Book of Ryans - Flight of the Wild Geese
Chapter Seven
Foreign Irish Brigades
The Queen has lately lost a part
Of her entirely English heart,
For want of which by way of botch,
She pieced it up again with scotch.
Blessed revolution, which creates
Divided hearts, united states.
Jonathan Swift
The exodus of Irish men and women after the Williamite Wars became known in popular tradition as the exile of the wild geese. After the Treaty of Limerick was signed, 14,000 Irishmen left for the Continent, and European archives showed that these transplanted Irish held government and the military positions with most kings and queens of Europe. The official registries acknowledge the major contribution they provided for their newly adopted governments; however, on occasion they also became irritants to their benefactors. The royal journals, most specifically in Spain and Portugal, were filled with requests from the displaced gentry demanding preferential treatment. One of the more prolific irritants registered in these documents surrounded a petition to the king of Spain from Lenora Ryan (Riano) to raise her monthly allowance from 8 crowns, and in the process became:
"An absolute pest to the royal court in Madrid although here residence was Portugal. Determined to get an increase in her allowance, she came to Madrid in 1622 and presented her petition to the king."[1]
This petition was prepared with the help of bishop Cornelius O'Mulrian, but he died before this appeal was formally completed. Lenora finished her letter after her uncle's death, and in Spain presented it to the king. In her letter she pleaded:
"My father died in the army leaving me an orphan without protection or means of livelihood. For which reason I came to Spain to seek protection of the said bishop, my uncle, and went to Lisbon where he died leaving me more orphaned and unprotected as ever. With my uncle in his will he recommended me to you, your majesty, as heir to the services and being a minor, I was granted an allowance of 8 crowns per month paid to me in Portugal. This is such a small amount that it is not sufficient for my means, and I beg your majesty to increase the said allowance in view of my rank and great losses.[2]
The king reviewed her plea and summoned his council to explain why she was not granted an increase in her monthly allotment. The council explained that she was denied this increase three times because "far from being an unprotected orphan, she had a husband, Don Andeas Orleo, who also enjoys in Lisbon an allowance from his majesty of 20 crowns per month."[3] Leonora’s case was far from typical of those seen in the courts of European monarchs, and in reality, these abuses were the exception rather than the rule as the `wild geese' made significant contributions to the political and military organizations of their newly adopted countries.
The Gael's skills in military matters was widely recognized in Ireland's volatile history, and the annalists described in great detail the courage and fearlessness of the ancient Celtic soldier in tribal wars, as well as battles with its European neighbors. Early in its history, it overran Scotland, made numerous excursions into England, and even penetrated Roman footholds as far as Gaul. By the 17th century, the Gaelic soldier’s military skills were well known in Europe, and in the continental wars promoted by Edward III and Henry V, the Irish soldiers distinguished themselves in France, particularly during several major offensives such as the battle of Boulogne. The lords of the Pale also played an active role in the War of the Roses in England, where their subordinates shared in the victories during the war's carnage.
When the Irish rebels submitted to England in 1603, O'Sullivan Bearra and other revolutionaries were exempted from amnesty, and consequently were exiled from Ireland where they employment in the armies of Europe. After the Flight of the Earls in 1607, hundreds of Irishmen joined the earlier refugees in the Continental military. Their military service has been well documented by many accounts including Strafford's letters which showed that Irish soldiers played dynamic roles in Spain, France, Austria, and Italy. The Spanish government also recruited Irish troops, and the Spanish military strategists believed that its army of Irish mercenaries were equal, if not superior, to any in the world.
Spanish Netherlands
Irish sympathy with France was responsible for the introduction of Irish regiments into the French Foreign Legion. The most distinguished regiment was commanded by the Earl of Bristol, and his garrison was active in many military ventures including the bloody siege at Bois-le-Duc. At Bois-le-Duc the Irish refused to give up their positions until Picardy's reinforcements broke through the barricades, and it was only Picardy's superior numbers that forced the Irish to retreat into the local village. The Irish regiments continued to hold their post until the great Conde, then Generalissimo of the Spanish Armies, provided fresh reserves for Picardy, and with such an overwhelming army facing them, the Irish garrison surrendered the city along with themselves. After they yielded their services to the Duke of York, they were consigned into the Duke's regiments under a separate body. This new body participated in numerous military campaigns, but the event which singled them out for their military prowess occurred at Arras. Turenne, the commander of this Irish regiment, led his troops to the front lines at Arras; and their courage sparked unmotivated regiments to regroup and drive the enemy away from their fortifications. The annalists noted that this battle was won, in large part, because of the valor and skill of the Irish volunteers.
