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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).

Fr Frank Browne SJ, in chaplains uniform, with various members of his family, including:

• studio portrait with his brother Fr William and uncle Robert, bishop of Cloyne, 1916;
• postcards with his brother Fr William, sisters Ellen Mary Browne and Margaret Martin (Cork) and uncle Robert, bishop of Cloyne, The Palace, Spy Hill, Cobh, County Cork;
  • with his brother Fr William, uncle Robert, bishop of Cloyne, sister and other, with motor-car, outside The Palace, Spy Hill, Cobh, County Cork;
• having afternoon tea with four others;
  • on a bench with four other people [his brother, Dr Browne];
  • soldier with girl, The Palace, Spy Hill, Cobh, County Cork;
• postcard with photograph on obverse of Fr William Browne aiming a rifle. Note and poem written by Fr William Browne to his brother Fr Frank Browne SJ (28 March 1916 );
• postcard of Fr William Browne, Fr Frank Browne SJ and their sister, with St Colman’s Cathedral, Cobh, Cork. In the background;

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.

Carte postale with a photograph of Fr Frank Browne SJ as a chaplain, with his horse.

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).

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

Box with altar requisites which includes missal stand, missal, altar linen, stole (instead of maniple) burse, kneeler and Á Kempis used by Fr Willie Doyle SJ at the front. With box.

Fr Willie Doyle’s ‘Pioneer Pin’.

Card with image entitled ‘Behold this Heart which hath so love men!’ given to Fr Willie Doyle SJ by his mother.

Postcard from Fr Willie Doyle SJ, Guadaloupe Barracks, Bordon, Hampshire to his father, Hugh Doyle Esq., Dalkey, Dublin in which he gives his new address.

Holograph letters and one typewritten letter by Willie Doyle: as a schoolboy in Ratcliffe College, Leicestershire, England to his brother Bob and mother (30 May 1886 - 9 April 1887); as a Jesuit novice at St Stanislaus, Tullabeg, County Offaly to his mother and father, and sisters Mai and Lena (8 August 1891 - 9 July 1892); as a scholastic at Milltown Park, Dublin to his father and brother Bob (31 May - Christmas 1893) and to Brother Cahill on finishing his noviceship (8 June 1893) and at Clongowes Wood College, County Kildare to his mother and father, and brothers Bob and Charles (3 September 1894 - 23 August 1896).

Holograph letters by Fr Willie Doyle SJ from his time with the 8th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, 49th Brigade, 16th Division and the 8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusilier’s: at Whitely Camp, Surrey; Bordon Camp, Hampshire; various locations in France. In the main, the letters are addressed to his father, but also his sister Mai. The letters document his time as a military chaplain, firstly at camp in England while preparing for embarkation and secondly, at the front in France. Some of the letters have been transcribed by Professor Alfred O'Rahilly in his book - Father William Doyle SJ. (1922) http://www.archive.org/details/fatherwilliamdoy00orahuoft
With envelopes and four undated parts of letters.

Includes notebooks written by Fr Willie Doyle SJ at the front (31 March 1916 - August 1917) with the following titles: ‘Bully Beef’ (20 - 29 December 1916); ‘Pork and Beans’ (16 January - 5 February 1917); ‘Bits and scraps for an old man’s breakfast’ (July 1917)’; ‘The Battle of Ypres’ (9 July - August 1917). Includes opening entry - ‘My dear Father, When I posted my letter to you this morning it occurred to me that perhaps if I kept a kind of diary for the next couple of weeks it might interest you and others, even if I had nothing of very great interest to relate (31 March 1916).

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.

Fr John Delaney’s Victory Medals from the First World War. The oak leaf attachment was awarded to those mentioned in military despatches.

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.

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

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).

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).

Prayer leaflet entitled ‘League of Prayer’, from St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin: ‘Thousands of our fellow-countrymen, thousands of our co-religionists in France and Belgium, thousands who, though they do not profess our Faith, are united to us by ties of friendship and interest, are exposed to every danger, and hardship, and suffering, that must attend the present war’.

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.

