Correct MIC as Dunning was stationed in Guernsey 1914 with RGA, and he was stationed the in 1914 when son was born
The man referred to in the IRA reports on Patrick Dunney was almost certainly 1402818 Sergeant Samuel Dunning of the RGA. The IRA reports refer to Sgt Dunney, Tullagh Camp in RGA. Dunney was a Cpl in MGC, Dunning was a Sgt in RGA. Dunning received the BEM for gallantry and his citation (in WO35/181 in the NA) reads: His medal was presented in Dublin on 12 July 1921. Dunning's BEM appears to be for his conduct on the raid on Cross's house
'This NCO has during his employment on special duty shown the greatest courage and resource. In spite of many warnings that he was in danger of assassination he persisted in his dangerous work and in one instance in the guise of a delegate from the HQ staff of the IRA called a special meeting of IRA officers and secured their arrest. On 19th April his murder was attempted but although wounded he succeeded in dispersing his attackers.'
1884 Apr/Jun Born Dublin (ref Dublin South Vol 2. p 693)
1884 Apr 8. Baptised. Of 22 St Nicholas St, Dublin. Son of William Dunning and Margaret McClane
1901 census at York St, Dublin
1911 census at Echelon Barracks, Colombo
1914 Sep 12 On son's birth cert he is an RGA Gunner at Saint Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands. His wife is Florence Victoria Bougourd from Guernsey
1921 Apr. IRA report of the action below, ties up with his MM citation. 'This NCO has during his employment on special duty shown the greatest courage and resource. In spite of many warnings that he was in danger of assassination he persisted in his dangerous work and in one instance in the guise of a delegate from the HQ staff of the IRA called a special meeting of IRA officers and secured their arrest. On 19th April his murder was attempted but although wounded he succeeded in dispersing his attackers.'
1921 Jun 1. award of the Medal of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire to the undermentioned in recognition of gallant conduct in the performance of military duties. 1402818 L./Sjt. Samuel Joseph Dunning. (Dated 10th May, 1921) RGA
1921 Jun 19. Sighle Humphreys Papers from 7th Battalion O/C Gerry Boland to GHQ. 'Having heard Dunning of Tallaght Camp wanted to know the time OC C VII and his first Lieut. went to mass. I sent word they went to eight o'clock mass and ordered the seven rifles I was to get from Brigade Q.M. to be left at Bohernabreena if Dunning came with a small escort, I had also a motor car to take his car away. Taking no chances, Dunning brought 50 troops in lorries to Jobstown and got them across country in skirmishing order, arriving at Bohernabreena, he surrounded the Chapel and searched everyone even the priest. As he came too strong for us we were forced to let him pass.'
1941 Jul 28 Died at St Mary Abbotts, Marloes Rd, Kensington, London