Online launch of the latest release of material from the Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection by the Minister for Defence, Mr Simon Coveney, T.D.

The Minister for Defence, Mr Simon Coveney, T.D. today announced the latest release of material from the Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection (MSPC) online. This latest release of records is the tenth release of material under the MSPC Project and comprises over 2,500 files representing records relating to 1,120 individuals. This new release of records includes applications for service pensions and applications under the Army Pensions Acts linked to disability pensions. 869 of the files are relating to women applicants.

Speaking in relation to this latest release, the Minister said “The records contained in the Military Service Pension Collection provide invaluable historical information that captures first-hand accounts of the experiences of the individuals involved in this defining period of Irish history. Each release of material from this collection reveals previously unknown or forgotten experiences of those involved in events of that time. It gives me great pleasure to make further historical records contained in this collection available to the public.”

The tenth release of material is now available to view on the MSPC area of www.militaryarchives.ie

The Minister welcomes enhancements which have been made to the online search facilities since the last release of material in November 2020. The enhancements include the addition of new search fields making it easier to carry out online searches. In addition, MSPC material relating to the Truce period has been collated to create a new online resource on www.militaryarchives.ie. This includes a map recording the fatalities arising from the conflict in the Truce Period 12 July 1921 – 27 June 1922. This work is essential to ensure quality and diverse access to the collection. It exploits and expands existing resources, and introduces completely new data and develops new ways to share unique primary sources with the general public.

MSPC publications “Guide to the Military Service Pensions Collection” and a guide to the “Brigade Activity Reports” are available to download on the Military Archives website.

Note for Editors:

Origins and scope: The archives contained within the Military Service Pensions Collection were once active administrative files generated through legislation enacted by the newly formed Saorstát Éireann from June 1923. In post-conflict conditions, various legal acts were sanctioned to compensate members of certain organisations and their widows, children and dependents. Over time, legislation was enhanced and broadened to include more veterans, including the members of Cumann na mBan.

Two streams of legislation are relevant for the Military Service Pensions Collection:

- The Army Pensions Acts, from 1923 to 1953: dealing with the wounded participants and deceased participants’ dependents.

- The Military Service Pensions Acts, 1924, 1934, 1949: dealing with the surviving participants who could prove active service.

Applicants were assessed by the Army Pensions Board, a Board of Assessors and later by a Referee and an Advisory Committee. The files are the result of the verification process and contain material submitted by the applicants in respect of their claims.

Since the first release of material in 2014, approx. 104,000 files have been individually catalogued by the MSPC team, with over 34,000 scanned files fully available online.