Following on in the serial of the History of 21 Bn 1959-1984 by Brian Hayden we have the story of C Coy. I hope to expand on C Coy’s achievements in the various All-Army shooting competitions in a future pictorial post.
C Coy 1959-1984
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Category Archives: History
A Coy 1959-1984
I was in Rockbrae House last night (Sad looking, old and decrepid – but enough about me) and got a History of 21 Bn dated 1984, this time by Brian Hayden. It has a separate section for each company, although it repeats some of the stuff in the 21 year history obviously. It also includes lists of past and present (as at 1984) officers and NCOs. Due to the fact that A Coy, so far have no postings, I will begin with their history 1959-1984. There are a number of opinions stated in the text (all complimentary to A Coy and its members) and these remain those of the original author.
Last day at the Coastguard Station
Enough to bring a tear to the eye of many an old B Coy soldier, this series of photos from Kevin Phelan and others shows the last day of “The Coastguard”. First occupied by An Forsa on May 1st 1951 with the official opening of the new hall on May 20th, 1951. More photos after the break.
Bn history – 21 years 1959-1980 by J Scannell
While searching on Google I came across a document held in the National Library entitled “21st Inf Bn 1959-1980 by 2/Lt J Scannell” under call number 3A 2747 held in the Main Reading Room. I got a copy and scanned the text and reproduce it here. It remains copyright J Scannell 1980 and if he objects I will remove it. The full text is after the break
Separation of Church and State
When I joined the FCA in 1972 we were all asked what our religion was. Perhaps, being true to the adage “there are no atheists in the trenches”, I declared “Roman Catholic” and had “RC” marked against my name. I suppose one would have wished to have the correct Padre show up when you were dying of your wounds. I think the only alternate designation available may have been “OD” for “Other Denomination”, but it may have been more inclusive. The US army now allows “Atheist/Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster” dog tags. This log contains some rambling memories and photos on a religious theme.
Old pics…
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- JO’T as a boy soldier…
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- POT NCO course – Kilkenny barracks 1970
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- Pots Course Class Photo – Kilkenny Barracks 1970
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- Doyler getting his stripes
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- Waterford Barracks 1968
Final day of 21st Bn…
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- JOT with Bn Colours
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- Fergie on parade
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- Paul O’D on parade
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- Eamon T, JOT, and Col. C
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- Richie Doyle, Andy Reynolds, PO’D
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- Aidan T and the lads…
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- Mick O’T and the boys…
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- Barry Hemp talking the talk…
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- Leeson W leading the trooops.
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- Johnny Byrne and Alan K
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- Duggy with Bn colours.
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- The exers…
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- Owen Carroll lining up the exers…
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- Tony Foley and the lads.
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- Aire…
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- Giggsey…look to yer front!
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- Nice beret…
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- At ease
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- JB and Doyler. JB – where’s yer other hand…
Tostal Parade Sunday April 18, 1954
Gallery
This gallery contains 5 photos.
Parade in Dun Laoghaire as part of An Tostal. Nine years after The War the onlookers are still dressed in “Emergency Chic”
More history
I have had it confirmed that this photo was taken in Oatlands.
I don’t have many names but I recognise my dad J O O’Toole 3rd from the left at the back and 4th from left is Basil Gallagher. 2nd from the left in the middle row is Tom Byrne (The major) and then Jack Haughton followed by Pat Rochford. Four more along we have Frank Gallagher and 2nd from the right in the middle row is Paddy Reynolds.
Potential NCOs course 5th-25th July 1958 – 2
This is also taken in Cathal Brugha barracks.
I have the names which are written on the back of the picture.
Back row: M Campbell, J Canning, J Condon, M Cuddihy, J Sreenan?, M Gallagher, B Ellis, J Wyse, P Heneghan, G Rooney, M Dowd
Centre Row: J O O’Toole, L Fay, N Rice, T Garry, Sgt M Power, Sgt K Power, Sgt C O’Shaughnessy, P Gillen, J McGee, E O’Doherty
Front Row: J Fleming, A Delaney, C Byrne, D Hickey, L Clyne?, J Durnin?, L Burke
Lying: E O’Connor, P Conroy