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William Joseph Gabriel Doyle was born (1873) at Melrose, Dalkey Avenue, Dalkey, county Dublin. Known as Willie, Billie or Sloper (a comic book hero of the time), he was the youngest of seven children of Hugh Doyle, registrar of the insolvency court, and Christine Doyle (née Byrne). Growing up, Willie was devout, caring and cheerful. Educated at Ratcliffe College, Leicestershire, in 1891 Willie followed his older brother Charles into the Jesuits. After two years as a novice, he taught at Clongowes Wood College, where he produced The Mikado and founded the school magazine, The Clongownian. His Jesuit formation included periods in Belgium and England, and further teaching at Clongowes and Belvedere Colleges. After ordination at Milltown Park on 28th July 1907, Willie began work as an urban missionary and retreat giver in Ireland. His positive attitude made him a great success, and he travelled all around the British Isles. He was also the author of best-selling pamphlets on retreats and vocations.

Volunteering as a military chaplain in First World War, Fr Doyle was sent to France with the Royal Irish Fusiliers in early 1916. Within days of his arrival at the Front, he showed himself outstanding in the work of a chaplain. Lt Col HR Stirke noted that Fr Doyle was ‘one of the finest fellows that I ever met, utterly fearless, always with a cheery word on his lips and ever ready to go out and attend the wounded and the dying under the heaviest fire’. Present at the battles of the Somme and Messines, Fr Doyle was killed during the third battle of Ypres on 16th August 1917, while going to the aid of a wounded man near Frezenberg. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial, Belgium. Fr Doyle was awarded the Military Cross, and he was put forward for the Victoria Cross posthumously but did not receive it. Writing to Willie’s father, Hugh, in December 1917, Major General WB Hickie remarks that: ‘I could not say too much about your son. He was loved and reverenced by us all. His gallantry, self sacrifice and devotion to duty were all so well known and recognized. I think that his was the most wonderful character that I have ever known.’

Thirty-two Jesuit chaplains of the Irish Province served in the First World War. They served on the battlefields of France, Belgium, Egypt and Mesopotamia. Four Jesuits were killed: Frs John Gwynn (12 October 1915), William Doyle (17 August 1917), Michael Bergin (12 October 1917) and John Fitzgibbon (18 September 1918). Two Jesuits died from illness: Frs Austin Hartigan (16 July 1916) and Edward Sydes (15 November 1918).

Approximately eleven Irish-born Jesuit chaplains of the English Province served in in the First World War. They included Frs Timothy Carey (Cork) and Walter Montagu (Cromore, Portstewart, County Derry) who both died on active service. Fr William Keary SJ (Woodford, Galway) initially joined the Irish Province but transferred to the English Province.

The majority of letters are from individual chaplains to the Irish Jesuit Provincial Fr Thomas V. Nolan SJ, (1914-1919). There are some postcards, photographs and medals. Some are rich in details (Fr Daniel Roche SJ, 43 items) others have but an obituary. Includes letters to the Irish Jesuit Provincial from Archbishop’s House, Westminster, England concerning the nomination of various Irish Jesuits as chaplains to the forces and their demobilisation, letters on wages and expenditures of chaplains and the appeal for chaplains. Six Jesuits served with the Australian army.

Documents relating to Fr John Gwynn's service as a chaplain attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards, B.E.F., France. Includes:

• letters written by Fr John Gwynn volunteering to be a chaplain (23 August – 8 November 1914, 2 items);
• documentation dealing with Fr Gwynn's appointment as a military chaplain (9 November 1914 - 16 March 1915, 9 items) including the certificate appointing him chaplain to the Forces, 4th Class, Land Forces, (Temporary) (16 March 1915, 1p.);
• certificate of safe conduct with attached photo of Fr Gwynn (4 July 1915, 1p.);
• letters and notes sent to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ (n.d., 3 items);
• official letters sent to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ following Fr Gwynn’s death in action on 12 October 1915 (11 October 1915 – 19 September 1921, 23 items);
• pamphlet 'A Great Irish Chaplain: Father John Gwynn SJ' by John Bithrey SJ (n.d., 20pp);
• material on centenary of Fr Gwynn's death - the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton celebrated Mass at the Sacred Heart Church, Caterham, Surrey, England where the Irish Guards have erected a tablet in Fr Gwynn’s memory (11 October 2015).

From Easter Week to Flanders Field: the diaries and letters of John Delaney SJ, 1916-1919.

Irish Jesuit Chaplains in the First World War

Father Browne's First World War
Messenger, Dublin, 2014

Chronology of Fr Edward Sydes’ life.

Biographical information on Fr Francis M. Browne SJ, M.C., Belgian Croix de Guerre.

Biography of Fr Nicolas Tuite de MacCarthy SJ taken from the archives of the Society of Jesus in Toulouse (1977), and copybook belonging to Fr Proinsais Ó Fionnagaín SJ (Frank Finegan) entitled ‘P. Fr. Nicolas Tuite McCarthy, S.J. + 1833 à Annecy’, sourced from the Menologe de la Compagnie de Jesus par le P. Eleban de Guilhenny da la meme Compagnie (Paris 1892). At rear of copybook, reference is made to Irish Jesuits who died in the First World War.

Correspondence relating to Fr Aubrey Gwynn’s life-long friend Fr Thomas J. Fullerton. Includes:
– letters from Fr Fullerton to Fr Gwynn (17 September 1971 – 1975, 3 items);
– note to Fr Gwynn from Gearoid Cr[ookes], Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2, following Fr Fullerton’s death in 1976, enclosing four letters Fr Gwynn wrote to Fr Fullerton from 1916 and 1932. Includes references to Fr Gwynn’s brother Edward Lucius’ departure for Australia, his brother Denis (a soldier who had just been gazetted to the 5th Munsters at the Curragh) (18 November 1916, 4pp), political and social events at home and academic life in U.C.D. (16 April 1932, 2pp).

Biographical information on Fr Daniel Roche SJ from the Catalogus personarum primus and newspaper obituary.

Obituaries from 'Letters and Notices' of Irishmen who joined the English Province and served as chaplains. Obituaries collected are highlighted in bold (Fr Bernard Page SJ, born in India, but Australian has an obituary, see CHP1/71). This list in not exhaustive (consult document British Jesuit Chaplains in World War I). See CHP1/72 for the obituary of Fr Walter Montagu SJ (English Province) who was killed 31 October 1918, taken from Letters and Notices, Vol. 35., pp28 - 30,

Carey, Timothy, Letters and Notices 35 (1919)
Duffy, John, Letters and Notices 66 (1961)
Fleming, Francis (1876-1939), no entry in Letters and Notices
Gallagher, George, Our Dead, III (1944-45)
Gallagher, James, Letters and Notices 66 (1961)
Irwin, Francis, Letters and Notices 52 (1957), 53 (1938)
Keary, William, Letters and Notices 63 (1958)
Wolfe, Patrick, Our Dead, II (1941-43)
Woodlock, Francis, Our Dead, I (1939-40); BH/4*
Woodlock, Joseph, Letters and Notices 57 (1949)

Green scrapbook which documents events in aid of and at the Columban Hall, Sea Road, Galway. Includes inserts relating to advertisements for plays, concerts, lectures, fancy carnivals, newspaper clippings of reviews of such events and applications for entertainment tax exemptions. The scrapbook is arranged chronologically from 1934 to 1960 and contains programmes for the Columban Dramatic Society, Columban Players, Columban Hall Entertainments Committee and Coláiste Iognáid Drama Group. Includes performances such as lecture on: ‘A century of shipbuilding’ Fr. Frank Browne S.J.; ‘The Singer, by P. H Pearse’ (1934); Penny Dinner’s Benefit, Andrew McMaster in ’Under the Red Robe’ (1934); lantern lectures on Irish Jesuits in China, by Mr Patrick Grogan SJ and ‘Fr. Willie Doyle S.J.’ by Fr Frank Browne SJ; ‘The Rising of the Moon’ by Lady Gregory (1941); ‘Sinbad and the Sailor’ (1945); ‘The Baron’s Daughter’ (1948), ‘The Sleeping Beauty’(1952); ‘A Louer Meuble’ (1960).

Biographical information on Fr John Delaney SJ, M.C. Includes memorial card and obituary.

Biographical information and obituary on Fr Stanislaus McLoughlin SJ.

Biographical information and obituary of Fr John MacSheahan SJ, M.C.

Partial biographical information from the Catalogus personarum and newspaper obituary of Fr James McCann SJ.

Booklet entitled ‘Father Francis Woodlock S.J. 1871 - 1940’, published by Manresa Press, Roehampton, England.

Letters from Mr T. Cain, Headmaster, Coleridge Street School, Hove, England (26 October 1945) and from Michael Harteny (Sergeant), Kilnagrange, Kilmacthomas, County Waterford (12 November 1945) and on behalf of Christopher Flynn, Delgany, County Wicklow (21 March 1946) to Fr Charles Doyle SJ and Professor Alfred O'Rahilly concerning their recollections of the date of death of Fr Willie Doyle SJ.

Copies of photographs of Fr Willie Doyle SJ, collected by his brother Fr Charles Doyle SJ. Includes image of Fr Willie Doyle SJ, taken in Aberdeen, 1908 by MacMahon, portrait photographer.

Rudesind Brookes with the Irish Guards, and later in England, with Fr Frank Browne SJ as a Benedictine.

Fr Frank Browne SJ with Fr Joseph Scannell, Arras, France (1917-8) which includes soldiers in France, destruction in Arras, France and Bishop Keating giving Benediction at Corpus Christ, Warley Barracks, England (1919) , postcards and envelopes. Eight large negatives of Frs Joe Scannell, McShane and Fr Frank Browne SJ, Arras (1918) and bomb damage. Photograph of Fr Frank Browne SJ and Monsignor Joseph Scannell taken post-First World War.

Memorial card and obituary for Fr Joseph Flinn SJ.

Handwritten extracts from various journals and periodicals commenting on Prof Alfred O'Rahilly’s book.

File of letters addressed to Fr Charles Doyle SJ concerning Fr Willie Doyle SJ and devotion to him, in an envelope entitled ‘Interesting letters about Fr Willie’.

Reviews and press cuttings relating to Professor Alfred O'Rahilly’s book Father William Doyle, S.J., C.F..

Notes made by Prof. Alfred O'Rahilly on his book.

Notes made by [Fr Frank Browne SJ] on Fr Doyle's early career (n.d., 8pp), ‘missionary’ career from 1910 to 1915 (n.d., 17pp) and ‘military career’ (n.d., 11pp) and notes, including extracts from the book (n.d., 9pp).

File of photographs of First World War scenes (Military convoy, 30 July 1916 and the Menin Road), Rathfarnham Castle and Dalkey. Includes copies of images of St Stanislaus College, Tullabeg, County Offaly and Kemmel Hill and Zonnebeke, Belgium and small handwritten sketch maps of Ypres (11 February 1935).

Letters to Professor Alfred O'Rahilly from various members of the public relating to his book on Fr Doyle.

Obituary for Fr Frederick Peal SJ taken from 'Letters and Notices'. Fr Frederick Peal SJ (sometimes spelt, Peel). Born in India, 1864, he belonged to the Belgian Province and later worked and died in India, 1934...he was in the Irish Catalogue in 1917, 1st Connaught Rangers, Lahore Div. He wrote 3 books called 'War Jottings' published in 1916 by the Catholic Orphan Press Calcutta. Book 3 is Mesopotamia.

Unpublished manuscript by Fr Henry Gill SJ recording his time as a chaplain, entitled ‘1914 – 1918 As seen by a Chaplain with the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles’. Completed in 1933. Includes newspaper and journal articles and fifteen pages of original photographs. Manuscript appears to be an amended version of CHP1/27.

Signed portrait postcard addressed to Fr Hugh Mulhall SJ, from Mar Ivanos, India, a visitor to Rathfarnham Castle during the Eucharistic Congress of 1932.

Copy of 'The Irish Messenger of the Sacred Heart' containing an article entitled ‘Dublin, and Proud of It!’ on Fr. Doyle (p.65-67).

Letter from Fr Francis Browne SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial regarding Fr Browne’s claim for a military pension. Encloses a letter sent to him from the General Secretary of the Ex-Services Welfare Society.

Booklet entitled “Fr. Willie”; part of the Irish Messenger series. Subtitled ‘His world-wide appeal and favours attributed to his intercession’. Contains a short reflection on his life and a list of reports from around the world of how Fr Doyle’s intercession, when invoked, benefited those who sought it.

Article entitled ‘A Chaplain’s Story: Fr. Willie Doyle; A pastor across all divides’. Recounts Fr Doyle’s time as an army chaplain in the First World War. Also includes a print-out of pages from a web-site dedicated to Fr Doyle. Accompanied by a note to Fr Fergus O'Donoghue SJ, Province Archivist, explaining their provenance.

Copy of 'The Irish Messenger of the Sacred Heart' containing an article entitled ‘ “Snatched from the Brink” A True Story of Fr. William Doyle, S.J.’ (p.364-367).

Booklet entitled “Fr. Willie”; part of the Irish Messenger series. Subtitled ‘His world-wide appeal and favours attributed to his intercession’. Contains a short reflection on his life and a list of reports from around the world of how Fr Doyle’s intercession, when invoked, benefited those who sought it.

Partial biographical information on Fr William Gwynn SJ from the Catalogus personarum primus.

Partial biographical information on Fr John Elliott SJ from the Catalogus personarum primus.

Biographical information on Fr Joseph Wrafter SJ, M.C., from the Catalogus personarum primus.

Biographical information on Fr Hugh Mulhall SJ from the Catalogus personarum primus.

Biographical information on Fr Henry Potter SJ from the Catalogus personarum primus.

Pamphlet “Fr. Willie” Father William Doyle, S.J. His World-wide Appeal and Favours Attributed to His Intercession, ‘Irish Messenger’ Series.

Letters written to Fr Charles Doyle SJ requesting relics of Fr Willie Doyle SJ due to the reading of Alfred O'Rahilly’s book ‘Father William Doyle, S.J. : a spiritual study’.

Copy of 'La Vie Spirituelle. Ascétique et Mystique', Vol. XIX, No. 3 containing an article on Fr. Doyle by F. de Lanversin (p.323-341).

Invitation card, order of service and hymn sheet for the service of remembrance at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day, 11 November 1928 (perhaps an Irish Jesuit attended the service).

Article in 'Messager du Coeur de Jésus' containing an article on Fr. Doyle by Fr Wery-Lacouagne SJ (p.75-95).

Article from The Commonweal entitled ‘Father William Doyle, S.J.’ by Henry Longan Stuart.

Original and copies of appreciations of Fr Willie Doyle SJ including letters from General Sir William Bernard Hickie, 16th Division, B.E.F.to Hugh Doyle Esq., Melrose, Dalkey, Dublin (15 December 1917) and to Fr Charles Doyle SJ (14 October 1924); Private M. Murphy, France, (Fr Willie Doyle’s orderly) (22 August 1917).

A file of letters from Fr William G. Lockington SJ to Irish Fr Provincial concerning the Mission in Australia. Includes a letter written on board the "Resaro" between Naples and Palermo concerning his success at obtaining two Italian Fathers for the parish of Richmond during a visit to Italy. (nd, 4pp). Includes a letter seeking permission to secure extra ground adjoining St. James' Church in Richmond (23 December 1914, 2pp). Includes a letter summarising points raised at meetings discussing the management of Newman College and the appointment of a Rector. Remarks that Dr. Mannix would like to see Fr Albert Power SJ appointed to the position. Refers to Fr Michael Colman SJ and the problems he is causing for the mission. Remarks that he was the source of much concern while serving as a Military Chaplain. (29 May 1918, 6pp). Includes a letter referring to the purchase of a Catholic paper 'The Advocate' by Dr Mannix. Remarks that the Archbishop (of Melbourne) wishes a Jesuit to become the editor and manager (10 January 1919, 3pp). Includes a report on the Juniorate in Australia by Fr Lockington (23 September 1919, 10pp). Includes a letter referring to the Irish-Australasian Convention to be held in Australia. Remarks that approximately 200,000 people are expected (29 October [1919], 1p). Includes a letter referring to an offer of St. Leo's University to the Jesuits by Dr Duhig, Archbishop of Brisbane. (19 November 1919, 3pp). Includes letters concerning the possibility of Australia becoming an independent mission. Remarks 'There is a very strong feeling of love for Ireland among ours out here and regrets would be keen if a separation came about. Of course all realize that with growth such is the natural course of things but I for one would always be in favour of sending Ours to Ireland for theology. This is a Protestant country with a Protestant atmosphere and a breath of the Catholic atmosphere of Ireland is the best antidote to that I know.' ([1] February 1923, 2pp & 5 October 1924, 4pp).

Unpublished manuscript by Fr Henry Gill SJ of his memoirs as a chaplain, entitled ‘1914 – 1918 Four years a Chaplain with The 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles.’ Belvedere College stamp.

Booklet by Fr Hugh Kelly on 'Father William Doyle, S.J.'; part of the Irish Messenger series.

Booklet 'Korte Levensschets van Pater William Doyle, S.J. 1873-1917' by Fr J. Van Rijckevorsel SJ.

1914-15 Star and the British War medal 1914-18 issued to Fr Joseph Wrafter SJ.

Poster advertising the Fr Doyle book by Alfred O'Rahilly.

Documents found among the papers of Fr Willie Doyle SJ (with whom Fr Browne briefly served as chaplain), collated by Fr Charles Doyle SJ, concerning Fr Frank Browne SJ. Includes telegrams to Robert Browne, Bishop of Cloyne (14 March & 25 August 1919) concerning Fr Browne & circular letter from the War Office to Fr Browne, St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, informing him of his appointment as an Honorary Chaplain to the Forces 3rd Class ‘as from 1st Sept. 1921 on which date your commission as a temporary Chaplain to the Forces ceased to have effect.’ (14 September 1921).

Copy of 'Revue d’Ascétique et de Mystique' containing an article on Fr Doyle by Léonce de Grandmaison (p.128-146).

Photographs and postcards sent to Prof. Alfred O’Rahilly by the Imperial War Museum, London, England, for use in his book on Fr Willie Doyle SJ. Includes a note ‘Don’t mix these with the others. Return these to me. These are photos which I bought but decided not to use.’ All photographs are dated and described on back. Photos are mostly of the ruins of Ypres, Guillemont, Loos etc. Sizes: 21 1/2cm x 16 1/2cm; 14cm x 9cm and 27 1/2cm x 9cm.

Article by Fr Bernard Page SJ entitled ‘Army Chaplain, S.J., in Russia’ from 'Letters and Notices'.

Copy of 'The Messenger of the Sacred Heart', containing an article on Fr Doyle (p.86-87).

An extensive file of letters from Fr John Ryan SJ to Irish Fr Provincial. As Superior of the Mission (11 February 1901 - 14 June 1908 & 9 April 1913 - 24 October 1917), Fr Ryan wrote to his superior, the Irish Fr Provincial on all matters concerning the administration (including visitations he made to the various communities) of the Mission and members of the Society living and working in see also Australia. Includes a letter to Fr J. Murphy SJ concerning Fr John O'Neill's health. Remarks '...there is only one proper course open to us viz. to send Fr O'Neill to Europe where he will have, at least, a chance of recovery...He is a source of constant anxiety, and we have no institution in Australia where we can put him, except the public Lunatic Asylum.' Remarks that following discussion with his Consultors he has decided to send Fr O'Neill home. (8 December 1902, 2pp). Includes a memorandum concerning the mission of the Jesuit Fathers in North Sydney. (5 March 1912, 7pp). Includes a letter concerning the Sydney Synod. Remarks 'It seems the secular clergy are urging His Grace to dock more and more the missionary districts of Regulars and apparently he means to satisfy them as much as possible.' (6 August 1913, 2pp). Includes a letter discussing the proposed additions to St. Aloysius College (6 August 1913, 5pp). Includes a letter referring to the war and the difficulty of sending letters. Remarks '…it is a blessing that so far none of our mail boats have been sunk'. Refers to Sevenhills and remarks that he will do his best '…to work up the Altar Wine Industry which I hope will be of great help to Loyola. And I do hope you will succeed in getting some Bros. That understand the making of wine.' Concludes by remarking that more chaplains are needed by the Military Authorities and remarks that he cannot supply even one Father. Refers to Fr Hearne SJ, at the front and remarks '…everyone who has met him is loud in his praises.' (9 February 1914, 2pp). Includes a letter concerning a loan for Riverview (a second mortgage on the property) (18 February 1914, 3pp). Includes a letter regarding the reopening of the Novitiate at Loyola (18 February 1914, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning the proposed administration of St. John's College in the University of Sydney by the Jesuit Fathers (23 - 25 February 1914, 3pp). Includes a letter (with rough drawings) regarding the alterations made at Loyola for the reopening of the Novitiate (16 June 1914, 3pp). Includes a letter referring to a statement sent to Fr General concerning the lax discipline at Riverview. Remarks that the statements made by Fr General were too sweeping (1 September 1915, 2pp). Includes letters concerning an offer made by Archbishop Dunne (Archbishop of Brisbane), Toowong Parochial District, Brisbane. In a letter from Fr Ryan to Fr Thomas V Nolan SJ he remarks that Toowong would be the most suitable district in Brisbane for the work of the Jesuits (29 August 1915 - 18 June 1916, 9 items). Includes letters see also concerning the property Ellangowan (Adelaide) and the desire of the Society of Jesus to secure the property (9 March 1916, 3pp). Includes a number of letters concerning a new Superior for Norwood and problems with Fr McCurtin over the matter (8 March 1916 - 27 March 1916, 6 items). Includes a letter expressing his surprise at the employment of female cooks at Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne. Remarks that he challenged Fr O'Dwyer SJ (Rector) about it at once as 'It was well known that I would not consent without referring the matter to Your Reverence.' Includes a letter from Fr O'Dwyer to Fr Ryan explaining the reasons why he employed female cooks (1 April 1917 & 2 April 1917, 2 items). Includes a memorandum concerning the sending of Juniors to Ireland and opposition of the Consultors to sending them to Ireland. Outlines various reasons why the Consultors are opposed to this (2 May 1917, 1p). Includes a letter referring to a meeting with the Consultors at which the question of a Juniorate in Australia was fully discussed (30 October 1917, 1p).

Draft obituary of Fr Patrick Tighe SJ.

A file of letters from Fr William Gwynn SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ concerning the Australian Mission. Includes a letter wondering whether he should go to the front. Remarks that he is too old for the trenches. (28 December 1915, 5pp). Includes a letter concerning his problems with drink and his desire to put his problems behind him and continue with his religious life and work assigned to him (30 May 1918, 19pp). Includes a letter concerning his appointment as chaplain for continuous service with Australian troops going to the front. Remarks that he is very pleased with his appointment (15 July 1918, 3pp). Includes a letter referring to his arrival back in Australia and his new position doing parish work at St. Mary's, North Sydney. Remarks 'I have charge of the Men's sodality...meantime I am awaiting demobilisation...' (25 October 1919, 4pp). Includes a letter announcing his arrival in London and remarks how glad he is to be home. Remarks that he wishes to arrange receipt of his war bonus with the authorities before he leaves London for Dublin. (10 January 1920, 2pp).

Letter to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ from T. Stratton, A.P.C., Staff Officer to Principal Chaplain (R.C.), requesting that Fr Browne remain with the Irish Guards as Commissioned Chaplain. Encloses copies of extracts from letters sent to Fr Browne’s uncle, Dr Browne, Bishop of Cloyne from Dr Keating, Catholic Army Bishop and from Colonel Vesey, Commanding Officer of the Irish Guards referring to Fr Browne’s value and admirable qualities as a Chaplain.

Copies of mention in despatches of Fr Willie Doyle SJ by General Sir Douglas Haig (13 November 1916) and later Field Marshal Sir Haig (7 November 1917).

Appreciation of war time service issued by Winston Churchill for Fr Patrick O'Mara SJ.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Francis M Shaw SJ written while serving as chaplain in France, India and Mesopotamia (3rd General Hospital, B.E.F., France; No. 37 and No. 17 Casualty Clearing Station, B.E.F., France; 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment, B.E.F., France; 11th Field Ambulance, B.E.F., France; No. 16 Casualty Clearing Station, Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force).

Letter from Mary Sydes (sister of Fr Edward J. Sydes SJ) c/o Fr Robert J. Little SJ, Manresa, Kensington Terrace, Brisbane to Irish Fr Thomas V Nolan SJ concerning the death of her brother while serving as a military chaplain. Asks Fr Nolan if the Society of Jesus would waive their right to a military pension on behalf of Fr Sydes so that she could claim it.
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Letters and postcards to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr William Gwynn SJ written during his time serving as a chaplain attached to the 8th Australian Infantry Brigade, A.I.F.

Letters and postcards from Fr Francis X O'Brien SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ written while a chaplain attached to the No. 5 Prisoners of War Company, B.E.F., France and the 30th General Hospital, B.E.F., France.

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ, the War Office and T. Stratton, Staff Officer to Principal Chaplain (R.C.), concerning the demobilisation of various Irish Jesuits and the need for chaplains for transport ships to Australia.

Obituary of Fr Edward Sydes SJ, who died 15 November 1918, taken from 'Letters and Notices', Vol.35, January 1919 and Fr Bernard Page SJ, born in India, raised in Australia.

Letters from Fr Francis Browne SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ, written from Germany (28 December 1918-9 February 1919, 4 items), Bishop's House, Queenstown (Cobh), Cork (27 February 1919) and from Warley Barracks, Essex (10 March 1919-6 September 1919, 8 items) including one describing his daily routine as Chaplain to the Irish Guards (6 May 1919, 6pp).

Letters from Fr John M. Bampton SJ, Mount Street, London to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ.

