Sgt Henry Dunne at Messina in 1908

A YOUNG Balbriggan man played a key role in the rescue of a number of civilians following the aftermath of a tsunami disaster that killed up to 200,000 people.

But the tsunami that hit on December 28 was not the Asian tragedy of 2004 – but the devastating Messina earthquake of 1908 off the coast of Italy.

2020 marks the 140th anniversary of the birth of one of the true heroes of that rescue operation, Sgt Henry Dunne of the Royal Marines.

A native of the Skerries Road in Balbriggan, Henry Dunne was part of the naval operation out of Malta that headed for Messina in the hours after the disaster.

On December 28, 1908, an earthquake took place in the Straits of Messina, sending 40ft waves crashing onto the coastal areas of Sicilly and the Italian mainland at Reggio and Messina.

Five naval ships, including HMS Duncan, left for the stricken region and once there, the sailors raced onto land to attempt rescue missions. Henry Dunne was involved in a series of them and for his valour in the face of such odds, was decorated.

The earthquake was recorded at 7.5 on the present day Richter scale and struck at 5.20am.

After his efforts at Messina, Henry Dunne went on to see service during the 1914-1918 war where he was again given a medal for bravery.

When he left the navy, he joined the workforce of Smyco in Balbriggan and died in 1961. He is buried in Balrothery. He was 80 years of age. Chief mourners were Mrs. C. Dunne (widow); Messrs. Henry, Joseph, Patrick and Richard Dunne (sons); Sister Brigid (Helen), Mrs. Flannery and Miss C. Dunne (daughters); Mrs. J. Dunne (daughterMrs. K. Dunne (sister-in-law); Mr. J. Flannery (son-in-law) and a large number of other relatives.

Rev. T. F. Curley, C.C, officiated.