Decyphering address in Dublin

[Oliverd]

Beside the Martello Tower there are what were known as Coastguard cottages which were manned at one point in time. They are to the left of the map where the box says Tower Bay on the map.

http://www.coastguardsofyesteryear.org/articles.php?article_id=188

There are clearly records at Kew which may have more detail.

[Clarissabell]

How interesting Oliverd.  You certainly have rekindled my interest in this branch of the tree and given me a knew lead to follow.  Your piece about your trip to Kew was very enjoyable and I have to admit to being a little jealous too!  Thanks again for your insight and knowledge.  Clarissabell

[Oliverd]

Hi Clarissa

Not willing to accept credit for trip to Kew as definitely not mine as just copied website. I do know the Tower area well and after reading the pensioner bit I figured may be a Coastguard pension as the houses are still there.

Portrane was actually the original Port for Lambay Island prior to it being moved to Rogerstown and its location is pretty good at spotting anything on the sea.

(On a side note if you have ever watched Fr Ted the Priests games were actually filmed right beside the Martello Tower, think it was called Funland ?)

[crimea1854]

Hi

Could I suggest that he might have served in the Navy or the Revenue Service.

The Gunner on a warship held the rank of warrant officer, being appointed by the Admiralty, also each Revenue Cruiser had a gunner, with an equivalent status to the same rate in the RN. If he is linked to a Coastguard Establishment, it is more likely that he was serving on a Revenue Crusier.

Martin

[Oliverd]

Crimea

Good you turned up to accept the credit  as was you on the Coastguard site who gave me the idea.

How big were the Revenue cruisers ?

If a rowboat or a bit bigger then possible knowing the location but if say schooner type size then possibly not.

[crimea1854]

Cutters varied in size, and the crews ranged between 8-30. Eight was quite small, with most crews falling into the 16-25 bracket, but there was only ever one gunner.

Martin

[Clarissabell]

Thanks Crimea - that is very interesting as an old aunt of mine told me once that her grandmother once spoke of this man, saying 'he went to sea and never came back'. .  That would seem to make sense now.  I have just found a photo of David Milligan and I wonder if you would could tell me if the uniform is possibly naval??  I know this is a bit off track, but I thought I'd give it a go... It might help! Regards, Clarisabell

[Clarissabell]

Just to fill in the gaps - I have now established that this photo is of a Royal Field Artillery Gunner - young David Milligan.  The original deciphering request related to his father, also David Milligan, who, you will remember, was a gunner in Portrane.  At least we can establish that the father was most likely a gunner as the cert said.  His other son, James Milligan is referred to in David Jr's military records as being a gunner in the Royal Artillery - so perhaps it was a family occupation!
Clarissabell