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

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).

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.

Twenty-one Irish Jesuit chaplains served as chaplains in the Second World War in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Fr John Hayes SJ, who died of typhus on 28th December 1944, was the single casualty to the Irish Jesuit Province.

The papers of the Irish Jesuit Chaplains in the Second World War consist mainly of letters and telegrams from individual chaplains to the Irish Jesuit Provincial - Fr Laurence J. Kieran SJ was the Irish Provincial at the outbreak of the War and on 8 September 1941, Fr John R MacMahon SJ became Provincial. Also includes letters to Irish Father Provincial Laurence J. Kieran SJ from various Jesuits volunteering to become military chaplains (1 September 1939-7 April 1941); letters and telegrams from Monsignor John M. Coghlan (Principal Chaplain (R.C.) and Vicar General, British Army, War Office) seeking chaplains to serve in the forces and thanking Father Provincial for those he has offered (1941-1944); memoranda and lists (1942); volunteers’ letters (April 1941-July 1942); correspondence with the Royal Air Force (1941-1945); letters from newly appointed chaplains (1941); miscellaneous letters to Provincial (1941-1945).

1st four left Dublin, 26 May 1941: Richard Kennedy (Tertian); Michael Morrison (Tertian); Conor Naughton (Tertian); Cyril Perrott.
2nd batch, left 1 September 1941: John Burden; Leo Donnelly; John Hayes; Sydney Lennon; Conal Murphy.
9 September 1941: Fr Gerard Guinane.
29 December 1941: Fr Maurice Dowling.

Michael O’Mahoney (1905-1981), County Tipperary, part of the Australian province of the Society of Jesus, served as chaplain in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

A file of letters from Fr Gerard Corr SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ concerning his voyage to Australia in a troop carrier called SS "Somali". Describes the voyage and conditions on board.

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).

A file relating to a request by Cardinal Moran, Archbishop of Sydney, St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney to Fr John Ryan SJ (Superior of the Mission) to make available a chaplain to the Federal Contingent to South Africa.

Letters and postcard from Fr Joseph Hearn SJ to Fr John Ryan SJ, Superior, concerning his work as a military chaplain. Remarks 'Late Victories gives us great hopes of an ending of the war this year some time - God grant...' (2 August 1916, 2pp).

Cutting from 'The Universe' of an article entitled 'Jesuit's Charm Opened up the Prison Gates' (the priest in question was Fr Edward Bourke 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;

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

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.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr John Delaney SJ written during his time as chaplain to the Artillery of the 50th Division.

Documents relating to Fr Joseph Flinn’s time as a chaplain attached to VI Corps Rest Station North, 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, the Munster Fusiliers, the 60th and 88th Brigade, R.G.A., B.E.F., France. Includes: certificate appointing Fr Flinn Chaplain to the Forces, 4th Class, Land Forces (Temporary) (22 March 1917, 1p.);
– letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Flinn written from the Front (31 January 1917 – 10 October 1918, 21 items).

Memorial card and obituary for Fr Joseph Flinn SJ.

Photograph of Fr Henry Gill SJ ‘Chaplain with the Forces at the Front’ published in a supplement to the Weekly Freeman, 6 November 1915. Pasted on reverse, is details of the death of Fr John Firzgibbon SJ, from The Freeman's Journal, 25 September 1918.

Letters to Fr Henry Gill SJ from Mary Maura Ostyn, O.S.B., Prioress of Ypres, 11 Harwood Avenue, London, England asking Fr Gill to salvage the contents of the Benedictine abbey at Ypres. Contains details of all the convent’s treasures and where they have been hidden. Includes letter from Baron H. Kervyn de Letterrhov[e] concerning the destroyed treasures.

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).

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

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

Letters from Fr Jerome O'Mahony SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ written during his time as a chaplain in the 5th Canadian General Hospital Salonika, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, the 43rd General Hospital Salonika, H.M.H.S. “Egypt,” the 78th General Hospital Alexandra and P.L. of C., Haifa, Palestine, E.E.F.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Bernard Page SJ written during his time as a chaplain with the No. 2 Cavalry Field Ambulance, B.E.F., France. Includes letter of complaint to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ (12 April 1917, 6pp) re Fr Page and Fr Page’s replies (22 – 30 April 1917, 3 items).

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

Chronology of Fr Edward Sydes’ life.

