col.
Archer, Brig. P. Gregson-Ellis (BGS, BTNI) arrived DUBLIN,
lunched with Sir John Maffey, and met Mr. Walshe, Gen.
McKenna and Col. Archer.
11 Mar Major Pryce made rd
recce with B.G.S. who left DUBLIN in p.m.
19 Mar Lieut T.B. Weldon
appointed Acting Captain.
20 Mar Major Bailey (M.O.8)
arrived DUBLIN.
21 Mar Majors Bailey And
Pryce saw Col. Archer.
22 Mar Major Bailey left
DUBLIN.
27 Mar 2/Lt. Baring
appointed Signals Officer to Mission.
28 Mar Gen. Harrison
Arrived In DUBLIN on farewell visit, and left in afternoon.
1 Apr Gen Harrison gave up
comd. Of Mission and was replaced by Major Pryce with rank of
T/Lt.Col., and local rank of Brigadier.
2 Apr Brig. Pryce visited
Mission.
3 Apr Brig. Pryce met Capt.
Lachevre, French Military Attaché at lunch.
5 Apr Brig. Pryce took
Brig. Cuff (D.A. & Q.M.G., B.T.N.I.) and Lt. Col. Sharpe
(D.A.Q.M.G.) round adv. Base Area.
7 Apr Brig. Pryce took
Major J. Roche Kelly R.E. (D.A.Tn.) round DUBLIN Docks.
8 Apr 2/Lt. Baring
appointed acting Captain.
11 Apr Brig. Pryce took
Hawkins and Colley, two R.A.F. experts, to BALDONNEL where Col.
Mulcahy allowed them to examine salvaged parts of a wrecked
German aircraft.
15 Apr Major J.W. Wofford,
U.S. Military Attache introduced to Brig Pryce by U.S. Minister
Mr Gray who sanctioned the closest co-operation.
16 Apr Brig Pryce visited
mission and returned to DUBLIN following day.
20 Apr Capt. Green and Dvr.
Jenkins arrived in DUBLIN.
21 Apr Capt. Green in
Office in DUBLIN. Dvr. Jenkins recced routes in City.
22 Apr Brig. Pryce and
Capt. Green saw Col. Archer and then lunched with Major Wofford,
U.S. Military Attache.
23 Apr Brig. Pryce
travelled to Mission by road with Dvr. Jenkins, and by air to
War Office.
24 Apr Brig Pryce arrived
at War Office.
28 Apr Brig. Pryce saw
C.I.G.S, re supply of equipment to EIRE.
29 Apr Brig. Pryce visited
Air Ministry and U.S. Embassey.
30 Apr Brig. Pryce returned
to Mission by air.
1 May Brig Pryce went by
train to DUBLIN.
3 May Capt Dewhurst recced
vicinity of DUBLIN.
Brig. Pryce saw Col
Archer.
8 May Brig. Pryce visited
Mission.
10 May Capt. Baring (Sig.
Offr. 18 Mission) arrived DUBLIN.
11 May Brig. Combe (Comd.
71 (L of C) Bde) and Maj. Keeson (his Bde. Major) accompanied by
Brig. Pryce made a recce of L of C, visiting DUBLIN,
DROGHEDA, DUNDALK, COLLINSTOWN and BALDONNEL.
12 May Brig Pryce and Capt.
Baring saw Col. Archer.
14 May Capt Weldon arrived
in DUBLIN and familiarized himself with the Office and its
personnel. At lunch he met Senator Douglas and Mr
Beteman ??
[Hand
written name]
15 May Brig Pryce drove
Capt Weldon round the outskirts of the City to see roads,
aerodromes etc.
21-23 May Brig Pryce
visited Mission.
25 May Major H A
Borradaile, the Devon Regt. arrived DUN LAOGHAIRE as C.S.O. II
18 Mission and Military Attache.
27 May Major Borradaile
introduced to Col. Archer by Brig. Pryce. Lieut. Maffey
relinquished appointment as I.O. to mission.
29 May Brig. Pryce and
Major Borradaile visited Mission, returning same day.
30 May Brig Pryce saw Col.
Archer and Col. Flynn (Plans and Ops Branch) and Commt.
Collins-Powell (A/Commt. Curragh Military College and Chief EIRE
Liaison Officer
designate). Visit to B.T.N.I. arranged.
30 May to 1 Jun Brigadier Gowland (C.E.
B.T.N.I.) carried out a recce of 5 Div routes in Eire
1 – 3 Jun Lieut Tregaskis
arrived in DUBLIN 1 Jun and familiarised him self with the
Officer and its personnel. He was shown the exits to the
city by Major Borradaile.
