Louisa Nolan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
|
|
Louisa Nolan (born 1898) was a brave Irish woman. She received the Military Medal from King George V. This award was for her courage and help during the Easter Rising in Dublin, Ireland, in 1916.
Contents
Growing Up in Dublin
Louisa Nolan grew up in Ringsend, Dublin. Her father was a former police officer. She had two sisters who became nurses. She also had three brothers. Sadly, one brother died in World War I. When she was a teenager, Louisa performed as a chorus girl. She appeared on stage at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin.
Bravery During the Easter Rising
The Easter Rising was a big event in Irish history. It happened in Dublin in 1916. Irish rebels fought for independence from British rule. The British government sent soldiers to stop the uprising.
The Battle of Mount Street Bridge
On April 26, 1916, British soldiers arrived in Dublin. They faced strong resistance from the rebels. Heavy fighting took place near the Grand Canal. This area included Mount Street Bridge. Over 1,000 British soldiers, called Sherwood Foresters, tried to cross the canal. They were caught in intense gunfire. A small group of Irish rebels held their ground. They caused many casualties among the British troops. Even though there were other ways to cross, the British General Lowe kept ordering attacks. The fighting at Mount Street Bridge was very fierce. It caused a large number of British casualties.
Louisa's Heroic Actions
During this dangerous battle, Louisa Nolan showed amazing courage. She helped wounded soldiers and officers. She went out into the middle of the fighting. Bullets were flying everywhere. Louisa calmly carried water and other supplies to the injured. Her brave actions encouraged other people to help too.
Louisa helped move a wounded officer to safety. She stayed under fire for almost three hours. She assisted doctors and nurses. They worked together to move injured people to safe places.
Recognition for Her Courage
On February 24, 1917, King George V honored Louisa. He gave her the Military Medal at Buckingham Palace. This medal is given for bravery on the battlefield. Louisa was one of only about 150 women to ever receive it.
News of her bravery spread far. A newspaper in Chicago, USA, called her 'Ireland's Bravest Colleen.' Today, her medal is on display. You can see it at the National Museums Northern Ireland. In 2016, Ireland honored Louisa again. They released a special stamp with her picture. This was part of a series to mark 100 years since the Easter Rising.
After the Rising
After the Easter Rising, Louisa Nolan continued her theater career. She moved to London. There, she starred in a show called "Three Cheers." This show was part of the Harry Lauder revue. It played at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
