When The Clock Struck in 1916: Close-Quarter Combat in the Easter Rising

by Derek Molyneux

‘Well, I’ve helped to wind up the clock – I might as well hear it strike.’ Michael Joseph O’Rahilly. The Easter Rising of 1916 was a seminal moment in Ireland’s turbulent history. For the combatants it was a no-holds-barred the professional army of an empire against a highly motivated, well-drilled force of volunteers. What did the men and women who fought on the streets of Dublin endure during those brutal days after the clock struck on 24 April 1916? For them, the conflict was a mix of bloody fighting and energy-sapping waiting, with meagre supplies of food and water, little chance to rest and the terror of imminent attacks. The experiences recounted here include those 20-year-old Sean McLoughlin who went from Volunteer to Captain to Commandant-General in five his cool head under fire saved many of his comrades; Volunteer Robert Holland, a sharpshooter who continued to fire despite punishing rifle recoil; Volunteer Thomas Young’s mother, who acted as a scout, leading a section through enemy-infested streets; the 2/7th Sherwood Foresters NCO who died when the grenade he threw at Clanwilliam House bounced off the wall and exploded next to his head; 2nd Lieutenant Guy Vickery Pinfield of the 8th Royal Hussars, who led the charge on the main gate of Dublin Castle and became the first British officer to die in the Rising. This account of the major engagements of Easter Week 1916 takes us onto the shelled and bullet-ridden streets of Dublin with the foot soldiers on both sides of the conflict, into the collapsing buildings and through the gunsmoke.

Genres: History, Ireland

347 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Steve Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, one of the best books written about the 1916 Rising. It is refreshing to have a 1916 book that doesn't focus on the well-known leaders of the Rising who were executed. This book looks at the lesser known participants who have equally interesting stories. The excellent writing brings you onto the streets of Dublin during the fighting. Strongly recommended for anyone interested in that defining period of Irish history.

[Margaret Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, with witness accounts of the 1916 Rebellion in Ireland. I read as part history assignment research and it was one of the most enjoyable titles I encountered. Ideals for general reading as well as referencing material. Highly recommended!

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting effort by Derek Molyneux and Darren Kelly as the retell the oft-told saga of Easter Week in Dublin in 1916. A must read for any serious student of that episode and period, and recommended as one of the few books the more casual student will want to read. This is a keeper and I may even wear out this used copy I lucked onto at one of my favorite used bookstores. I'll post a longer review later.