The botched rescue of an IRA prisoner, GLASGOW, MAY 1921

One of the most significant stories to emerge from the 2019 release of records in the Military Service Pensions Collection (MSPC) is the attempted rescue of Frank Carty outside Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, on 4 May 1921. The release includes the files of eighteen of those engaged in the attempted rescue which resulted in the death of one and wounding of another policeman. Added to those already released from the collection it brings those connected with the event to 30.

Frank Carty (born 1897) was a member of the Irish Volunteers and the IRB (Irish Republican Brotherhood). By late 1919 he held the rank of Vice Brigade Officer Commanding, Sligo Brigade, IRA. Carty was arrested in February 1920 in connection with an arms raid and imprisoned in Sligo Jail until his escape in June 1920. On 10 August 1920 he took part in an attack on British forces at Chaffpool, County Sligo. He also took part in attacks on Tubbercurry RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary) Barracks in August 1920 and in the operation which