Ireland – The Easter Rising – The Diary of Colonel Bertram Portal detailing the Easter Rising in Dublin 1916 – the original diary of Colonel Bertram Percy Portal covering the entire period of the Easter Rising in Dublin in April/May 1916, as well as his activities in the aftermath of the Rising, in pursuing and arresting significant Republicans in the surrounding countryside. A document of major historical importance which has only recently emerged and is most likely never to have been seen since Portal wrote it almost 100 years ago. The diary is written in pencil in a neat hand in one section of Portal’s Army issue Field Service Correspondence Book. Another section contains the carbon copies of the day by day orders Portal issued to the troops under his command. A pouch at the back of the book contains the original carbon paper he used. For perhaps the first time in history, we now have a document which gives a vivid and comprehensive chronicle of events throughout the Easter Rising, written from the perspective of a major figure who took a significant and active part. History has credited Portal with having played a role in the Easter Rising, being in command of one of the Regiments involved. However, it is clear from this diary that he played a much more significant – and perhaps crucial – part in the events. Indeed, it suggests that he was specifically brought into Ireland from France where he was preparing for the Battle of the Somme which commenced some two months after the Irish Rebellion had been quashed. It also suggests that far from the accepted historical version, that the British were taken unawares by the Irish Rebellion, the truth was that the British were not only well aware of what was about to occur but also had their planning well in advance before the first shots were fired. The diary reveals, perhaps for the first time, that it was Portal who negotiated with the surrender of P H Pearse and the entire Irish Rebels with Elizabeth O’Farrell – described by Portal as ‘a Rebel Red Cross Nurse’. It also reveals that it was Portal who took Pearse into custody and had him conveyed to prison. There is no doubt that this highly important document will reveal new and significant facts on the Easter Rising and will doubtless re-write the accepted versions of what occurred. It also reveals, perhaps for the first time, the subsequent operations which followed the surrender of Pearse and his men in Dublin. Portal details his role in the days following the Rising, in touring the countryside around Dublin with a detachment of men with the responsibility of arresting further dissident Republicans, several of whom he names. Note: A full transcript of his diary has been prepared and will be made available with the original diary to the successful purchaser. Viewing: In the case of this item viewing will be under strict supervision. Taking of notes and photography of the diary will NOT be permitted.