2Cavalry Squadron History 
by Comdt Oliver Barbour.

The Unit Motto "First in last out"                           
Officers Commanding
Bug Chasers
The war years
Presidential Escort of  Honour
Display Teams
Niemba and The Military Medal for Gallantry 
Deployment  in Cyprus 
Border Duties
Shooting Teams and sport
Back to Cathal Brugha
Comdt Hugh Maguire
Motorcycles

                                                                                    Wellington Barracks (Griffith Bks)

                                                                                    
1. HISTORY:
 During the early 1930's the forerunner of the Unit of today was a Volunteer Unit with a Regular  Cadre.  The Volunteer Reserve, from 1934 on, consisted of Nineteen Cyclist Squadrons and Six (6) Horse Squadrons. 
2 Horse Squadron was NOT equipped as one might expect, but instead depended on the iron horse, the bicycle. With full- scale mobilisation of the Army at the beginning of World War II, 2 Horse Squadron was disbanded in May 1939. Most of its personnel, the volunteer Unit and 11 Cyclist Squadron formed the members of 2 Motor Squadron. The establishment of the Unit took place officially on 13 June 1940 in accordance with the provisions of DFR C54 Part I ( Organisation of the Defence Forces). However, the Unit was in existence from the summer of 1939.                                      

 The Squadron, along with others formed at the time, was a new type of Cavalry Unit,        part of a Brigade,  and used operationally for reconnaissance. 2 Motor Squadron was part of 2 Brigade and was to be concentrated at McKee Barracks, Dublin. However, it was NOT until much later that the Unit would serve there. 

Comdt MICHAEL KILKELLY was appointed the first Commanding Officer of the 'Regular' 2 Motor Squadron.
                                                            


In 1939 the Unit was equipped with light Ford's known as 'Bug Chaser and BSA M20   Motorcycles, but later an Armoured Troop of FORD Armoured Cars, manufactured in CARLOW was added. Initially stationed in MULLINGAR the Unit soon moved to COLLINS Barracks, DUBLIN.
 In September 1940, the Squadron moved to CABRA CASTLE, KINGSCOURT, CO CAVAN as part of the Army's overall defensive strategy. The Unit was soon up to its full strength of 170 all ranks. Top

In 1941 the Unit was moved back to DUBLIN and was stationed in the MONASTERY, CLONDALKIN, and later at BALLSBRIDGE in the RDS Grounds. During the war years training and operational work progressed vigorously.

The Unit became proficient in reconnaissance, patrolling, setting up road blocks, raiding, river crossing, cordoning and explosive laying. 2 Motor Squadron was the forward reconnaissance element of 2 Division which had a 
NORTHERN defence line across the BOYNE River. In the event of an attack the border from NORTHERN IRELAND, the task  of the Unit was to delay and harass the attacking forces as long as possible. Constant patrolling was the order of the day, from DUNDALK to BALLYBAY. In the event of a breakthrough the secondary task of the Unit was to operate independently behind the lines to disrupt the enemy's rear. They would therefore operate as a guerrilla force similar to  the 'Flying Columns' of the War of independence. A measure of the tactical prowess of Unit personnel can be gauged  from the Units first position in an All Army Administration and Tactics Competition of ~ 944. In 1945 the 
Unit moved to GRIFFITH Barracks for the first time. Top                                           

In 1955 2 Motor Squadron was tasked with providing the PRESIDENTIAL ESCORT OF HONOUR - hitherto held  by 4 Motor Squadron, then based in PLUNKETT Barracks. This involved escorting An tUachtaran, Foreign Heads  of State and Ambassadors accredited to Ireland.  The tradition  of motorcycling can be traced back to the 
beginning of the 'Emergency' when Unit personnel  took part in the First Motor Cyclists Course under Comdt STANLEY WOODS, the world famous racing motorcyclist. 
The BSA M20  ------  Triumph single saddle  -----and double saddle, ----SANGLAS- ---kick start and self start, ---YAMAHA XS 500  -----
Kawasaki GT550cc  -----were all used through the years up to the present day ---Honda 650cc.-       
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The tradition of motorcycling excellence continued with the Display Teams of the 1940's, 
50's, and 60's. Up to the 1960's the members of the Teams were mainly drawn from 2 Motor Squadron and 1 Motor Squadron. The skill of the riders brought wide acclaim to the Cavalry Corps and their Units. With its involvement in operational, display and ceremonial riding over the last few decades, the Squadron has built up a proud tradition in this unique area.Top

