The truth about the I.R.A. in the West: Record of the campaign in the West from 28th June, 1922

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THE TRUTH ABOUT THE I.R.A. IN THE WEST RECORD OF THE CAMPAIGN IN THE WEST From 28th June 1922 Shortly after the attack on the Four Courts, a fully equipped Service Corps was sent from the 4th Western Division to assist the 2nd Western Division. About the same time another Service Corps, fully equipped was sent to the 3rd Western Division. This Corps took part in several creditable operations in that area, assisting in the capture of various enemy posts, including Collochey. Portion of this Corps under Comdt. - - - 4th Western Division captured a lorry and 13 rifles from the enemy outside Boyle, also putting an enemy armoured car out of action by rifle fire and forcing it to retire. Later this Service Corps was surrounded by the enemy at Collochey. A despatch for assistance was sent to Divisional H.Q., at Castlebar. A Corps of 30 men was immediately despatched but this Corps was unable to reach them in time, the enemy having captured practically the entire original Service Corps together with a number of men from the 3rd Western Division, we losing in this operation about 30 men with rifles and equipment. Six since escaped. On the 2nd July a small enemy post at Costello in the 4th Western Division was captured by us with 7 rifles. Arrangements had been made to attack Spiddal, the only other enemy post in the Western Division, on the same day, but owing to difficulties in transport in this mountainous district, this operation had to be suspended. Immediately afterwards, the enemy evacuated this post leaving the 4th Western Division area clear of enemy troops. PREVIOUS TO THE 22ND JULY batches of prisoners were arriving daily from the 2nd and 3rd Western Divisions, including Div.Comdt.Reynolds of the enemy forces. On this date we had at Castlebar about 100 prisoners and the enemy having advanced to Claremorris, we decided to have them removed to Rosminy from which the enemy afterwards relieved them. ON THE 23RD JULY the enemy advanced to Balla within 7 miles of our H.Q. We took all necessary steps to impede their advance such as obstruction of roads and demolition of bridges. We also made arrangements to destroy all barracks. At 3 p.m. on the 24th we were informed that about 300 enemy troops had landed at Westport, 9 miles from Castlebar and were advancing on our H.Q. We destroyed the barracks and taking all available Service Corps with us, proceeded towards Balla to meet advancing enemy. We took up positions two miles outside Balla and afterwards divided our forces, sending Service Corps to various areas in the Division, the Divisional Service Corps retiring to a point below Newport. ON THE 27TH JULY the enemy having occupied Newport, an enemy Cycling Corps of 35 men came into contact with Bat.Comdt. - - - - -, and five men who were coming to join us at Bughadoon. Comdt. - - - - -, and his men had only 6 shot guns and 4 bombs. After a short engagement the enemy raised a white flag. The Comdt.(Hegarty) advanced and was shot dead by the enemy. The re…