2 Jun Brig. Pryce drove
Lieut. Tregaskis round MALAHIDE – SWORDS – COLLINSTOWN etc.
3 Jun Lieut. Tregaskis was
driven back to B.T.N.I. by Brig Pryce via ATHBOY – KELLS where a
road recce was made.
The following EIRE Officers arrived before
lunch at H.Q., B.T.N.I. and were met by Brig. Pryce and Major
Pakenham-Mahon:- Majors Flynn (Ops
Branch) O’Sullivan
(A.R.P.) and Lillis (D.S. & T.) and Commt.
Collins-Powell. The afternoon was spent in flight over
BELFAST from SYDENHAM.
1745 The
above met Major Hill in his office for a conference. Brig.
Cuff and Col. Turnham were present for a time.
4 Jun EIRE Officers were
introduced to various B.T.N.I. Officers including B.G.S.; rest
of morning was spent in visited bombed areas, concluding with an
interview with Brig.
Watson. In the afternoon the party attended an A. Tk shoot
by 9 Fd. Regt.
1715
Conversations were resumed in Major Hill’s Office.
5 Jun Conversations with
EIRE officers in morning.
Inspection of ALDERGROVE and discussions
about defence of aerodromes in afternoon. Party returned to
DUBLIN in evening.
Brig.
Pryce drove Lieut Christopherson (I.O.) to DUBLIN.
6-8 Jun Brig. Pryce, Major
Borradaile, and Lieut Christopherson recced roads.
9-11 Jun Capt. Taylor
(S.C. Roads, (Q.M.G) B.T.N.I.)carried out a recce of roads in
Adv Base Sub-Area, MALAHIDE – SWORDS – BALBRIGGAN.
12-13 Jun Brig. Pryce
visited Mission.
14-16 Jun Major Orr
(G.S.O. 2 Ops, 3 Corps) made a recce of 3 Corps routes in EIRE.
17 Jun Major Wofford (U.S.
Military Attache) called at office for discussion and
consultation.
18-20 Jun Mission No. 9 Set
and 2 No. 9 sets of C.S.O. carried out listening tests to EIRE
Sigs. arranged to familiarise British Sigs with Irish
Procedures.
20 Jun Brig. Pryce visited
Mission.
21 Jun Brig. Pryce drove Lt.
Col. Whitefoord (G.M.O. 1 B.T.N.I.) (I)) to DUBLIN.
Latter was shown Aerodromes and Adv. Base Area.
22 Jun Brig. Pryce and Col.
Whitefoord saw Col. Archer.
23 Jun Brig. Pryce and Col.
Whitefoord lunched with Major Wofford.
26 Jun Mission received No.
67 wireless set.
Brig. Pryce and Major
Borradaile arrived at Mission.
27 Jun A/Lieut.
Tregaskis appointed A/Capt. Brig. Pryce and Mj.
Borradaile returned to DUBLIN.
28 Jun to 1 Jul Major Parks-Smith,
G.S.O. (R.E.) in Directorate of Combined Operations visited
DUBLIN from 28 Jun to 1 Jul.
29 & 30 Jun Major Parks-Smith
accompanied Major Borradaile on a recce in the area
KINSALE – CORK – YOUGHAL – WATERFORD.
1 Jul Brig. Gregson-Ilic
(B.G.S., B.T.N.I., Major P. Scott (C.S.O. 2, B.T.N.I.) Major
Hill (D.A.A.G., B.T.N.I.) and Major Orr (C.S.O. 2, 3 Corps)
arrived in DUBLIN for conversations; lunched with Col. Flynn at
Plans and Ops Branch in Private Secretary’s Lodge in Phoenix
Park. And discussed evacuation of DUBLIN and move south of
British forces, until 8 p.m.
2 Jul Party, together with
Brig Pryce and Major Borradaile did a 400 mile recce LIMERICK –
near CORK – KILKENNY, accompanied by Cols. Archer & Flynn
and Major Collins-Powell and other EIRE Officers.
Major Hill recced DUBLIN and discussed evacuation plans with
Col. O’Sullivan.
3 Jul Conversations in
morning. Party again lunched at Plans and Ops Branch and
then left for the North.
Brig Pryce and Major Borradaile joined Mission for “Bismarck
Exercize” in Ulster. Mission had moved to near KILKEEL and
Capt Tregaskis to DUBLIN.
4 Jul At midnight Mission
drove back to B.T.N.I. as part of Bismarck Exercize.