Draft obituary of Fr Patrick Tighe SJ.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Joseph Wrafter SJ written while serving as chaplain in France and Belgium with the 47th Irish (16th) Division, the 8th Royal Munster Fusiliers and the 7th Leinster Regiment.

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.

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

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)

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.

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

Letters to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence J. Kieran SJ from Fr Richard L. Guilly SJ (Senior Catholic Chaplain, British Troops, Northern Ireland) concerning his proposed visit to Dublin, news of the Jesuit chaplains under his care and arrangements for chaplains regarding banking in England (encloses a list of the ‘ordinary emoluments due to chaplains’ (17 May 1941, 3pp and 1p.).

Letters to Irish Fr Provincial John MacMahon SJ from Fr Alan Birmingham SJ written during his time as a chaplain attached to the 2nd Battalion, The Loyal Regiment in Sussex and Northern Ireland; 32 Casualty Clearing Station in England and France; 4 Army Group Royal Artillery, B.L.A. in France and Germany; 150th Infantry Brigade in Southern India and the Indian Artillery Centre, Kamaredi. Includes description of his role in the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944 (16 November 1944, 4pp) and his last letter written on his way home (29 September 1946, 2pp).

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr John Burden SJ written while serving as chaplain in Catterick Camp, Yorkshire and with the 6th King’s Own Scottish Borders in Northumberland; in Nottingham (where he was promoted to Senior Chaplain (S.C.F. (R.C.) ); in India, South Africa and Iraq with Paiforce (Persian and Iraq Forces); 114th Rest/Transit Camp; 162nd Transit Camp in Damascus and Palestine. Some letters in the form of airgraphs. Includes his last letter written on 28 March 1946 concerning his release from the Army in May.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Fergus Cronin SJ written during his time as a chaplain while serving in the Royal Artillery Service Corps in Barry, South Wales; the Faeroe Islands; 101 Military Convalescent Depot, Grange Camp, Bedford and with Paiforce in Iraq. Includes:

• His first letter reporting that he has been informed by the War Office of his appointment as military chaplain effective from 11 May 1942 (24 April 1942, 1p.);
• References to the question of his direct repatriation to Hong Kong (9 January – 22 July 1946, 5 items) and waiting in Haifa in July 1946 to go to Cairo, there to await repatriation to Hong Kong.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Maurice Dowling SJ written during his time serving as a chaplain in the 11th General Hospital in Peebles; Military Hospital, Drymen, Scotland; with the Shetland Defence Forces in Lerwick; in North Africa with the 58th [Heavy Anti-Aircraft] Regiment, Royal Artillery, B.N.A.F.; 3 L.C.U.; with the 167th Field Ambulance, C.M.F. and 2nd A.G.R.A., C.M.F.; with the 4th Battalion, Oxford and Bucks. in Norfolk and 2nd Army and 21st Army Group in Germany. Includes his first letter written to the Provincial from the 11th General Hospital (1 January 1942, 2pp), Fr Dowling’s memorial card (with photograph), and airgraphs from North Africa.

Biographical information by Fr John Hayes SJ from the 1942 ‘Catalogus personum primus.’

Documents relating to Fr Richard Kennedy SJ as a Japanese prisoner of war in Taiwan. Includes:
– cutting from The Times listing Fr Richard Kennedy SJ as a POW (1 December 1942, 1p.);
– postcard from Fr Richard Kennedy SJ in a POW camp in Taiwan to Fr Provincial (1943);
– letters from Fr Kennedy’s brother, Denis P. Kennedy SJ to Irish Fr Provincial, informing him of letters received by Fr Kennedy’s family (13 July, 30 September 1944, 2 items).

Letters and telegrams to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Sydney Lennon SJ written while serving as a chaplain attached to 4th King’s Own Scottish Borders at Ford, Midlothian and Alloa, Clackmannonshir in Anti-Aircraft Unit; in various locations around Scotland; in Nottingham and on the hospital ship Dorsetshire. Includes his first letter written to Irish Fr Provincial from Scotland (5 September 1941, 4pp).

