Monthly Archives: December 2022

The last of the British military leaves Ireland for good in December 1922

“Back to Blighty,” stated one headline in the Freeman’s Journal of December 23, 1922. The action that got under way on December 14 marked the beginning of the end of the British military forces’ evacuation of the Irish Free State.

“The first sign of the change from the old order to the new was the taking over of the sentry duty at the gate. Green-clad and khaki-clad the new sentry and the old stood side by side. a sharp word of command- “Sentries Pass” – and the first Irish soldier to mount gaurd at the headquarters stepped smartly to his post. Old sentry—dismiss.” and the British soldier marched away to join his waiting comrades, proud of the honour, no doubt. of being the last British soldier to pace the sentry’s beat at British headquarters.”

Freeman’s Journal 18 December 1922

Sources

Freeman’s Journal 18 December 1922

Weekly Freeman’s Journal 23 December 1922

New State December 6 1922

Exactly one year after the Treaty was signed, the Irish Free State was proclaimed 100 years ago. However, the Civil War hung over the occasion, casting a shadow over it. In spite of the conflict normal life went on with a few changes:

Free State Stamps

The Dail Chamber

The Chief Secretary’s Lodge becomes home of the President Cosgrave

Post Offices

Sources

Weekly Irish Times 16 December 1922

Freeman’s Journal 07 December 1922

Drogheda Argus and Leinster Journal 30 December 1922

Weekly Freeman’s Journal 30 December 1922