When Ireland finally won it's independence from Britain in 1921 after years of struggle, the atmosphere was hostile because of the bitterness of the struggle during the War of Independence. Making a new start was difficult for the new state because a Civil War (1922/23) started within months over the terms of the Anglo Irish Treaty. After the irregulars had been defeated the atmosphere became even worse and wounds inflicted took generations to heal. As a result of these difficulties the Irish soldiers of the British Army who fought for 'Home Rule' and the 'Freedom of Small Nations' and who returned to what was then the Free State (Ireland is a Republic since 1949)
were written out of history, ignored at best. Their sacrifice did not suit the new situation. This scenario is not totaly unique, consider the US Army after Vietnam.
However, as a result of this sad situation, the story these soldiers had to tell was lost forever. It is a deep shame that this happened but history is what happened.
In WW 2 as a result of Ireland's official 'neutrality' no recognition was given to the Irish citizens who enlisted in the British Forces.
That generation are fast going to their eternal reward but there are still many with us and it is our intention to capture their story.
It is a major project but we have made a start. 10 veterans have recorded their story in Co. Mayo. We have 25 counties to record now and time is so short. We cannot do it within our own resources. We can do it if we are given help. We need help urgently. Please help us if you can.
Below please see some examples of outstanding veterans we have interviewed.
If you can help or if you know someone or some institution that can help please contact me at
dbuckley@anu.ie
Thank you.
Capt Donal Buckley, Mr Chuck Dunford, Mr Risteárd Ó Domhnall
If you would like to know more about the project then check out the following link ' Irish Veterans '
were written out of history, ignored at best. Their sacrifice did not suit the new situation. This scenario is not totaly unique, consider the US Army after Vietnam.
However, as a result of this sad situation, the story these soldiers had to tell was lost forever. It is a deep shame that this happened but history is what happened.
In WW 2 as a result of Ireland's official 'neutrality' no recognition was given to the Irish citizens who enlisted in the British Forces.
That generation are fast going to their eternal reward but there are still many with us and it is our intention to capture their story.
It is a major project but we have made a start. 10 veterans have recorded their story in Co. Mayo. We have 25 counties to record now and time is so short. We cannot do it within our own resources. We can do it if we are given help. We need help urgently. