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Dublin: The VTC Under Attack

The Volunteer Training Corps see action in Dublin during the Easter Rising

The Volunteer Training Corps was a civil defence organisation which was formed to give men who were past the age of enlistment, or who had commitments that would prevent them from joining the regular army, a chance to serve their country at home. Initially comprised of spontaneous β€œΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Guards” in various cities and towns, they were eventually recognised by the War Office.

Their duties would include guarding certain areas, like docks or train stations, transporting wounded soldiers or helping with anti-invasion defences and generally freeing up regular soldiers from the more mundane tasks.

The VTC in Dublin had gone on a training exercise in the Wicklow Mountains during April of 1916. As they made their return journey to Beggars Bush Barracks, they found themselves caught up in one of the most formative events of Irish history in the 20th century, the Easter Rising.

Location: 25 Northumberland Road, Dublin 53Β°20'10.9"N 6Β°14'19.1"W
Image: Dr. William Butler outside 25 Northumberland Rd

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