A file of letters from Fr James Brennan SJ, (Superior), Rathfarnham Castle, Rathfarnham, County Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ concerning the move of the community to Rathfarnham, the running of the house, bills and finances and the care of the Juniors. Includes:

• a letter concerning the various work being carried out in preparation for the community occupying the Castle. Remarks 'This is the first letter written by a Jesuit from the above address.' (6 August 1913, 4pp);
• a letter referring to the ceiling paintings in the refectory. Remarks 'I think it would be wise not to put up the pictures in the refectory until we get the complete set.' (18 April 1914, 3pp);
• a letter referring to a consultation at which it was remarked that the Juniors are not as well fed as they should be. Remarks that the lunch needs to be improved. (20 September 1914, 4pp);
• a letter referring to workmen needed to clean out the pond and work on the farm. Refers to injuries sustained by Fr John Gwynn as a military chaplain. Asks Irish Fr Provincial to ask the newly appointed Fr General to bless the Irish Juniorate (14 February 1915, 4pp);
• a letter referring to the success of the Juniors in the University exams. (30 June 1915, 2pp);
• a letter referring to the scholarships won by the Juniors (amounting to £1,000). Remarks 'it would argue want of taste to suggest any limit to Provincial generosity in this matter, but we have fallen on evil days, when retrenchment is in the air and I venture to suggest that if your Reverence returned me the very smallest of the four cheques it would furnish means for an "outing" - fresh air and food - in harmony with the lean years through which we are passing.' (6 November 1915, 2pp);
• a letter concerning the possibility of Fr Brennan being assigned another task. Remarks '...not only should I feel not hurt but I would regard such a change as a very great relief.' (29 July 1916, 1p);
• a number of letters concerning a trip by the Juniors to Jersey and the concern he feels for them travelling during the war. (7 August 1916 - 26 August 1916, 3 items).

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

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.

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).

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.

Note from the Sisters of Mercy, Cobh of the visit of Fr Frank Browne SJ and lecture given by him while on leave from acting as chaplain in the First World War.

Photocopies of some of Fr Frank Browne's chaplain letters.

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.

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

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.

Pamphlets and mock-up of book cover, advertising various editions of Alfred O'Rahilly's book on Fr Willie Doyle 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.

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.

Chasuble with maniple belonging to Fr Willie Doyle SJ according to Sergeant Thomas Brady. Explanatory note gives background to provenance.

Catalogue and drawings of plants by Willie Doyle, while a student at Ratcliffe College, Leicestershire, England.

Certificate appointing Fr William Joseph Doyle SJ chaplain to the Forces, 4th Class, Land Forces, Temporary.

Beads given by Fr Willie Doyle SJ the day before his was killed, to one of his ‘Boys’.

Declaration by Fr Willie Doyle SJ - ‘My Martyrdom for Mary’s Sake’ (Oblation). First class relic as written in Fr Doyle's blood.

Photograph of aid post with Fr John Gwynn SJ (c.1914) faded photograph of Fr Willie Doyle SJ; Jesuits at Portnoo (1910); telegram announcing Fr Willie Doyle’s death; letter between Rev. Mother, Sister Benedict of the Convent of Locre, Belgium and Fr William F. Browne C.C. (21-31 August 1917), Fr Frank Browne’s brother.

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).

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’.

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.

Leaflet for a requiem service for dead soldiers at St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne. Sermon given by Fr William Lockington SJ.

Copy letter from Albert Gardiner (Acting Minister of Defence), Department of Defence, Commonwealth of Australia concerning an amendment to the war service regulations and theological students.

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).

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).

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

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

Copy of a letter from Edward Thomas O'Dwyer, Bishop of Limerick to the Editor of the 'Munster News' entitled 'Irish Emigrants and English Mobs'. The letter refers to Irish emigrants being forced to join the British army to fight in the First World War.

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.

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.

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

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

Postcards (Carte Postale) with photographs on the obverse of: “Canadian Irish Guards”; Private J Cassidy (signed); [Smithwick] on horseback (signed); Capt Rawe on horseback, Medical Officer, 2nd Royal Dublin Fusilier (signed) (29 July 1917) and [Gaffeny], Royal Dublin Fusilier on horseback (signed) (30 July 1917).

Postcard with photograph on the obverse of Robert Joseph Francis Martin (Bertie) Martin [ ] C. O.T.C in military uniform , nephew of Fr Frank Browne SJ.