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1922 (June) Battle of Pettigo. Photographs of Aughnahoo School wrecked by the IRA during the Battle of
Pettigo.
The school, near Beleek would appear to have been occupied during the battle by the IRA. Pro-Republican
slogans can be seen scrawled on the walls of the trashed classrooms in both the Boys and the Girls National
Schools. There are derogatory references to the “Lincs” - presumably the Lincolnshire Regiment who were
sent to recapture the area.
In June 1922, at the beginning of the Civil War, Pettigo and Belleek were occupied by a 100-strong Irish
Republican Army unit who had arrived there from Donegal. The IRA beat-off a 100-group of Ulster Special
Constabulary, who crossed Lough Erne. A second attempt at taking the villages by the USC saw them rein-
forced by two companies of British Army troops along with 6 field guns. In the ensuing fighting, in which
the British bombarded the village and then stormed it, the IRA lost three men killed, six wounded and four
captured before being forced to retreat back to Donegal. One British soldier and one Ulster Special constable
were killed in the fighting.
4 x 6in. (10.16 x 15.24cm)
Estimate €300-€500 £234-£390
Large Image & Place Bid Lot 386