I have been tracing my wifes family on her Grandad's side (McGarry), her Grandfather Joseph McGarry was born in 1869 in Garrison, Co Fermanagh. He joined the RIC at the age of 18yrs 5m, his service number was 52460, he was promoted twice and reached the rank of Sergeant in 1908. He served in the counties of Limerick, Sligo, Tyrone and Mayo. He left the RIC on the 1st October 1920 and emigrated via England to Australia, I have recently found out the reason he left the service was because one of his sons had joined the British Army and Joseph thought that because of this the family would become targets.
Joseph had 3 brothers 2 of which were also in the RIC as was his father Patrick.
The oldest brother James Edward McGarry was the most successful member of the family in the RIC, his service number was 52387. James was promoted 6 times and reached the lofty position of 1st Class District Inspector (22 August 1920) he left the RIC when it was disbanded in 1922. In 1923 James was awarded the O.B.E.
The youngest brother Frederick Arthur McGarry (57118) also reached the rank of sergeant (1 July 1918), he appears to be the black sheep of the family as he has several fines/punishments on his police record, but it looks like he eventually got his act together.
As for their father Patrick McGarry (born approx 1834-39) I don't have his RIC record yet as I need to do more research on him before I will be able to order his record. I do know that he served in County Fermanagh for several years as this is where his 4 sons and 2 daughters where born.
I am really enjoying doing this research as its a surprise for my wifes mother as I know she would like to know more about the McGarry's, all she knows is that her grandad was in the RIC, she knows nothing about his brothers etc.
Joseph had 3 brothers 2 of which were also in the RIC as was his father Patrick.
The oldest brother James Edward McGarry was the most successful member of the family in the RIC, his service number was 52387. James was promoted 6 times and reached the lofty position of 1st Class District Inspector (22 August 1920) he left the RIC when it was disbanded in 1922. In 1923 James was awarded the O.B.E.
The youngest brother Frederick Arthur McGarry (57118) also reached the rank of sergeant (1 July 1918), he appears to be the black sheep of the family as he has several fines/punishments on his police record, but it looks like he eventually got his act together.
As for their father Patrick McGarry (born approx 1834-39) I don't have his RIC record yet as I need to do more research on him before I will be able to order his record. I do know that he served in County Fermanagh for several years as this is where his 4 sons and 2 daughters where born.
I am really enjoying doing this research as its a surprise for my wifes mother as I know she would like to know more about the McGarry's, all she knows is that her grandad was in the RIC, she knows nothing about his brothers etc.