Various memoranda sent to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ. Includes lists of Irish Jesuit chaplains and their addresses; estimates for chaplain’s uniform; memoranda concerning the appeal for military chaplains serving at home and abroad and their origins and ‘Memorial to the Irish Hierarchy re Shortage of Catholic Chaplains.’ Includes:

• remembrance card for the 2nd Battalion of Irish Guards, attending mission in Cologne, January 1919;
• name card (O.H.M.S) for wounded man's kit, belonging to Lieut Sheil, No 2. Squadron, R.A.F. (Frac. skull);
• carte postale depicting Fr Frank Browne and Irish soldiers at Loudres, France, 30 October 1918;
• carte postale depicting Fr Jerome O'Mahony's altar, 23 September 1918;

Letters and postcards to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Francis M. Browne SJ, written during his time serving as a chaplain to the forces – 1st and 2nd Battalions, Irish Guards, British Expeditionary Force, France and 2nd Battalions, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 16th Division.

Portrait photograph of Fr Patrick Barrett SJ in his chaplains’ uniform at Bettisfield Camp, Salop (Shropshire), England.

Obituary of Fr Walter Montagu SJ (English Province) who was killed 31 October 1918, taken from 'Letters and Notices', Vol.35, January 1919, pp28 - 30.

Medal of the Order of the Crown (Ordre de la Couronne), class Officier, conferred by the King of Belgium to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ. Includes official document concerning the decoration (6 May 1919) and letter from the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs (22 May 1919). The medal in case, with name of Fernanrd Heremans, Schaerbeek, is a five-armed white enamel and silver-gilt Maltese cross with silver-gilt graduated rays between the arms, on green enamel oval laurel wreath suspension; the face with a gilt-edged circular central blue enamel medallion bearing the gilt crown of Belgium; the reverse with a gilt-edged circular central blue enamel medallion bearing the cipher of King Leopold II, founder of the Order. Material hand in by Margaret Doyle, Archivist, Clongowes Wood College, 9 January 2017. Medal given by King of Belgium in recognition for the work of Irish Jesuits in helping Belgian refugees in Ireland during the First World War.

Copy letter from Lt. Col. A.J. Bennett, O.C. Troops, H. T. 'Anchises' at sea to Fr William Gwynn SJ thanking him for his service as a military chaplain and praising his work with the troops.

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Miscellaneous letters and notes to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ. Includes rough notes of wages and expenditure of various Jesuit chaplains (n.d., 3pp),and replies from the Senior Chaplain, Australian Imperial Force on transport to Australia for acting chaplain. Includes a note from Fr William Feran SJ, that he has commissioned him (Fr Henry Gill SJ) to discover and exterminate the influenza microbe' (18 December 1918).

Letters and postcards from Fr Patrick Morris SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ written while serving as chaplain to 2/8 Battalion, L.F., Sobraon Barracks, Colchester and also in France, before being sent back to England in November 1917 with ‘clinical dysentery.’

Photocopy of an extract from 'Letters and Notices', January 1919, of an obituary of Fr Edward Sydes SJ.

Various pictures and sketches of Fr Willie Doyle SJ.

[Copy of] letter from Col. M. O'Grady, Assistant Military Secretary at the War Office in Whitehall, London to Hugh Doyle, father of Fr Willie Doyle SJ. Informs him that Fr Doyle was mentioned in Despatches from General Sir Douglas Haig, which were published in the London Gazette.

