The Foresters' Failed First Charges

British soldiers taking cover on the streets of Dublin

In response to the first fusillade from No. 25, officers led a charge against the building which ended in failure and both officers involved becoming casualties. Captain Pragnell was wounded, and 2nd Lieutenant Hawken was killed. Contemporary newspapers reported several more failed charges against the corner building. The British were prevented from advancing for several hours, and considered the position “strongly held”. One British soldier, Andrew Palmer, recalled later their uncertainty of the number of Irish volunteers they were facing.

Despite the mounting casualties and general confusion that led the British to assume 25 Northumberland Road was heavily occupied, there were only two men inside: Michael Malone and Seamus Grace. 

 (Papadopoulos & Schreibman, 2019; The Irish Press, 1965; The Kerryman, 1916, Audio: Albert Palmer, RTÉ 1979)