5 Jul Last part of
“Bismarck Exercize”
6 Jul Brig Pryce and Major
Borradaile drove back to DUBLIN.
7 Jul Major Wofford, U.S.
Military Attache lunched with Brig Pryce and Major
Borradaile. Brig. Pryce introduced Comdr. Bradley, R.N.
now Naval Attache to Col. Archer who had recently been appointed
as Asst. Chief of Staff from Chief Staff Officer i/c G.2. Branch
(i.o. D.M.I.)
9 Jul Brig Pryce at
Mission.
10 Jul Brig Pryce drove Capt.
Trinderly, R.E. (rds expert) to DUBLIN, carrying out recce
on way.
[11 Jul to 27 Jul likely are missing from the scanned file]
28 Jul Brig. Pryce drove to
Mission
29 Jul Brig Pryce at
Mission. Gen McKenna, EIRE Chief of Staff, had lunch and
tea at H.Q., B.T.N.I. with B.G.S. and also met Gp.Capt. Brooks,
R.A.F. Brig Pryce returned to DUBLIN.
31 Jul Brig Reynolds
(Comdg 3 A.A. Brig) carried out a recce for the siting of A.A.
defences for L of C for the W Plan, at DROGHEDA, COLLINSTOWN and
BALDONNEL.
[August 1941 is hand written, will
transcribe after the type written pages]
4 Sep Brigadier Pryce and
Major Borradaile saw Lt.-Gen. McKenna and Colonel Archer.
The
provision of equipment to Eire was amongst the subjects
discussed.
8 Sep The Chief Technical
Officer to the Eire Army Signals Corps (Captain P.C. Jordan) and
two N.C.O's arrived at H.Q., B.T.N.I. to be instructed in the
working
of the AD 67 Wireless Set held by the Mission. Captain
Baring, Mission Signals Officer, supervised arrangements.
The party stayed at H.Q., B.T.N.I. for five
days.
12 Sep The Irish Army Party
left for the South taking the wireless set with them in a 3 Ton
Bedford Lorry. Both are issued on loan from 18 Military
Mission.
16 Sep Brigadier Pryce
visited H.Q., B.T.N.I. for the day.
18 Sep Lt. Col. Bolster,
G.S.O. 1, M.0.8. Branch, War Office, who had been visiting
B.T.N.I. was driven to DUBLIN by Captain French. Major
Borradaile took Col. Bolster on a Road Recce. later in the day.
19 Sep Col. Bolster was
introduced to Colonel Archer by Brigadier Pryce and reconnoitred
COLLINSTOWN in company with Major Borradaile.
23 Sep Brigadier Pryce
visited H.Q., B.T.N.I.
25 Sep Brigadier Pryce left
H.Q., B.T.N.I.
26 Sep Brigadier Pryce and
Major Borradaile visited Colonel Archer.
30 Sep Brigadier Pryce
visited H.Q., B.T.N.I. and stayed till Oct. 1st.
2 Oct Maj. Borradaile on
recce of roads in KERRY and S.W. CORK.
5 Oct Capt. French and
Capt. Tregaskis attended a L.D.F. parade at MULLINGAR and
watched from the crowd. Brigadier Pryce also attended
independently.
6 Oct Major Pakenham Mahon
accompanied Lt. Col. Cheney (D.P.M., HQ, B.T.N.I.) on a two-day
recce of the roads in the Adv. Base Area.
7 Oct Capt. Weldon
accompanied Brigadier Cuff (D.A. & .M.G., HQ, B.T.N.I.) and
Lt.Col. Sharp (A.Q.M.G.(R), HQ.,BTNI) on a recce of buildings
and railway
facilities in Adv. Base
Area.
10 Oct Major Pakenham Mahon
and Capt. Weldon traveled to STROKESTOWN, ROSCOMMON, where on
the 12th Oct they observed a L.D.F. parade.
14 Oct Brig. Pryce and Maj
Borradaile saw Col. Archer.
17 Oct Brig Pryce and Maj.
Borradaile saw Col. Archer.
19 Oct Brig Pryce, Maj.
Borradaile and Lt. Col. Whitefoord (G.S.0. 1. I,HQ.,BTNI)
attended a L.D.F. review by Mr. De Valera at WEXFORD.
21 Oct Brig. Pryce and Maj.
Borradaile had a meeting with Lt.Gen McKenna, Major
Collins-Powell, Col. Flynn, and Maj. Higgins, all of the EIRE
Army. The
last
two being in the Operations Branch
22 Oct Capt. T.B, Weldon
left to attend an Intelligence Course at MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE.
Brig. Pryce visited H.Q.,
B.T.N.I.
2 Oct Brig. Pryce and Maj
Borradaile had an interview with Lt. Gen. McKenna and Col.
Archer.
30 Oct Captain
Comerford-Green took Col. Gage (A.D. Tn) and Maj. Rowbotham
(S.O.R.E. H.Q., BTNI) to DUBLIN.
31 Oct Col. Gage and Maj.
Rowbotham were taken on a recce of proposed Railheads by Col.
Lillis (Director of Supplies and Transport, EIRE Army) and
two
other Irish Officers.
Brig. Pryce and Maj.
Borradaile had another interview with Lt. Gen.McKenna.
1 Nov Major Max-Muller,
M.O. 2a. The War Offico, visited the Mission.
2 Nov Brig. Pryce, Major
Borradaile and Capt. Rouse (I(a), B.T.N.I.) attended an L.D.F.
Rally at TRALEE. Mr. De Valera spoke.
4 Nov Brig. Pryce, Major
Borradaile and Major Max-Muller met Col. Archer, Col Archer Egan
(Q.M.G.) and other senior EIRE Army Officers. Col. Egan gave
his equipment requirements.
In the evening Brig. Pryce, Major Borradaile
and Major Max-Muller had to dinner Col. Archer, Col. Flynn, and
Col. Lillis, all of the EIRE Army General
Staff.
5 Nov Brig Pryce, Major
Borradaile and Major Max-Muller drove to LISBURN via Route "A".
6 Nov All members of the
Mission (less Capt. Weldon on a course) took part in a B.T.N.I.
Signals Exercise. The Mission moved to PORTADOWN and
functioned for two days. The exercise was satisfactory from our
point of view and several useful lessons were learnt.
12 Nov Brig. Pryce visited
Col. Archer.
14 Nov Brig Pryce and Major
Borradaile had an interview with Col. Archer
16 Nov Brig Pryce and Major
Borradaile attended an L.D.F. parade at GALWAY.
19 Nov Brigadier Crawford
(B.G.S., B.T.N.I.), Major Scott (I(a), H.Q., B.T.N.I.) and Capt.
Comerford Green (18 Mission) arrived in DUBLIN by road.
20 Nov They were driven by
Major Borradaile round BALDONNEL COLLINSTOWN and MALAHIDE in the
morning.
1800
Brig. Crawford accompanied by Brig Pryce and Major Borradaile,
met General McKenna and Col Archer. They afterwards dined
together, having
been joined by Col. Lawlor (Plans and Ops.
Branch, EIRE Army).
21 Nov Brig Crawford had a
discussion with Sir John Maffey with particular reference to the
supply of equipment question. He afterwards returned
to
LISBURN with Scott and Green
22 Nov Major Rowbotham
(S.O.R.E., H.Q., B.T.N.I., and Major Scott carried out a
reconnaissance in Co MONAGHAN.
23 Nov Brigadier Pryce
observed a parade of the 26th(Dublin old I.R.A) Bn. in DUBLIN.
25 Nov Brigadier Pryce and
Major Borradaile brought a party of EIRE Army Officers on a
visit to the B.T.N.I. Junior Leaders School at POINTZ PASS.
Brig. Pryce and Major
Borradaile came into LISBURN afterwards, and returned to DUBLIN
the following day.
27 Nov Brig. Pryce and
Major Borradaile saw Col. Archer.
30 Nov Brig. Pryce and
Major Borradaile attended a parade at LIMERICK.
2 Dec Brig. Cuff (D.A. and
Q.M.G., B.T.N.I.), Lt. Col. Sharp (A.Q.M.G.(Rear)) and Major
Pakenham Mahon (18 Mission) arrived at DUBLIN and,
accompanied by Brig Pryce, had conversations with Col. Egan,
Major Higgins and Comdt. Feely. Col. Archer was also present.
4 Dec Brig. E. Wodehouse
arrived in DUBLIN to take over Command of 18 Mission.
3-4 Dec From 1800 hrs 3 Dec
to 1000 hrs 4 Dec a test of the A.D. 67 set working to a No. 9
set at LISBURN was held. The results of the test were, on the
whole, satisfactory,
though at certain times the No. 9 set was NOT audible in DUBLIN.
5-6 Dec At 1930 hrs W/Comd
Murgatroyd (I, R.A.F.N.I.) requested Capt Green (C.I.O. 18
Mission) to provide a car and conduct a R.A.F. expert to Co.
Clare
where a R.A.F. flying boat
had crashed. Capt Green accompanied by Capt. Weldon (18
Mission) left LISBURN at 0030 hrs and reached LOUGH
ERNE at
0400 hrs. At 0900 hrs they saw Gp/Capt Bates (O.C. Station) who
said he was sending P.O. Boddam-Witham with them to destroy
certain
secret equipment.
The party left at 0930 hrs and reached ENNIS at 1600 hrs, where
they met Comdt Keane (O.C. RINEANNA Aerodrome) who
was i/c
of all arrangements re crashed aircraft. Comdt Kean stated
that all moveable objects had been sent to proper official
quarters, and it was
decided to examine the articles which had
been sent to RINEANNA.
7 Dec At
0900 hrs the British Party, accompanied by Comdt Keane, drove to
KILKEE on the Clare coast where they met W/Comd Lywood (British
Air
Attache) and then proceeded to DOONBEG
BAY where the hull of the flying boat lay.
They inspected this and
carried out the destruction of certain pieces of equipment. The
Mission party returned to N. Ireland the following day.
7 Dec
Brigs. Wodehouse and Pryce went to B.T.N.I. by car.
8 dec
and returned to DUBLIN by car.
8 Dec
Major Pakenham Mahon drove Lt. Gen. Franklyn to DUBLIN.
10 Dec morning Lt. Gen. Franklyn had a
conversation with Sir John Maffey with whom he lunched in
company with Mr. Walshe (Secretary to Department of
External Affairs.
Evening Gen Frankly met Gen. McKenna.
The following Officers were also present:
Eire Army - Cols. Archer
and Flynn, Majs. Lawlor and Collins-Powell;
British Army - Brigs.
Modehouse and Pryce, Majs Borradaile and Pakenham-Mahon.
11 Dec Major Pakenham-Mahon
drove Lt. Gen Franklyn back to B.T.N.I.
11 Dec Brig. Wodehouse took
up his appointment as comd 18 Military Mission.
12 Dec Major Borradaile saw
Col. Archer and Major Lawlor and compared notes taken on
conversations of 10 Dec.
14 Dec Brig. Wodehouse and
Major Borradaile attended parade of Defence Forces before De
Valera at CORK.
15 Dec Brig. Wodehouse,
Maj. Borradaile and Capt. Tregaskis had an interview with Gen.
McKenna, Cols. Archer, Egan, Devlin and Lillis re hand-over of
equipment.
16 Dec Brig. Wodehouse and
Major Borradaile ware introduced to Lord Cranborne (Secretary of
State for Dominion Affairs) who had come over for talks
with
Mr. De Valera.
17 Dec Brig. Wodehouse went
to B.T.N.I. from DUBLIN by car.
18 Dec First consignment of
equipment from N. Ireland was handed over to the Eire Army just
north of the border. Brig Wodehouse, Maj. Pakenham
Mahon and Capts Green and Weldon were
present.
19 Dec Brig. Wodehouse
returned to DUBLIN by car.
19 Dec Maj. Borradaile had
an interview with Col. Archer.
Dec 23 Brig. Wodehouse and
Maj. Borradaile had an interview with Gen McKenna and Maj.
Lawlor.
Dec 23-24 Test between A.D. 67 set and No. 9. set at
B.T.N.I. was carried out. Good strong signals were
received from No. 9 set, although there
were
periods when interference from stronger stations or heavier
atmospherics prevented full reception.
Dec 24 Lt.. Col. Reynolds
(U.S. Military Attache) called on Brig Wodehouse.
1942
1 Jan Brig. Wodehouse and
Maj. Borradaile had an interview with Gen. McKenna and Major
Lawlor.
Second consignment of equipment from N.
Ireland was handed over just North of the Border. Capt. K.C.
Green was present.
Brig. Wodehouse was introduced by Sir John
Maffey to Mr. de Valera.
3 Jan Major Borradaile had
an interview with Col. Archer.
5 Jan Brig. Wodehouse and
Major Borradaile were introduced by Sir John Maffey to Mr. Oscar
Traynor Minister of Defence). Gen. McKenna and Col.
Archer
were present; and the following day Eire newspapers published
photographs of the meeting, with the announcement that the
Military Attaches
were shown in the picture.
Capt. K.C. Green arrived in Dublin to take
Major Borradaile's place while the latter is on leave.
Jan 6 Brig, Wodehouse had
an interview with Col. Archer.
