Reginald Dunne facts for kids

Reginald William Dunne (born June 1898 – died 10 August 1922) was a leader in the London group of the IRA. He was one of two men executed for his role in the death of Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson.

Reginald Dunne was the only child of Robert and Mary Dunne. He was born in Woolwich, just like his mother. He went to St Ignatius' College in Tottenham, North London. His father was a British soldier. Reginald also served in the British Army as a private in the Irish Guards. He fought in the First World War.

On 22 June 1922, Dunne and Joseph O'Sullivan were involved in the death of Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson in London. Dunne first got away, but O'Sullivan, who had lost a leg in the First World War, was caught by a crowd. Dunne went back to try and help O'Sullivan, but he was also captured.

Why Reginald Dunne Acted

When Dunne was on trial, he spoke about his reasons. He explained that during the Great War, he had fought for the values of the United Kingdom. However, he felt these values were not applied to his own country, Ireland.

Dunne had written a speech he wanted to give in court. In this speech, he blamed Wilson for what he called the "Orange Terror." He saw Wilson as a key advisor to the Belfast Government. Dunne believed Wilson had set up the Ulster Special Constabulary, which he described as the main group causing this "terror."

Trial and Execution

Dunne was found guilty very quickly, in just three minutes. Many people tried to save him and O'Sullivan. A petition with 45,000 signatures was sent. Famous people, like the writer George Bernard Shaw, also asked for them to be spared.

Despite these efforts, both men were executed at Wandsworth Prison on 10 August 1922. They were buried inside the prison grounds. In August 1929, Irish Republicans in London put up a plaque to remember Dunne and O'Sullivan. Later, in 1967, their remains were moved and reburied in Deans Grange Cemetery in Ireland.

Using a Different Name

When Dunne was arrested, he was charged under the name James Connolly. This was possibly a way to honor a famous Irish leader with the same name.

Images for kids

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  1922 Photograph of Dunne before his execution