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1916 Rising. 1st (Dublin) Battalion Associated Volunteer Training Corps Medal for defender of Beggars
Bush Barracks against the Irish Volunteers.
Presented - To - F. C. Stephens. - For services rendered - at - Beggar’s Bush Barracks - during rebellion - 1916” A unique
award to Frederick Stephens of 1st (Dublin) Battalion Associated Volunteer Training Corps. Open to alumni and friends of
the Dublin school, St. Andrews Volunteer Training Corps were one of four companies of professional men, over military age,
who made up this militia, known as the Georgius Rex (or “Gorgeous Wrecks”). The Georgius Rex became entangled in the
Easter Rising on Monday, 24 April, returning home from manoeuvres, wearing uniforms and carrying rifles but with no am-
munition. Marching to Beggar’s Bush Barracks they came under fire from Irish Volunteers stationed on the railway bridge
and across Mount Street Bridge. By the time they managed to get into the barracks their casualties were four dead and six
wounded. Once inside they assisted in the defence of the barracks as best they could with obsolete weapons and almost
no ammunition.Silver medal, St. Andrew to obverse and inscribed “St. Andrew’s - Volunteer Training Corps”, with blue and
white ribbon.This is the only recorded example of a medal to this group of Crown forces involved in the Rising”
According to the 1911 census, Frederick Stephens was a bookseller from Terenure. At the time of the Rising he was 42 years
old.
Estimate €3,000-€5,000 £2210-£3680
Large Image & Place Bid 185