Letters and telegrams to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Cyril Perrott SJ written while serving as a chaplain with the R.M.P. (Royal Military Police), Broomfield Park, Palmer’s Green, London; in Crofton House, Titchfield, Fareham, Hants.; with an Anti-Aircraft unit in Avendale, Bathford, Bath, Somerset; and in Hockley Sole, Capel le Ferne, Folkestone, Kent; with the 14th Army Group, South East Asia Command in India; 1st (W.A.) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, S.E.A.C. and in a Rangoon hospital. Includes copy of part of letter sent by Fr Perrott to his brother Fr Gerard Perrott SJ concerning a meeting with Frs Charles Day and Edward Sullivan in Calcutta (25 October 1944, 1p.). Fr Perrott was promoted to Senior Chaplain (S. C.F. (R.C.) ) in April 1945.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial John R McMahon SJ from Mgr John M. Coghlan (Principal Chaplain (R.C.) concerning the chaplains’ release from the Army; the War Office’s request to retain the services of a number of them and the urgent need for Jesuits to work on the Hong Kong Mission. Includes copy letter to Fr Edward J. Warner SJ (Staff Chaplain to Mgr. Coghlan) from the Irish Fr Provincial in reply to the War Office’s request to retain the services of Fr Conal Murphy SJ. ‘I am sorry to say that I am worse off than ever for men, having received the other day a cable from Fr Joy, the Superior of our Hong Kong Mission, asking me to send out twelve men. As he and his fellow-missioners have been through a very rough time, as you can well imagine, I am anxious to send this help as soon as possible…I regret very much, then, that I cannot spare Fr Murphy, as I know by experience what it means to have vacancies yawning wide around one and none to fill them!’ (1 October 1945, 2pp).
Also includes letters to Irish Fr Provincial concerning Fr Richard Kennedy ‘ex P.O.W. from (the) Far East’ (7 January 1946 – 17 January 1947, 5 items).

'The priest among the soldiers' edited by Martin Dempsey, (London, 1947) which includes ‘At Belsen’ by Fr Michael Morrison SJ (pp188-194).

Miscellaneous items belonging to Fr Michael Morrison SJ. Includes:

• photograph (8½cm x 13½cm) of Fr Michael Morrison SJ, (1945-1955);
• group photograph (8½cm x 6cm) of Jesuits including: back, l-r, Michael O'Grady, [Frank Finegan], Michael Morrison, J. Kelly, Maurice Dowling, Conal Murphy, Sydney Lennon. Front, l-r: Perrott, John McAvoy and Michael O'Meara;
• pouch containing various documents belonging to Fr Michael Morrison SJ such as: British Forces Identification Card (with photograph); Chaplains’ Identification Cards; Officer’s Ration Card; War Department Driving Permit; British Red Cross Identity Certificate; travel permit, ‘Authorisation for Travel To and From Eire by Personnel During Release Leave’; Services Clothing Coupon Sheet; details of his eyesight from Davidson & Regenstreif ‘Ophthalmic Opticians’ in Cairo and ‘Most Secret’ list of ‘Unit Vehicle Numbers’ of the First Armoured Division (194[1]-194[6], 12 items);
• leather cover (9cm x 14½cm) for the identity card of Fr Michael Morrison SJ;
• ‘Field Service Pocket Book. Part I – Pamphlet No. 13. Discipline, Office Work, Pay, and Burial Parties’ (June 1943, 25pp);
• booklet entitled ‘Infantry Training. Part I – The Infantry Battalion' (1943, 54pp);
• booklet entitled ‘Memorandum for Catholic Army Chaplains and Officiating Chaplains to the Forces’. With annotations by Fr Morrison (1941, 59pp);
• signed photograph (10cm x 7cm) of five girls/woman, dated ‘Belsen 24-8-45’ [24 August 1945], [Eva Nuosnovicz], Geūia Freūkiel, with my friendship [Feuier], Best regards from Cecilia, Best wishes [ ]';
• typescript account of the ‘Chaplains’ Work in Belsen’ by Fr Michael Morrison SJ (1947, 3pp);
• illustrated booklet ‘The Story of Belsen’ written by Captain Andrew Pares, Adjutant of the 113 L.A.A. Regiment, R.A. (D.L.I.) T.A.. (Cover is detached) (n.d., 12pp);
• medals belonging Fr Michael Morrison SJ. Includes ‘The 1939-1945 Star’; ‘The France and Germany Star’; ‘The Africa Star’; ‘The Defence Medal’ and a medal for serving from ‘1939-1945’. Includes original box in which the medals were sent to Fr Morrison in Australia in March 1950 by the War Office (6 items, 1950) and
• file relating to the exhibition in Belvedere College of two cases of material from the Fr Michael Morrison SJ collection as part of a commemoration ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Belsen concentration camp. Includes a copy of the labels used for the exhibition, a programme of events for the commemoration ceremony and copies of photographic slides taken from the Imperial War Museum of Belsen concentration camp (April 2005, 5 items).

Responses to Irish Fr Provincial's letter seeking volunteers to serve as chaplains. Includes;

• Copy of Provincial’s letter (16 February 1942, 1p.)
• Responses from Frs Michael O'Meara SJ (2 letters, See also CHP2/32), Peter MacSeumais SJ, Brian MacMahon SJ, Fergus Cronin SJ (See CHP2/14), Thomas J. Martin SJ (See CHP2/28), Aidan Ennis SJ, Gerard Perrott SJ (brother of Cyril Perrott SJ) (2 letters) (See CHP2/35), Brendan Lawler SJ, Gerard MacLoughlin SJ and Thomas O'Callaghan SJ.

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.’

Biographical information on Fr Doyle including a copy of his birth certificate and memorial card.

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Tighe SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ concerning the voyage to Australia, his work in Australia and his work as a chaplain in the First World War. Includes a letter concerning his appointment to the new Novitiate and remarks that he is not pleased and that he feels himself unfit for the role (16 June 1914, 4pp). Includes a letter describing his work in Egypt. Remarks 'The war is truly terrible but it has opened the gates of Heaven to many of those killed in battle and it is drawing countless hearts to God - this is the universal experience of the chaplains.' Continues '...my health continues quite robust...I have got quite accustomed to the sleeping bag on the floor...' (2 March 1916, 2pp). Includes a letter referring to his departure from Egypt. Refers to the 1916 Rising in Ireland. Remarks '...what a terrible time you have had in Dublin recently...it seems inconceivable that there could have been such a widespread movement without the knowledge of the authorities.' Continues '...what a drain on the Province and Mission the war is proving and yet how necessary the chaplains are...' (25 May 1916, 2pp).

Letter from Fr Francis X. O'Brien SJ, RMS "Indarra" to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ concerning the voyage to Australia.

Letter from Fr James E. Magan SJ, RMS "Orsova" to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ concerning the voyage to Australia.

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

File of material relating to Fr Joseph McSweeney's tour of duty as chaplain to the Royal Air Force in the Middle East after Second World War (material on Second World War check chaplain's file). Includes letters regarding going to Belfast in 1945 for medical examination, a letter from Fr Edmund D'Arcy SJ, 114 Mount Street, London to Irish Fr Provincial expressing his concern over Fr McSweeney. Remarks that Fr Blount, senior army chaplain , came to see him and said that he considered Fr McSweeney. to be '...very weary and ought to be brought home'. (28 July 1948, 2pp).

Documents relating to ‘The Archbishop’s Planning Commission for Third Level Colleges under the City of Dublin Vocational Education Authority’, which was established to investigate the ‘religious, educational, emotional and intellectual needs of the students’ and to ‘determine the policy to be pursued and the measures to be taken for the adequate religious education of Catholic students attending Third Level Courses in the Colleges of the City of Dublin Vocational Education Group’. Includes a report of the Commission (4 May 1971, 11 pages).

Two articles on ‘The Functions of a Chaplain in a College of Third Level Education’ by Fr [Peter] Dunne SJ. Deals with the role of the chaplain in third level institutions and the facilities required by him to fulfil this role.

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.

Obituaries of Fr Patrick Barrett SJ.

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

License for Military Service ‘Royal Exchange Assurance, Policy No. 80925 for £500 on the Life of Revd. W.J. Doyle.’ and copy of details from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (20 January 1999 & 27 November 2013).

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Willie Doyle SJ written during his time as a chaplain attached to the 8th Brigade Irish Fusiliers, 49th Brigade, and the 8th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, B.E.F., France. Missing original letter 31 December 1915, but have photocopy.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ following Fr Willie Doyle’s death in action on 17 August 1917, from Fr Kerr McClement, Archbishop’s House, Westminster, Fr William Feran SJ, English Province, Farm Street, London and Fr M. O'Connell, Senior Chaplain (R.C.), H.Q., 16th Division, B.E.F..

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.

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.

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.

Photocopies of obituary from the Sunday Freeman of Fr John Gwynn SJ and a photograph of him as published in a supplement given away with the Weekly Freeman. Includes photographs of Fr Gwynn’s Memorial Tablet and a transcript of the inscription and document relating to his death (obituaries and appreciation by Lord Desmond Fitzgerald).

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

Biographical information and obituary on Fr Stanislaus McLoughlin SJ.

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 concerning Fr Thomas Maher’s poor health and a ‘bad Police report.’ Fr Maher was chaplain at Halton Park, Tring, England.

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.

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).

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Patrick Tighe SJ written while serving as chaplain with the 15th Battalion, A.I.F., B.E.F. and on his way to Australia. Named places have been cut out of a letter (24 January 1917).

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

Pamphlets issued by the War Office on ‘The Abolition of flies in camps, billets and hospital. Circular Memorandum No.8.’, 24 June 1916, (7pp) and ‘Roman Catholic Chaplains. Information and Hints. British Armies in France. January 1917’, (21pp), possibly in the possession of Fr Henry Gill SJ. A section of ‘Roman Catholic Chaplains’ is underlined, where the chaplain should live, p.11, ‘with the Transport when the Battalion is in the trenches, unless by arrangement with the Senior Chaplain, it is decided that he shall be in the trenches’. Material hand in by Margaret Doyle, Archivist, Clongowes Wood College, 9 January 2017.

Irish Jesuit Chaplains in the First World War

Memoranda and notes relating to chaplains and lists of those serving as chaplains. Includes:
– Memorandum on 'Emergency Arrangement for Irish Army Chaplains', Clongowes Wood College, 1939;
– Draft of letter sent by Irish Fr Provincial to Frs Thomas O'Donnell, James Bates, [James] Stephenson and Leo Donnelly; inquiring if they would be willing to ‘work for God as a military chaplain’ (n.d., 1p.);
– Note listing names of first two ‘batches’ of chaplains and the dates of their departures from Dublin (n.d., 1p.)
– Lists of ‘Volunteers for post of Army Chaplain’ (17 February 1942, 2pp, n.d., 1p.).

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Leo Donnelly SJ written while serving as chaplain in Great Yarmouth and Stalham, Norfolk with the 11th York and Lancasters; in 35th Casualty Clearing Station; 73rd General Hospital, Hatfield; with 5th Kings Regiment in Scotland; 10th Beach Group in France; 9 [Lines of Communications] Unit in France and 2nd Battalion of the Irish Guards.

Letters and telegrams to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Gerard Guinane SJ written while serving as chaplain with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Ulster Fusiliers in various locations throughout England, in Hawick, Scotland and in Catterick Camp, Yorkshire.

Documents and letters relating to Fr John Hayes’ career before becoming a military chaplain. Includes:

• Letter of John Hayes to the Irish Fr Provincial John Fahy SJ in reply to Fr Fahy’s instructions that Mr Hayes goes to Tullabeg (Novitiate), County Offaly on 1st September (Fr Hayes entered the Society on 1 September 1925) (5 August 1925, 1p);
• John Hayes’ confidential medical report, prepared by Dr M.S. McGrath for the Provincial (25 June 1925, 1p)
• ‘Informatio de Candidato’ – reports on John Hayes by five Jesuits for the Provincial (n.d., 5 items);
• Letter from Mr John Hayes SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ regarding his application to go on the Mission in Alaska (6 August 1932, 1p) and
• Copy letter to Mr John Hayes SJ from the Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ relating to ‘two faults…(that)…have been mentioned in the Informationes taken recently concerning you to which I must call your attention’ (26 July 1936, 1p);
• letter to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ from Fr Louis Lachal SJ, Loyola, Watsonia, Victoria, Australia (20 February 1945, 2pp) enclosing 'a letter for Frank Hayes, John's brother'...'The news of John's death was a big knock to those of us out here who knew him well'. Mentions Fr Victor Turner SJ in POW camp, Tokyo.
  See also CHP2/35 (43);CHP2/35 (44) and CHP2/31
• Dog collar identification for Rev. John Hayes C.F. RC, 199879. See CHP2/18