Distinguished officers included the following Ryans with a few of their pedigrees listed in later detail:[4]
Don Pedro Molrian, Capitan, 1660
Don Carlos Molrian, Alferez, 1661
Don Edmundo Molrian, Alferez, 1661
Don Juan Mulrian, Alferez, 1663
Don Theodore Omulrian, Alferez
Don Carlos Reane, Clerigo, appointed Capellan Mayor 1660
Don Edmundo Rian, 1660
Don Juan Rian, Sargento, 1661
Don Carlos Rian, Alferez, 1663
Don Juan Rian, Lieutenant, 1749, Dragoon de Edinburg
Don Lucas Rian, Sub-Lieutenant, 1715, Regiment Hibernia
Don Daime Rian, Sub-Lieutenant, 1768, Wauchop Regiment
Don Thomas O'Ryan, Order of Hermonogilda
Don Ignatio O'Mulrian
Don Antonio O'Mulrrian, Major in Spanish army[5]
Originally, the military rosters recognized their contributions and heroism as mercenaries, yet in time they were so integrated into the military system that they were viewed only as loyal subjects. Spain recognized exemplary valor by elevating its courageous soldiers into the Spanish knighthood, and because Spain was a Catholic country, Irishmen were able to advance and gain prestige in Spanish society. The noble ranks of the Spanish knights included Irish names such as Kelly, Burke, and O'Higgens. Among these notable cavaliers were men who traced their heritage to the Ryans of Ireland: Don Guillermo de Burgo, Knight of Santiago who traced his genealogy to Leonor O'Ryan, his grandmother; Catalina Ryan was an ancestor of Miguel Knaresbrough, Knight of Santiago; Juan Dumphi O'Donoju, Knight of Carlos and descendent of Phillip O'Mulrian, Prince of Owney in Ireland; Ignatio O'Mulrian and others. Among this distinguished list of Spanish Knights, the most courtly of all Ryan descendants was Tomas O'Ryan of Vazquez, Spain. Tomas Ryan was a highly decorated Spanish soldier and throughout his career participated in many campaigns. Prior to the eviction of Queen Isobel from her throne, he held the post of lieutenant General under Field Marshall O'Donnel, and after Isobel regained her throne he became the Spanish Minister of War.[6]
Carte de Ryan - nombrado jefe de cuarto militar del principe por decreto 1 Mayo 1870 - a Isabel II, Ginebra, 19 Nov 1970.
His ancestry was noted by Walsh's book "Spanish Knights of Irish Origin"[7]
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Genealogy of Tomas O'Mulrian 1792 (Ryan of Cadiz, Spain. Crest depicts a griffin's head erased. |
Capellen de La Compania Flamenca de Reales Guard as de Corps.
- Don Daniel O'Ryan, natural de Owney, y Dona Maria Glasco, natural de Ynch.
- Abuelos Paternos Don Rugero O'Ryan, natural de Owney, y Dona Margarita MacNamara, natural de la ciudad de Limerick.
- Felipe (Phillippus) Prince of Owney, natural de Owney.
Tomas O'Ryan Y Vayguez (of Vayquez, Spain), born in 1821, had an illustrious career in the 19th century Spanish military. He initally trained for a career in engineering, but enlisted in the military and was assigned many important roles during Spain's overseas military engagements. During one of his overseas responsibilities, Spain was thrown into a civil war. Queen Isobel II was exiled from Spain, and she entrusted the care of her 13 year-old son, Alfonso XII, to Major O'Ryan. This special assignment also forced Tomas O'Ryan into exile, and after fleeing Spain he enrolled Prince Alfonso XII at the University of Paris. Ryan's memoirs document Alfonso's college courses and assignments, and his diaries also catalog the royal party's journeys to other European capitals. Ryan tried to make Prince Alfonso's living conditions fit his majestic needs, however, they occasionally found themselves strapped for finances. While in the Austrian capital in 1871 he was finding it difficult to meet his financial responsibilities, and he wrote Isabel asking her why the Bank of Munich, Germany, would not grant him credit as she promised:[8]
Quiza tambien retraso el viaje a la capital Austriaca una dificultad economica <Aun no ha llegado el dinero prometido y el banquero de Munich, Oberdoerffer, no ha recibido aun hoy la orden de credito que se me habra de recido.
