Smith and Wesson .45 calibre revolver, Mallow Barracks, 1920

Smith and Wesson .45 calibre revolver, Mallow Barracks, 1920

While hundreds of police barracks were destroyed during the war, there was only one successful attack on a military barracks. In September 1920 a group of about 20 men under Liam Lynch, all armed with revolvers, advanced on Mallow Cavalry Barracks, where two members of the local IRA unit were employed, and entered, fatally shooting British officer Sergeant Gibb. After rounding up the remaining officers inside they loaded arms into the waiting cars. The raiders captured a variety of weapons– 27 rifles, two Hotchkiss light machine-guns, Verey light pistols, boxes of ammunition, bayonets, and this American Smith and Wesson .45 calibre revolver – the personal weapon of a British officer.