Letters and telegrams to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Conal Murphy SJ, written while serving as a chaplain with the 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers in Christchurch and Aldershot, Hants., Langholm, Dumfriesshire and The Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire; 587 Field Company, [Royal Engineers], Estate Camp, Inverkip, Scotland and in North Africa; 78th Division, British North Africa Force in Tunisia and 78th Division, Central Mediterranean Force (C.M.F.) in Sicily and Italy; 67 Garrison, B.N.A.F. in Tunisia and No. 1 Casualty Clearing Station, Italy, C.M.F., and Austria. Includes his first letter to the Irish Fr Provincial written from Salisbury (4 September 1941, 2pp); letter from Ursula Murphy [Fr Murphy’s sister] to Fr Coyne stating she had received word that Fr Murphy had gone overseas (1 December 1941, 1p.); letter to Fr Michael O’Meara (See CHP2/32) (13 October 1943, 1p.) and letter to Fr Provincial from Fr Murphy written on ‘a memorable day, the end of the war in Italy’ (2 May 1945, 2pp). Includes leaflets for the Service of Remembrance and Dedication at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin in which Fr Conal Murphy SJ contributed to (1976; 1978), and photograph of Fr Conal Murphy SJ in military chaplains uniform, with military ribbon rack underneath.

Letters and telegrams to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Conor Naughton SJ written during his time as a chaplain with the 10th Rifle Brigade in Saffron Walden, Essex; in Hadleigh Militia Camp, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh (an Anti-Aircraft unit); in Stoke Military Hospital, North Bovey, Devon; based in St Michael’s House, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot, Hants.; Richmond Arms Hotel, Goodwood, Sussex; 47th General Hospital, Mhow, Central India; with 2nd Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment in India; in No. 3 Indian British General Hospital, Poona, India; Combined Military Hospital, Wāltair R.S. and with 14th Battalion, [Durham Light Infantry] in Drake West Camp, Dorset. Fr Naughton took his final vows in Manresa House (England) on 4 February 1942. Includes letter to Irish Fr Provincial from T. Naughton (Fr Naughton’s [father]) (27 July 1942, 1p.) and numerous references to Fr John Hayes SJ (See CHP2/18).

Letters and telegrams to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Michael O'Meara SJ written during his time as a chaplain in Squire’s Gate Camp, Lytham St Annes, Blackpool; Abbots Lea, Woolton, Liverpool; Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire; Park Lea, Park Lane, Salford; Upper Chine School, Shanklin, Isle of Wight; with the 44th Light Anti-Aircraft Brigade, B.L.A. in France and Holland; 8th Infantry Brigade, B.A.O.R. in Egypt and I.S. Lan. R., M.E.F. in Egypt.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Michael Pelly SJ written while serving as a chaplain with 11th York and Lancaster Regiment (218th Infantry Brigade); in Otley, West Yorkshire; The Military Hospital, York; with the British North Africa Force in North Africa; 1st Battalion, The Buffs, C.M.F. in Italy; in 93rd British General Hospital, C.M.F. and in the School of Infantry, Warminster, Wiltshire. Includes Fr Pelly’s first letter to the Provincial written from Bridlington (23 April 1942, 1p.) and letters describing the monastery of Cassino following the battle of Monte Cassino (30 May 1944, 2pp), being in Rome on the day it was taken by the Allies and his ‘semi-private audience with the Pope’ (30 June, 29 July 1944, 2 items).

Identification tag (dog tag) for Rev. John Hayes C.F. RC, 199879.

British Royal Army Chaplains Department - K.C unit cap badge, bronzed metal, 2 fold over flat prong fitting, mint; shoulder and breast buttons; pips; metal chaplain badges.

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

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.

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).

Letter from Dr Thomas Carr, D.D., Archbishop of Melbourne, St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne to Fr John Ryan SJ (Superior of the Mission) asking Fr Ryan to spare a priest to become a chaplain for the expeditionary forces.

A file relating to an urgent request for chaplains for Australian troops fighting in the war. Includes letter from Dr Thomas Carr, D.D., Archbishop of Melbourne, St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne to Fr John Ryan SJ (Superior of the Mission) asking Fr Ryan to spare a priest to become a chaplain; telegrams and application by Fr Patrick Tighe SJ to serve.