Ryan also maintained a highly active schedule for his young ward, and he maintained meticulous records of their trips, most of which were short yet highly political. He was rewarded for his loyalty by receiving Knighthood within the order of Hermonogilda, Knight of Carlos III. After the monarchy was restored, O'Ryan was assigned to handle the military affairs in Madrid as Field Marshall, in addition to being the personal aide to King Alfonso XII. He married Sofia O'Ryan, and while his descendants still reside in Spain, he had no male heirs to continue the family name.
French Irish Brigades
Awake, I am here in France,
When I sleep I'm in the Ireland of Conn.
Who would choose to watch and wake?
I am watchful - to suckle sheep.
'In France', quatrain,Translated by Thomas Kinsella
After the Treaty of Limerick was signed by the rebel leaders including Sarsfield, the garrison protecting Limerick boarded ships headed for France and once there formed the backbone of the second Irish Brigade. Their presence in the French armies persisted until the Peace Treaty of Utrecht ended the war in Flanders, consequently, they left France to enlist in other European armies, such as Italy and Germany, where they were received enthusiastically by the military elite. In the ensuing wars still being fought on European soil, their numbers were to be found at all the major battles including Parma, Guastalla and Philpsburg.
The Irish Brigade's greatest achievement occurred at the Battle of Fontenoy - a battle Where the French were well entrenched and militarily strong. After days of relentless fighting, the French Commander Marshal Saxe ordered up his last reserve, the Irish Brigade, to reverse what appeared to be certain defeat. The Irish Brigade was ordered to charge with fixed bayonets as they attacked the English flank, and were commanded not to fire their weapons as they approached the French lines. They were led by Lord Clare to the stimulating cry of "Cuimlinigidh ar Luimneach Ehelina Sacsanaigh" which meant "remember Limerick and Saxon Faith." This surprise attack decimated the Irish ranks as nearly one fourth of its officers and a third of its foot soldiers lost their lives. Even so the Irish were able to claim a victory for the French despite such overwhelming losses. Louis, King of France, who was present on the occasion, rode down to the Irish, and personally thanked them for their success. When George II, King of England, heard of his defeat, he uttered one of the more memorable comments regarding the Penal Code, "Cursed by the laws which deprive me of such subjects."[9]
The French under the command of the duke of Luxembourg defeated William III's English armies in 1693. William lost over 10,000 men in this battle; but this was a bittersweet victory for the brigades because they lost nearly 8000 men. In 1747, the Irish Brigade won a battle at the village of Laufeldt in which 130 officers, among which Lieutenant James Ryan and 1600 men were killed. The Irish also enrolled in Lally's Regiment which served in India, the French War with Germany (1756 to 1762), and the American Revolutionary War. By the time the French Revolution swept through Europe, the Irish Brigade no longer existed. Before the Irish were cashiered permanently from military service, it had been estimated that 450,000 Irish fought in the service of France between 1690 and 1745.
Distinguished Service of Ryans in the French Brigades include these[10]
Lieutenant Colonel James Patrick O'Mulrian, born in 1716, fought against the Turks from 1737 to 1739, made Captain during the Seven Year's War in Bayreuth's infantry, and became Lieutenant Colonel in 1756. he earned the Knight's cross for bravery at the siege of Schweidnitz in 1747.
Lieutenant James Ryan of Clare's Brigade was wounded at Laufield in 1747. Brother to Edmund O'Ryan.
Lieutenant John Ryan was captured on the ship Louis XV off Montrose on his way to join Prince Charles in 1745.
Jean O'Ryan, Chevalier de St. Louis under the regiment of Mountcashell. Capitane in 1692, and promoted to Colonel reforme in 1722 in the Lee Regiment.
Jean O'Ryan, Chevalier de St. Louis under the regiment of Bulkeley. Promoted to Capitane in 1747.
Edmond O'Ryan, Chevalier de St. Louis under the regiment of Berwick. He was a cadet in 1747, and Marachal de Camp in 1766 to 1790
Edmund O'Ryan was perhaps the most celebrated Ryan to serve in the French Irish Brigades. O'Ryan was born in 1730 to Jeremiah O'Ryan of Danahmore, County Kilkenny, and in 1747 he joined his older brother James as a Cadet in the Irish Brigades. He fought in numerous battles during his first seven years, and attained the rank of Major. By 1760 he became Colonel, and was later transferred to Walsh's Corps assuming the rank of Major General. O'Ryan was commonly referred to as Marshall which, at the time, was the highest title in the French army. He retired near the end of the decade and died shortly after his retirement.