The 1960's saw 2 Motor Squadron personnel serve with distinction in ONUC in the former
BELGIAN CONGO. At the NIEMBA Ambush of 08 November 1960, Sgt HUGH GAYNOR, Tpr THOMAS FENNELL and Tpr ANTHONY BROWNE lost their lives. Tpr BROWNE was later posthumously awarded the Military Medal for Gallantry  -with the following citation: "HE HAD A REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY OF ESCAPING BECAUSE HE WAS NOT WOUNDED BUT  CHOSE TO REMAIN WITH AN INJURED COMRADE". Top

By 1964 the heat was going out of the CONGO situation with the temperature rising in CYPRUS because of the GREEK/TURKISH confrontation.
 Many Squadron personnel served in CYPRUS with UNFICYP where sixteen Panhard AML 60's were first deployed.
 The Unit continues the tradition of overseas service today in UNIFIL with personnel also having served in SOMALIA, RWANDA and again in CYPRUS. Top

During the 1960's and 1970's the Unit was located in CATHAL BRUGHA Barracks
 and was situated there when the NORTHERN IRELAND troubles escalated in 1969. Eight (8) of the sixteen AML 60's deployed in CYPRUS  -were returned home and distributed between the home Units. A Troop from 2 Motor Squadron moved to CAVAN for a time, then to CASTLEBLAYNEY and DUNDALK and remained there actively involved on Border operations from 1972 to 1984. Top 

In 1975 the Squadron moved  to GRIFFITH Barracks  for the second time.  In doing so it became the first regular Unit to occupy the barracks since 1959. The responsibilities of the Squadron included administering the barracks in addition to its operational and ceremonial tasks   In 1983 the title of the Unit was changed from 2 Motor Squadron to
 2 Cavalry Squadron. Top
                                                                               

 The traditional routine of  the Squadron has NOT altered much over the last decade. The early months 
of the year are spent in weapon training and in preparation for Shooting Competitions both at Brigade and Command level. 
The unit has consistently performed well in competition over the years with regular success in Brigade, Command and All Army Shoots. THE UNIT WAS THE HOLDER OF THE ALL ARMY SNIPER TEAM TROPHY FOR 1992. 
In 1993 the unit was R/Up in the E Comd Falling Plates competition. In 1994 the Unit won the E Comd Section In Attack competition. In 1995 the Unit won the Bde Dagger Competition. When small arms training schedules have been 
completed the Unit turns to crew training on Armoured Cars in Gunnery, Driving and Radio procedure and tactical exercises. In recent years operations in aid to civil power have accounted mostly for the employment of 2 Cavalry Squadron personnel. 
These operations range from Court Guards to Cash In Transit Escorts. Much of Unit training is directed to 
preparing troops for this role. Demonstrations, lectures and seminars are set up regularly to ensure that the highest 
standards are met and continued. Operations such as these give great scope to young officers and NCOs to enhance their leadership and command skills given that tasks cover the length and breath of the country in all weather conditions.

 The members of the Unit have always displayed a keen interest in sport, soccer and volleyball being the most 
popular over the years. A perpetual Trophy for Seven-a-Side soccer was instigated to the memory of Trooper 
COLM KEENAN (RIP) who died of a heart attack while on morning PT in February 1987. Tpr 
MARK  KAVANAGH was captain of the Bde football team which won the 1995 Comd Championship.
 In 1995 2 Cavalry Squadron won the Cavalry Cup (Soccer) for the first time, and retained the Cup in 1996, and 
also the E Comd Cross Country Championships. During 1996 2 Cavalry Squadron has won the following prizes : 
E Comd Javelin winner, E Comd 200 metres winner, E Comd 4x100 relay winners, All Army 200 metres winner
(Tpr MARK CORCORAN). In Badminton Winners of All Army Novice Individual, All Army Runners Up in Novice Doubles and the ladies Singles Runner Up. Top
                                               

