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Constable Chandler writes :-
'After staying in Dublin about ten days,Constable Rance and i were sent to Sligo and given accommodation in the Police Barracks. The windows of the two rooms which were allotted to us had heavy iron shutters with slits for rifles, the rooms were very dark, and we only had candles, which we had to supply ourselves. When out shopping, an armed guard always followed us and walked about the shops while we made our purchases, as the Inspector did not think it safe for us to go out alone, as Sligo was such a hot bed of rebellion.
 'One of the places we were taken to by the military was the National University, where we searched the women and girl students. Twice we were taken to Iveagh Buildings, which are large blocks of dwellings for poor people. Twice we went to the Bridewell. Sunday was often the day we were wanted, as the week end was generally the time for a big round up.On one occasion we were taken to Drogheda, and went to the Bayne Cinema to search about forty women. On another occasion we went  to Navern and a dance hall wash raided, but nothing was found ; in fact, the people were loyalists and the police had been put on the wrong sent. We were at Collinwood House twice. This is the house with the secret passages, sliding panels in wardrobes, etc. On the second occasion the officer in charge said: "We will camouflage, and draw attention away from this house by going to another,"and at the other we had better results, as the men found a large flashlight which they had been trying to locate for some time. They also found bullets and a number of other incriminating articles. I had searched four women, when one of them said : "You cannot search my sister, as she is a cripple." I at once became suspicious, and said i could manage quite well, and proceeded to search the woman, and found a number of documents which had apparently all been handed to her, thinking she would escape searching.
 'One night we had an accident in one of the narrow streets of Dublin, where a crowd of young men had collected, and in pulling up the cars so suddenly, the radiator of our car was smashed and Constable Rance got a nasty knock, while one of my hands was bruised. The car we were in was an ordinary four seater. After this accident we were always taken about in an armoured car. On one or two occasions i had to go with one or the other of the Staff Officers to Kingstown in a private motor, as they were officers whose lives were threatened, and they thought if i went with them they might be safer. Several times we were hot on the trail of Michael Collins; and twice we were at cottage at Rathfarnam, where he was seen to enter. Only a few minutes before we arrived he had been smoking and drinking a cup of tea, and the cup was still hot, and a burning cigarette still on the table,Only three women were there, but he had managed to slip away. On New Year's Eve (1920-1921). I was called out of bed at 12.30 to go to  the Castle, to search a lady who had been arrested for having ten revolvers secreted in her bathroom. She was very well dressed and very quiet. Afterwards i was called upon about 4am. to take her to Mountjoy Prison.
 ' While at New Ross Constable Rance found a revolver in a parcel under a woman's arm, who was supposed to be ill in bed. While at the Castle at different times i had charge of several women, Among them were two young girls who had tea with the cadets who were afterwards shot in Grafton Street on the 24th June 1921.These girls had been able to point out the unfortunate cadets to the gunmen.
 'On another occasion i had to search the woman at whose house at Black Rock, De Valera was arrested on the night of the 22nd June 1921. Once, while searching a girl at Michael's Lane, Christ Church Place, Dublin, i saw that her mouth was injured, To my question as to how it happened, she replied that she had been to the dentist. Afterwards it was discovered that she had been shot in a raid.
 'Constable Rance and i were taken to the house in Blackhall Place, after a raid in the early part of  May 1921. We searched all the girls and women, and found they had parcels of provisions they had prepared for a big hold up and ambush, to take place on the following Sunday somewhere in the Wicklow Mountains, Information had been given, and over one hundred of the men were arrested. Everything in that house in Blackhall Place was wrecked. It must have been a terrible fight, but we did not see anything of it as the men had all gone when we arrived.
 'On another occasion a train was held up, and all the women taken to the waiting room, where we searched them, but while the detective was searching the men, one was found to be armed and taken prisoner. On the return journey, to our surprise, women and children came from under the carriage seats; but as soon as the ticket inspector appeared they scurried back to their hiding places.'
    The following are extracts from Constable Budd's diary:-
'July 16th.- To-day Constable Cole and i were caught in a terrific downpour of rain, and stood for shelter in the doorway of a shop,A girl came out and offered us sheets of brown paper to put on under our coats ! We were struck by the sweet voices and kind gentle manners of the Dublin people with whom we came in contact. We have also become used to the black velour hats and black ties, which we instinctively connect with Sinn Fein.'
 'July 18th.-Everywhere there are chalkings on pavements, walls and doors, making us feel we are in for it, After dinner Cole and i met a crowd of ragged urchins marching smartly behind a band which had just left a Roman Catholic Church named Adam and Eve. We also notice berefoot, ragged children putting money in the boxes always being shaken at the doors.'
 ' July 24th.-Took leave of Inspector, and journeyed to Roscommon- three and a half hours, Met at the station by police and escorted to Old Fort Prison, used as barracks for police and military. The Head Constable was very kind and gave us a warm welcome ,but seemed heartily amused at our advent, and not to know what to do with us. We were told to report to the County Inspector, and we went in uniform, which was much admired. In the afternoon we were taken for a drive around the country, a real thrill,terrific speed, and a rifle ready cocked resting on one's shoulder. We sat in front with the driver, the police all together behind. ( The man holding the gun ready was shot dead in an ambush a day  or two later.)'
                                                                                
Ref :- The Pioneer Policewoman,  By Commandant, Mary S.Allen. Pub-London 1925, by Chatto & Windus.
    

Hi, C.S.M.
(1) Thank you for your interest, and in answer to the few questions you put, the books,? ( she also wrote the "Lady in Blue" Pub London, 1936, by Stanley Paul & Co. Ltd ) and many other items, photo's,badges, papers, plus a Warrant card. ( dated 1915) of the- Womens Police Volunteers,1914-Womens Police Service,1915-Womens Auxiliary Service,1920, which was the one and same organzation, but had name changes,for different reasons, over a few years. All came my way in 1973,on the death of the owner one, Miss B.E.Leach.1893-1972. Who had been a member of this force, but as far as i know did not serve in Ireland. ( she got married in 1920).
(2) There was one particular Lady Searcher, that we know of, who was Irish, but how many others as yet is not known, but we hope to find out in the near future.
(3) One would think they served at all levels, with the Crown Forces in Ireland, where and when required, i can tell you that on occasions, or in some cases they were armed, so you may well be right in your assumption,of who they worked with.
(4) I will endeavour,to post on site the remainder, of Chapter xi,which only deals with Ireland, as you have shown such interest in the subject, and maybe at a later date give the backgrounds etc of these women.
                                                                                                                                                                                              John.
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I have just received information, "The Pioneer Policewomen" was reprinted in 2010, and can be brought on Amazon.co.uk. for £18.99.
I should have checked,( there is no fool, like an old fool) that which i have posted i will leave on site,but no more.
 I would like to add, Peter Mc's postings on the subject, of the Lady Sesrchers, is commendable