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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A file relating to army chaplains. Includes letters and memoranda relating to the non-payment of their salaries to the Hong Kong mission. Includes extracts from letters by Fr Matthias Bodkin SJ, a naval chaplain concerning news of the Irish Jesuits in Hong Kong.

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).

Correspondence with Dr John Charles McQuaid, Archbishop of Dublin (mostly holograph letters from the Archbishop and copies of Fr. Provincial’s replies) on various matters. Includes letters concerning:

• the purchase of additional land from Mr Bewley adjoining Milltown Park, on which to build a secondary school (See also 1940s correspondence with Archbishop McQuaid);
• the question of the payment of workers for work on parochial and ecclesiastical buildings on Holy Days of Obligation;
• the Statement issued on behalf of the Hierarchy with regard to ‘the raising of military forces and the waging of war’ (persuading ‘young men not to join the new I.R.A. and kindred groups, or if they have joined, to disassociate themselves from such groups’);
• the proposed acquisition of new buildings on Eglinton Road (now the Province Curia, No. 87 Eglinton Road) for the Society to ‘relieve a certain congestion we are experiencing at present in our Dublin Houses’;
• the appointment of Jesuits to various ecclesiastical offices;
• the Commission considering the question of Licensing Laws;
• Jesuit Missions to the Irish in Britain (see also ADMN/3/62);
• the Technical Schools – ‘It is not in any sense an exaggeration to say that the assistance of the Society has made possible the establishment of a firm system of Religious Instruction, for the first time, in the Vocational and Technical Schools’ (letter of Archbishop McQuaid to Fr Provincial, 8 June 1959, 1p.) (see also ADMN/3/61);
• the formation of a committee to select candidates for beatification among the Irish martyrs (see also ADMN/3/24; 43; 48 and 49);
• the publication of spiritual books in Irish by the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary attached to Gardiner Street Church (see also ADMN/3/59 and 65);
• the appointment of Jesuit lecturers in University College Dublin;
• the proposal to establish a federation of the Sodalities of Our Lady in the Dublin Diocese.
  Also includes covering letter and copy of the minutes of the General Meeting of the Irish Actors’ Equity Association held on 27 April 1958.

In the late 1940s, Fr Leonard Sheil SJ (1897-1968) travelled to Britain in an effort to serve Irish emigrants. Fr Sheil was a familiar sight on his motorbike visiting building sites, construction camps, mines, steel works, oil refineries and industrial hostels. Frs Matthew Meade (1912-1992) and Kevin Laheen (1919-2019) also provided missions.

General papers on Irish Jesuit missions;

• Letters to the Provincial from Irish Jesuit missioners which give their opinions and impression of mission work in England (1960-1961);
• Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants Easter conferences (1960-1977) which concerns the attendance of the Jesuit Provincial (1960-1972) and reports of proceedings, minutes and addresses (1962; 1977);
• Working Party on the Irish Emigrant Missions in England and Wales (1973);
• Mission reports and statistics (1966-1975) including Jesuit missions (1966-1970) and Irish Catholic missions in England and Wales (1968; 1974-1975);
• Jesuit Chaplains in Westminster and Birmingham Archdioceses (1966-1969);
• Irish Chaplaincy Scheme (1971-1979) including conference reports (1978-1979), details of chaplains and services (1971; 1976-1977) and Jesuit appointments (1974-1979);
• Irish Centre Advisory Service, Liverpool (1976) and
• Lillie Road Centre London (1978).

File of correspondence relating to the nominating of Jesuit priests as priest-teachers in the Vocational Schools (Bolton Street and Kevin Street). Includes letters from Monsignor John O'Regan (on behalf of the Archbishops of Dublin, John Charles McQuaid and Dermot Ryan) to the Irish Fr Provincials (Brendan Barry and Cecil McGarry), asking the latter to forward the names of their nominees, as well as the Provincials’ replies. These replies, as well as containing the names of nominees, often refer to the problems encountered by the priest-teachers in the Colleges in relations to their work-load, professional development, status within the Colleges etc. Also includes a letter from the Archbishop’s House to Irish Provincial Fr Patrick Doyle SJ, in relation to his nominations (22 June 1976, 1 page).

Document entitled ‘Notes on Third Level Chaplains presently appointed to the Technological Colleges of the Dublin Vocational Education Committee’. Gives details of chaplains in various V.E.C. institutions, including Bolton Street and Kevin Street.