On 15 September 1988 the Squadron made the short journey across the Grand Canal to CATHAL BRUGHA Barracks to the amazement of the civilian populace along the way.  2 Cavalry Squadron and 11 Cavalry Squadron  (FCA) were formally welcomed by 2 Infantry Battalion who saluted the Drive Past from the Main Square. There is little doubt that the move back to CATHAL BRUGHA Barracks has been a positive one for the Unit. The drain on resources of administering and securing GRIFFITH Barracks has been removed. The friendly rivalry between the  Squadron and the Battalion is a positive influence and is especially keen during the Shooting Season.
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2 Cavalry Squadron is a Unit which takes pride in its achievements and is highly professional both operationally and ceremonially. This tradition of excellence has been nurtured since the Unit was formed in 1939. 
Our motto of "First In, Last Out" will, we feel always prevail in 2 Cavalry Squadron. 
There will be room too for  the unofficial motto "Never mind yer  man; How's the bike?" for as long as the Squadron exists. 
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Comdt HUGH MAGUIRE  - 21 Oct 1896-12 Mar 1997 2 Cavalry Squadron turned out in full to honour one (1) of our founder officers on the 14 Mar 1997. He must have been just about the last surviving founder members of both the volunteers and the Free State Army. When the Free State Army was formed HUGH was commissioned into it, as a young Lieutenant a couple of years later he was in charge of EAMON De VALERA in ARBOUR HILL  prison and typically befriended him, even teaching him to play chess. HUGH retired to the army reserve of officers  in 1929, which entailed a yearly three (3) week stint on regular service until at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 he was recalled for frill duty with the army. On returning to active service in 1939 HUGH was detailed to form a motorised unit, which was to become the 2 Motor Squadron and which was later re-named the 2 Cavalry Squadron.
He hand picked his men on the basis of general character, mechanical knowledge and aptitude, and was thus able to build up a magnificent Esprit de Corps in the unit.

The 2 Motor Squadron under HUGH, was inspected by the then Taoiseach, and former ARBOUR HILL prisoner, EAMON DeVALERA, in CAHIR PARK, TIPPERARY, in 1942. The occasion was major army manoeuvres. 

In 1944, in an all-army competition, when all aspects of military life and field operations were ascertained and examined, Comdt HUGH'S 2 Motor Squadron was placed in first place. Later that year at a march past at BALLSBRIDGE SHOW GROUNDS, the unit was presented with a trophy by the then Minister for Defence, the ate OSCAR TRAYNOR, on its magnificent achievement.
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 As a matter of interest, the 2 Motor Squadron was a self contained unit, with field-kitchens, cooks, ambulance, doctor, red cross unit, petrol and oil tankers, 80 motor cyclists, 20 run-about light trucks and four armoured cars. HUGH left the army in 1946, and retired from the reserve in 1951. As a gesture of loyalty and appreciation towards the end of his active service in the army his fellow officers wanted to make a presentation to him. He declined the offer and  said to them that if they insisted a leather medal would suit him fine. At his retiring function HUGH was presented with a handsome medal, crafted in leather, with the corps red, black, green insignia emblazoned on it.  Old memories were exchanged one (1) afternoon  in 1972 in ARAS an UACHTARAN between President De VALERA and his former captor. On 25 June 1995, HUGH was again received in the ARAS, in connection with his association with  the 2 Cavalry Squadron. On the occasion of his "100th birthday", officer NCOs and Troopers of 2 Cavalry Squadron arrived at his home in GLASNEVIN bearing a specially commissioned birthday cake and invited him to a re-union of  past and present officers at the unit HQ in CATHAL BRUGHA BKS, on 25 Oct 1996. There were twelve former officers commanding at the function. On display for the occasion were memorabilia, photos, archive films and the Sliabh Na mBan" -armoured car. The formal greeting preceding the lunch in the Officers Mess was given by our youngest officer 2/Lt MICHAEL CONNEELY, who also was in command of the firing party at Hugh's  funeral. I would like to quote from Fr PAT BRADY, from BALLYJAMESDUFF, who paid a beautiful tribute  to HUGH on his 100th birthday. "Through his long life he saw many changes  his father became the proud owner of his own farm.

He saw a freed independent IRELAND, her soldiers going off  NOT to fight other peoples wars, but to keep World peace. He lived to see our Statesmen and Women take their place on the world stage.  He saw his dream and PADHRAIG PEARSE'S dream come true. More importantly he helped to make it come through. 
He helped to make IRELAND a better place. He made a difference".
One could say he has left behind exceptional memories to be cherished. 
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Officers Commanding.

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