Image (Above): "British Forces in Dublin," Unknown Author, 1916
Tuesday
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On Tuesday, a martial law was imposed in Dublin, and thousands of British troops arrived from ports and railroad stations that the rebels failed to seize. This left the rebel forces outnumbered 16,000 to 2,500.
"Some distance beyond the Shelbourne I saw another Volunteer stretched out on a seat just within the railings. He was not dead, for, now and again, his hand moved feebly in a gesture for aid; the hand was completely red with blood. His face could not be seen. He was just a limp mess, upon which the rain beat pitilessly, and he was sodden and shapeless, and most miserable to see." - James Stephens, Author of Irish Times 1916 |
"British Soldiers at a Barricade," Irish Film Institute, 1916
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"Cormac Turner Interview," RTÉ Archives, 1965
* This downloadable video complies with NHD rules. |
"There can be no perfect Europe in which Ireland is denied even the least of its national rights." - James Connolly |
Wednesday
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On Wednesday, many buildings were burned down, leaving hundreds of rebels and British soldiers injured. The first rebel battalion surrendered, and the rebels began to lose control of the territories they had acquired on Monday.
"We went all out, guns blazing and ammunition firing. For what could you think about when fighting for your country, for the British soldiers were just a distraction towards our freedom."
- Ned Daly, Commandant in the Rising |
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"A destiny not of our fashioning has chosen this generation as the one called upon for the supreme act of self-sacrifice — to die if need be that our race might live in freedom."
- James Connolly |
"Dr. James Ryan Interview," RTÉ Archives, 1965
* This downloadable video complies with NHD rules. |
Thursday
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On Thursday, the British regained control of the city and started to push the rebels back to their GPO headquarters. The rebels’ plans were beginning to fall apart.
"From the moment the first civilian got to the Bridge not one shot was fired by either side, and when the last civilian was out of sight the firing started again, and the Bridge was rushed as before but with the same result. Again the Bridge was filled with dead and dying, and again cleared by the civilians who now had white sheets to carry the wounded on."
- Thomas Walsh, Witness |
Slideshow Courtesy of RTÉ Stills Library
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Friday
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On Friday, British General John Maxwell arrived on scene and immediately began to take military action. Patrick Pearse stated that the Rising was almost over and considered a rebel surrender. "If we accomplish no more than we have accomplished, I am satisfied. I am satisfied that we have saved Ireland's honour. ... For I have done in this, we have done together, and for that I am not afraid of Ireland's future, I am satisfied." - Patrick Pearse |
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"Give us the future, we've had enough of your past. Give us back our country, to live in, to grow in, to love." - Michael Collins |
"Sean Nunan Interview," RTÉ Archives, 1964
* This downloadable video complies with NHD rules. |