Jan 7 Brig. Wodehouse and
Lt. Draper, R.E. had an interview with Maj. Gleeson, Director of
Engineering
Jan 8 Brig. Wodehouse went
to B.T.N.I.
Jan 9 Col. J. Reynolds
(U.S. Military Attache) arrived from Dublin and, accompanied by
Brigadier Wodehouse , lunched at H.Q. U.S.N. Base, Londonderry.
There they met Capt. Nevison and Comd.
Needham, U.S.N.
Jan 10 Brig. Wodehouse saw
Army Comd. and Gen. Majendie (G.O.C., N.I.D.), and afterwards
lunched with Col. Reynolds and Sir Charles Wickham (I.G.,
R.U.C.)
Later Col. Reynolds visited Short and
Harlands, and Brig. Wodehouse saw Lt. Col. Walker (Q Movements,
B.T.N.I.),
Jan 11 Brig. Wodehouse saw
Lt.Col. Snow (G.1. Ops). He and Col. Reynolds returned to
Dublin.
Jan 12 Brig. Wodehouse saw
Col. Archer.
Jan 13 Lt.Col. Walker (Q
Movements B.T.N.I.) met Col. Archer, Major Gleeson (Director of
Engineering) and others.
Jan 15 Third hand-over of
ecuipment to Bire Army just North of the Border: Col. Lillis
(Eire D.S.& T.), Lt.Col. Snow (G.1. Ops) B.T.N.I. ),
Major Pakenham
Mahon, Capts. Weldon and Tregaskis present.
Jan 16 Brig. Wodehouse
took Major Neill (Q Movements B.T.N.I.) to see Col. Archer and
Major Gleeson.
Jan 17 Major Neill and
Capt. Drew (Q Movements) went on 14 day recce of railheads in
Eire.
Jan 24 Major Borradaile had
an interview with Col. Archer and introduced to him and to Col.
Lillis, two B.T.N.I. Officers who had come to recce Carton as a
petrol dump (Capt.
Bell,(Camouflage), and Capt. Faulkner (Petrol))
Jan 26 U.S. Troops landed
in Northern Ireland.
Jan 28 Brig. Wodehouse
arrived B.T.N.I. Col. Reynolds visited H.Q. U.S.A.N.I.
Conference re British
soldiers sick on leave in Eire at H.Q. B.T.N.I.
Capt. K.C. Green visited
Gen. McKenna and Col. Archer for interview.
Jan 29 Brig. Wodehouse
returned to Dublin.
Jan 30 Major Pakenham Mahon
took Col. Turnham (A.A.G., B.T.N.I ) to Dublin.
Brig. Wodehouse had an
interview with Col. Archer.
Jan 31 Brigadier Wodehouse
and Major Borradaile carried out a recce of the country ARKLOW -
GOREY - TULLOW.
Feb 2 Capt Tregaskis
accompanied Lt. Col. Wallace (G.S.O.1, 61 Div) and two other
Officers on 2-day recce of 61 Div routes and areas in EIRE.
Feb 3 Brig. Wodehouse
arrived at B.T.N.I. from DUBLIN.
Feb 4 Gen. McKenna visited
B.T.N.I. for conference with Gen. Franklyn.
Brig. Wodehouse returned to
DUBLIN.
Feb 5 Brig. Wodehouse had
an interview with Gen. McKenna. Major Borradaile had an
interview with Col. Archer.
Feb 7 Major A.C. Cairns
arrived in DUBLIN in relief of Major Borradaile.
Feb 9 Major Borradaile
relinquished appointment as G.S.O. 2, 18 Mission: succeeded by
Major Cairns.
Feb 10 Brig Wodehouse
visited Ops Room, Eire H.Q.
Feb 11 Brig Wodehouse
introduced Major Cairns to Col. Archer, and then left for
B.T.N.I.
Feb 12 Exercise Tractor
(5th hand-over of equipment to Eire on border), attended by
Brig. Wodehouse.
Feb 13 Brig. Wodehouse
returned to DUBLIN.
Feb 15 Capts Weldon and
Tregaskis made recce of battle area (Cos. KILDARE, CARLOW etc)
for Exercise "Victor Two".
Feb 17 Exercise "Victor
Two" commenced. Capt. Green on Control Staff B.T.N.I., Capt
Weldon with Umpires at 3 Corps.
Feb 18 Major Cairns
interviewed Col. Archer. Brig Wodehouse and Major Cairns
had an interview with U.S. Minister and Military Attache.
Feb 19 Exercise "Victor
Two" ended. Brig Harrison (B.R.A., B.T.N.I.) and two
officers arrived in DUBLIN.
