An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July / August 2025 www.military.ie/magazine 26 | THE MARINE INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT 1922-1923 The Irish War of Independence ended with the declaring of a Truce in July 1921, leaving a totally exhausted, bankrupt, country. The last thing Ireland needed was further strife and that unfortunately is what it got. Out of the ashes it had to emerge to fight another bitter war. The new Provisional Government now sought, from its recent enemy, monetary funds. A Free State Army had to be established, in time, to total 36,000 men all requiring clothing, provisions, weapons and pay. On the 5th December 1921 a 'Treaty' document was signed thus ending hundreds of years of partial occupation by English forces in Ireland. On 6th January 1923 Dáil Éireann voted on its acceptance; sixty four Deputies in favour, fifty seven against. On the 10th January the leader of the opposition Mr Eamon De Valera took his dissenting TDs out of the Chamber. The 'Dáil' met on the 14th January 1922 and established a Provisional Government, Arthur Griffith being elected President. On 31st of January a Free State Army was established at Beggars Bush Barracks Dublin. On 26th February an IRA Convention was held at the Mansion House in Dublin repudiating the Treaty and appointing its own Executive. Irreversible change began to happen on 2nd May 1922 when 'Nationalists' (pro- treaty) and 'Republican' (IRA) forces began exchanging fire in Kilkenny City. Envoys impose peace as Nationalists seize Kilkenny Castle. It then became obvious, that an all-out civil war was imminent. The Free State Authorities moved, rapidly, to take control of coastal waters, major ports and rivers to stop 'Irregular' forces gun running activity. This was effected by the establishing of a prototype customs and port control department named 'The Marine Investigation Department'. Comdt Joseph Vize, a Wexford native with long standing republican ties dating back to IRB membership in 1913, and extensive merchant shipping involvement, was appointed as GOC Marine Investigation Department on 20th March 1922. With the support of the British Colonial Office, Lieutenant General 'Ginger' O'Connell, acting on behalf of the Authorities, purchased four Great War submarine chaser purposed motor launches from the British Admiralty on 11th May 1922. Under the responsibility of a Commander Blay RN the flotilla set out from Southampton intended for 'Kingstown' (Dun Laoghaire). On the way seas got rough and Motor Launch (ML) 2 having struck some object began taking water. Though receiving continual pump out, and support towing, the vessel sank on 19th July, its crew transferring to another launch. A further problem arose when a fire broke to the rear of ML 4 but was contained. In spite of upheavals the remaining launches reached port. The Civil War began in earnest on 28th June 1922 with the attack by Nationalists on the Four Courts, Dublin, then a Republication held building. On 12th July 1923 Comdt Vize was promoted to Major General OC Coastal and Marine Service, the latter comprising both MID (Military Intelligence Division) and Coastal Infantry. Department Vessels River work was undertaken by the use of the three ex RN wooden motor launches; ML 1, ML 2, ML 3 each measuring 80' 0"in length, 19'0"in beam and 5"6' in draught. In support were a number of wooden steam launches. Engine room size of the ML was 8" x 12" and was equipped with 2 American standard engines. According to one of the engine room staff, Second Engineer Heffernan, the engines had a maximum horsepower of 440 and was capable of a speed of 22kts. The vessels were dispersed as follows; Waterford harbour – 1 launch, Cork Harbour – 1 launch, Limerick – 2 launches. It is most probable that the remaining 'lost boat' was destined for Dublin with all vessels to cover the main approaches from England. It is surprising there was no comment about the need to cover Drogheda Port. Measurement for the two steam launches, by number, were 190" length 57" 2', beam 12" 4' draught 5" 1' speed 9kts 199length 60" 2' beam 14" draught 4" 10' speed 10.3 kts. Patrolling vessels were also supplemented by two 'drifter' type boats named lnisherer and John Somers respectively. The former was 65 foot in length, 17 foot 7 inches in beam and with a draught of 8 foot. The latter we are told had a length of 80 feet and both had a speed of 8 kts. All vessels appear to share a common complement being a Captain, Chief Officer, Chief and Second Engineer plus 4 AB deck hands. Each vessel flew the tricolour to the rear. Uniforms of Personnel Non-commissioned officers wore merchant navy type uniforms, being navy- blue double-breasted reefer jackets, navy slacks the uniform being completed by polo neck jumpers. Officers wore an appropriate officer style uniform with merchant naval type rank markings on the lower sleeves The cap badge was that then shared by all army personnel being the letter FF mounted on a small ring bearing the words' Oglaigh na hEireann and the lot being mounted on a representation of a sunburst. In respect of rank markings each captain wore on the lower sleeve four½ inch gold rings and one curlicue Chief officer 2 gold rings and curlicue, and first officers one ring and curlicue Service Organization Coastal Organisation Structure The coastline was divided into four Areas, each under the control of an Area Officer: • Area 1: Narrow Water to Carnsore Point • Area 2: Carnsore Point to Bearehaven • Area 3: Bearehaven to Westport • Area 4: Westport to Moville A further subdivision created eight Districts, each overseen by an Inspector: 1. Narrow Water to Dublin 2. Dublin to Carnsore Point 3. Carnsore Point to Cobh 4. Cobh to Bearehaven 5. Bearehaven to Limerick 6. Limerick to Westport 7. Westport to Killybegs 8. Killybegs to Moville Each District was further divided into Stations, typically numbering between 3 and 5 per District. Each Station was manned by between 3 and 34 Searchers. Total Establishment The Department was commanded by Major General Vize, supported by three Staff Officers operating from Portobello Barracks, Dublin. Field personnel included: • 4 Area Officers • 8 Inspectors • 164 Searchers Instructions to Inspection Staff were issued directly by Major General Vize. ARTICLE BY NOEL R CLANCY PC. MB.OCH. MRCGP. MICGP. LSM. National Army troops land in Fenit in August 1922 as part of a major offensive against the Anti-Treaty Forces

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