12th Release of Material From Military Service Pensions Collection

The Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, has announced the latest release of material from the Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection (MSPC) online. This latest release of records is the twelfth release of material under the MSPC Project and it comprises of over 3,450 files representing records relating to over 1,400 individuals. This is the first release of material this year.

Similar to the last release, the majority of entries relate to women applicants under the Military Services Pensions Act 1924 and 1934 and the Army Pensions Acts.

Speaking in relation to this latest release, the Minister said, \”I am delighted to announce this latest release of historical records contained in the Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection. This latest release of files provides new information on the War of Independence and the Civil War, and provides an insightful view in to post-conflict lives.”

The release of material is now available to view on www.militaryarchives.ie.

The archives contained within the MSPC 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.

2 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.

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.