Feb 20 Conference between
Gen McKenna, Brig Harrison, Brig Wodehouse and naval
representatives re siting of 6" guns on SHANNON. Part left to
recce
sites. Recce of
ARDMORE PT.
Feb 21 Above recce made in
area BALLYBUNION - TARBERT.
Feb 22 Above recce made in
area KILCREDAN IT - CORLISH PT – MONEY PT.
Feb 23 Brig Wodehouse,
Comd. Bradley, Major Gleason (Eire Director of Engineering) and
Major Cairns visited RINEANNA and ARDNACRUSNA Power Station, and
returned to DUBLIN .
Feb 24 Brig Wodehouse had
interview with Col. Archer.
Feb 25 Lt. Cols. Smith -
Rolls and McWilliam (R.E., N.I.D.) accompanied by Capt Weldon
left for two-day recce of L of C area in EIRE. Brig
Wodehouse
and Major Cairns left for B.T.N.I.
Feb 26 Brig Wodehouse
attended Army Commander's conference “MAGNET”.
Brig Wodehouse left for
Dublin. Exercise "Tractor" (6th -hand-over of equipment to
EIRE on border.)
Feb 27 Brig. Wodehouse saw
Col. Archer.
Mar 4
Brig. E. Gregson Ellis (BGS) and Major R. Scott (G.2.IA) start
on recce, of Southern Area of EIRE.
Mar 5
Brig. Gregson Ellis and Major Scott unofficial interview with
Major-Gen. Costello Comdr. lst Div. EIRE Army.
Mar 6
Brig. Gregson Ellis and Major Scott return BTNI.
Mar 9
Capt. Green leaves Mission for Staff College.
Mar 12 Col. Walker
(A.Q.M.G.(M) and Lieut. Jury recce railheads DROGHEDA Area.
Apr 13 Brig.
Reynolds (ST) to DUBLIN re petrol Dump.
Capt. A.F.C. Speyer joins
Mission.
Mar 16 Brig. Luby
(CE), Major Rowbotham and Major Pakenham Mahon recce Shannon
Crossings, 16/18th
Mar 17 Capt. T. Weldon to
U.K. Reps Office 17/19th.
Mar 22 Capt. H. Tregashis
to U. K. Reps. Office 22/23rd.
Mar 24 Brig. E. Wodehouse
visits B.T.N.I.
Mar 25 Brig. E. Wodehouse
returned DUBLIN.
Mar 26 Capt. The Hon. W.
French leaves 18 Mission.
Mar 29 Brig. E. Wodehouse
and Major Cairns to BTNI for War Game.
Mar 30 Brig. Jenkins(S.
&T) to DUBLIN for conference with opposite numbers in EIRE
Army, Cols, Egan and Lillis re petrol Dump.
Apr 2 Brigadier
Wodehouse attended Conference on B.T.N.I. War Game and
afterwards returned to Dublin.
Major S. Hales Pakenham Mahon carried out a
recce of GALWAY HARBOUR.
Sgt. Billinghurst (Cipher Sergeant)
arrived in Dublin.
Apr 7 Brigadier E.
Wodehouse had interview with Gen. McKenna.
Major Cairns saw Colonel Archer.
A discussion of procedure to be followed at
U.K. Representative's Office in an emergency, took place at 50
Upper Mount Street. Brigadier
Wodehouse Major Cairns and Capt Tregaskis
attended.
Apr 8 Lieut P.C. Jury
accompanied Brigadier Jenkins (D.D.S.T. B.T.N.I.) and Lieut
Colonel Cheyney (A.P.M) in a recce of railheads and dumps in the
advanced area.
Apr 9
Brigadiers Jenkins and Wodehouse attended conference on petrol
dumps with Gen McKenna, Col. Archer, Col. Lillis and other
senior Officers of
the Eire Army.
Col. Maher (Director of
Artillery, Eire Army) and Major Gleeson (Directorate of
Engineering) visited N.I. to inspect 6" Gun sites at ORLOCK
POINT.
They were accompanied by
Colonel Graham and Colonel Phipps (C.E., N.I.D.) as well as by
Major S. H. Pakenham Mahon and Captain Weldon.
Apr 13 Major Cairns
had interview with Colonel Lawlor to discuss amendments to Eire
Note Book.
Brigadier Wodehouse and
Major Cairns arrived at B.T.N.I. where former attended A.Q.
(Petrol) Conference.
Brigadier Bacon
(D.A.D.O.S.) and Col. McDonald (3 Corps Ord) visited Eire for
recce of workshop sites.
