On 16 September 1941, fifteen personnel drawn from 12 pdr Battery, 1 Anti-Aircraft Battalion, (three Lieutenants, one Battery-Sergeant, two Sergeants, five Corporals and four Gunners), along with a Lieutenant Engineer Instructor, were accidentally killed when a training mine exploded. May they Rest in Peace.
In 1958, a stained glass window was dedicated in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, McKee Barracks, and in 1986, the Minister for Environment Mr John Boland T.D. unveiled a Monument at Seskin Bridge, honouring and commemorating the sixteen Defence Forces personnel who died on 16 September, 1941.
The 1941 accident remains the single tragedy with the greatest casualties in the history of Óglaigh na Éireann.
The Artillery Club’s Committee explored appropriate avenues to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of this tragic accident, including a submission to HQ Defence Forces Training Centre.
A commemoration ceremony took place at the monument at Seskin Bridge on Thursday 16 September at 1200hrs. 2 Artillery Regiment provided the Honour Guard and the Minute Gun.
Photographs courtesy Michael Burke
Please click on a photograph to view slide show.