A file of letters from Fr James O'Dwyer SJ to Fr Provincial. Many of the letters refer to Xavier College and the administration of the school e.g. teaching staff, subjects taught, equipment needed (laboratory/scientific materials), finances. Includes a letter referring to the Premiership in football '...which we won last Thursday from the Scotch - you would think it was a reversal of the Battle of the Boyne.' (26 August 1910, 2pp). Includes a letter enclosing the Rector's report of Xavier College, Kew (27 December 1911, 2 items). Includes a letter referring to the war. Remarks 'As I write from this side of the globe we hardly know whether the British Empire is still standing. We still hope the sea is clear - but we are really being kept in the dark. All we know is that Germany is pressing on and Namar has fallen. We know that the Holy Father and Father General are dead and Franz Joseph is dying.' (25 August 1914, 5pp). Includes a letter discussing the opening of Newman College. Remarks that the prestige of the Society is at stake and suitable men must be appointed to it, particularly the position of Rector. (17 see also June 1917, 7pp). Includes a letter referring to a crisis that has occurred over the opening of Newman College. Remarks that Fr Superior (Fr Ryan SJ) has raised queries over the amount of money to be paid to the Jesuits, a sum he (Fr Ryan) regards to be too little. Remarks 'The trouble is we cannot exactly see what Fr Ryan's position is. He has a vague fear that he is outwitted by Dr Mannix and a vague recollection of possible better terms from Dr Carr at a time when more money was expected to come in and when the cost of building was lower...You may remember that one of my reasons for pressing you to visit Australia was that I held that Fr Ryan was not the man to do business with Dr Mannix. There is a temperamental difference between them. Dr M. thinks Fr Ryan shifty and Fr Ryan thinks Dr. M. most exacting.' (15 October 1917, 6pp). Includes two letters referring to the appointment of Fr Power SJ to the position of Rector of Newman College and how this was achieved. Expresses his extreme disappointment and annoyance at being put in a very embarrassing situation. Points out that everybody assumed he (Fr O'Dwyer) would be appointed even though he accepts that no official confirmation of this was sent by Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ). Remarks 'Newman College Council met...only laymen were present. It was before Fr Power's name was disclosed to the public and I was greeted as Rector by the members...When Dr. M entered the room business was begun by asking for information re Rector. Then to the consternation of all he repeated your cable to him without any word to his council, without a hint to me, over the heads of the Mission CCs. I was publicly repudiated and humiliated not only by my own superiors (which might be considered part of the game) but by Dr M. acting as superior of Ours.' Concludes 'I have been rejected and snubbed so often by superiors and have always found myself so much better off as the result, that I have great trust in Providence. I should never have got to Australia if Fr J. Murphy had not turned me out of CWC (Clongowes Wood College) as a dangerous character. And I should not have got to Melbourne...if Fr Ryan had not declared me unfit for Riverview...All that does not prevent me from writing strongly...nor prevent me from saying again that my poor efforts for the Society in Australia deserved more consideration.' (23 February 1918, 3pp & 3 July 1918, 6pp).

Field diary of one of the chaplains (not known which one).

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Patrick Barrett SJ written during his time as a military chaplain in Bettisfield Camp, Salop (Shropshire). Letter, July 31st '17 from Milltown Park, Dublin, perhaps should read July 31st 1916.

Documents relating to Fr John FitzGibbon SJ during his time serving as a chaplain attached to 23rd and 16th Field Ambulance, B.E.F., France. Includes letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr FitzGibbon (14 March 1916 – [April 1918], 19 items) and documents relating to Fr FitzGibbon’s death in action on 18 September 1918, including official letters from General Headquarters, British Armies in France, solicitors’ letters and official certificate of death (20 September 1918 – 25 May 1919, 16 items).

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Henry Gill SJ during his time as a chaplain to the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, 3rd Division, VII Brigade, B.E.F., France.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Stanislaus McLoughlin SJ written while serving as a chaplain attached 12th (2nd Reserve) Battalion and the 58th T.R. Battalion, The Welsh Regiment, Rhyl and 53rd S.W.B., Rhyl.

Letters and postcards to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Patrick O'Mara SJ written while serving as a chaplain in Nos. 54, 58 and 33 Casualty Clearing Stations, France.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Daniel Roche SJ written while Fr Roche was serving as chaplain with the 96th (C.P.) Field Ambulance, B.E.F., France and 18 K.L.R., B.E.F., France.

Carte postale from Fr Frank Browne SJ, Loudres, France to his brother, Fr William Browne, Bishop’s House, Queenstown, Cork with a photograph of Fr Frank Browne SJ and soldiers on the obverse. Individuals are named. Blank carte postale of Fr Browne and and Irish Guards outside entrance to a church in Loudres.

‘The Daily Mail Bird’s Eye Map of the British Front – Section 1’ (northern section, scale: 1 inch to 1 mile). Published by the Daily Mail, Carmelite House, London.

Letter from Fr John Mulderry, Chaplain, 61st General Hospital, Salonica referring to a letter received from [Father Provincial] ‘as
regards your queries I must candidly confess that my evidence (and I told them so in Clonliffe) rests solely an accounts given me by other Chaplains which accounts, rested on rumour...I should have thought the Society would have probed the matter to the bottom’.

Postcards and photographs of ‘views in France and Belgium’. Includes photographs of Kemmel Chateau and the Convent at Locre, Belgium and General Hickie and aide-de-camp Captain O’Connell at St Omer, 16 July 1917; carte postale of Sr Antonius, Locre, Belgium, with inscription by Fr Charles Doyle SJ on reverse, indicating the room of Fr Doyle and church of Noeux les Mines, France.