O'Ryan's responsibilities included other functions outside of normal military protocol. Richard Hayes in his book "Biographical Dictionary of Irishmen in France" described a marriage arrangement that he concluded in 1772[11]:
Ryan was deputed to make a tour of inspection to select a wife for Prince Charles Edward from the eligible Princesses of Europe. Power was given to him to conclude a marriage contract, and having chosen the Princess Louise of Stolberg...was (also) a chief witness at the marital ceremony in April 1772, near Anacona.
King James Brigades
The Irish did not volunteer as heavily in the King James brigade as they did in other European armies; this probably reflected the negative attitude the Irish had for the English in general. Regardless of the general low regard the Irish non-Episcopalean felt of England, enlistment in foreign military service was attractive because they were paid regularly, clothed, and frequently were promoted to positions of authority. In 1639, the Irish under the direction of Sir Wentworth, dispatched a garrison of 500 Irishmen to Carlisle to assist King Charles I, and the victories at Montrose were owed to the valor and discipline of the Irish auxiliaries under the command of Sir Alexander MacDonnell.
The Duke of Tyrconnell regularly entrusted his Irish recruits to assist England’s war effort, but his detachment was disbanded because of an inadequate supply of munitions. He provided England support to hasten the revolution's end; however, after England's internal problems were resolved, Tyrconnell's reserves were dispatched into service for the German princes of Prussia. Captain Dennis Ryan of Inch, was one of the recruits that served in the Austrian army, and military records showed that he lost an arm in the Napoleonic wars. Later records showed that he died in a prisoner of war camp at Hamburg in 1804. Captain Thadeus O'Mulrian, born in Cashel Ireland, was also one of the Austrian army's distinguished leaders, but it was Sir Edward Michael Ryan who would receive the greatest recognition for his military service. Sir Ryan was a member of the 4th Dragoon Guards, and heroically fought in several significant battles such as the siege of Cambrai. For his meritorious acts he received the Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Maria Theresa, and remained in active service until his death in 1812. He died enroute to Java carrying military dispatches.
Noted members of the King's armies included:[12]
Captain Tiege Ryan
Lewis Ryan
John Ryan of Monageenagh, County Clare, 1696
Charles Ryan of Ullardstown, attained in 1696
Lost Identity
The most remarkable aspect of this great Irish migration was how well they blended into the cultures on the European continent. So complete was the assimilation that their descendants forgot their roots and adopted the heritage and identity of their new country. This loss of identify was not uncommon as even today many American men and women of Irish descent do not claim Ireland as the origin of their surname, particularly if they possess anglicized surnames such as Smith, Ray, Butler, Black, Brown, or other similar names. In addition many of the surnames have evolved over the years to where the original spelling or interpretation changed. This is true with the surname Royal which for a number of families in the United States was the 18th century Dutch translation for Ryan, and over time the original name had been forgotten. The loss of identity was also felt in the American Midwest because the children of immigrants were oftentimes disinterested in their parent's country of origin. As my great uncle once told me as I posed a question about his father's family he left behind in Ireland, he said, "I guess that I never bothered to ask." As the immigrant children became Americanized they could no longer recognize Irish names that lacked the 'O' or 'Mac', and their association with being Irish centered around celebrating St. Patrick's Day along with millions of others who claimed Irish descent but were uncertain as to why. Still others lost their identify well before arriving in America or the country of their final origin. Among the swell of immigrants to the American Midwest were Russians who claimed German descent, and their numbers included a few with apparent Irish surnames. These settlers traced their heritage to a German-speaking region of France, but left to avoid military conscription during the 18th century. They settled near the Black Sea with a guarantee from the Russian Czars that they would not be drafted into military service. This held true until the late 19th century when Czaress Katarina ordered that all males, regardless of origin, would be eligible for military service, and these families again packed their belongings and migrated to the United States. Surnames such as Nagle and Raile (pronounced Riley) lived among them believing that their ancestry was Germanic. Local folklore, in one Midwestern town, could not explain the root word for the surname 'Nagle', so several of its citizenry determined that it perhaps came from the german word 'nail'. It is likely that these families originated from an Irish ancestor, as by appearance these names look to be of Irish origin.