Conference of Mission Staff to discuss
alterations to Mission Operation Instructions. Brig. Wodehouse
held 2 day T.E.W.T. for all Mission Officers (15
and 16 Apr).
Apr 21
Exercise "Tractor" Ammunition sent by rail, British armd escort
being relieved at border by armed escort from Eire.
Brig. Wodehouse, Major
Cairns began recce of A/Tk Islands, visiting DURROW, KILKENNY,
NEW ROSS, WATERFORD.
Apr 22 Above recce
continued with visits to WATERFORD, CARRICK-ON-SUIR, CLONMEL,
CASHEL, THOMASTOWN, JOHNSTOWN.
Captain Weldon and Lieut
Denison (I.O. Ia., H.Q., B.T.N.I.) made a recce of River Boyne
in the KELLS AREA
Apr 23 Major Cairns saw
Colonel Reynolds, American Military Attache.
May 1 Personnel of No. 18
Mission shot full rifle course on BALLYKINLER range.
Mission Establishment increased by one
R.E. Captain w.e.f 23 Apr 1942. Lieut R.L. Meyler posted to fill
this vacancy with rank of Captain w.e:f.23
Apr 42.
May 4 Brigadier Wodehouse
returned from leave
Captain Meyler carried out
R.E. recce of DUBLIN (4 – 10 May)
May 5 Conference on
emergency procedure at 50 Upper Mount Street. Capt. Baring
attended.
Brigadier Wodehouse saw
General McKenna. Major Cairns saw Colonel Lawlor.
Exercise Tractor.
Ammunition sent by rail under armed escort.
Brigadier Wodehouse
visited H.Q., B.T.N.I. and had interview with B.G.S. and Colonel
Snow (O.I(O)).
May 6 Brigadier Wodehouse
met Financial Adviser, B.T.N.I. to discuss deposit of cash in
DUBLIN.
May 8 Brigadier Wodehouse,
Major Cairns and Colonel Reynolds (U.S. Military Attache)
attended artillery shoot by Eire Army in the Glen of IMAAL.
Recce of SLANE and NAVAN area by Brig.
Reynolds (Comd 3 A.A. Bde) and Brigadier Wodehouse.
May 13 Brigadier Beddows
(D.D.M.S. B.T.N.I.) visited CASTLE BELLINGHAM accompanied by
Brig. Wodehouse to examine its suitability as site for
casualty clearing station.
May 15 Captain Meyler
carried out R.E. recce of Wexford (15-18 MAY).
May 19 Brig Wodehouse and
Major Cairns arrived at B.T.N.I.
Major Morley (M.I.1.m.)
called at 50 Upper Mount Street.
May 20 Brig. Wodehouse and
Major Cairns returned to Dublin.
Capt. Tregaskis (Cipher
Officer to 18 Mission) reported to 3 Corps on being posted.
R.E. recce of WEXFORD -
ROSSLARE Harbour by Capt Meyler (20-27 May.)
May 21 Brig. Wodehouse,
Major Cairns and Commander Bradley undertook recce of GALWAY
area (21 - 25 May).
May 26 General and Mrs.
McKenna were entertained to dinner by Brig. Wodehouse.
Captain T Weldon called on
Lt. Col. Hailey C of S G-2 (Intelligence) U.S.A.N.I.F.
May 28 Brig Wodehouse
accompanied by Colonel Archer (Chief of Staff, Eire Army) and
Lt. Col. Reynolds {U.S. Military Attache) visited the Military
School
at THE CURRAGH.
Major Pakenham Mahon,
Captain T. Weldon, and Captain Baring (Signals Officer to 18
Mission) called on Colonel Gillespie, C.S.O., U.S.A.N.I.F.
Major
Morley (M.I.1.m.) spent the night at B.T.N.I.
Names:
Meyric Home ap Rhys PRYCE, (701) Royal Welch Fusiliers
James Murray Roberts Harrison, CB, D.S.O.
T B Weldon, 2nd Kensingtons Middlesex Regt.
Hugh Frederick Beresford Tregaskis (118823)
Wilfred Stuart Atherstone Hales Pakenham-Mahon
Capt. E R Byas +?
Sean Collins-Powell
Hugh Alastair Borradaile
Robert Granville Parks-Smith, Capn., RM - Seconded to Army,
(Died 1942, Wounds, Dieppe)
Transcribed by Dennis Burke, 2025. Sources: Records
sourced via ancestry.com (UK, World War II War Diaries,
1939-1946) and archives.gov.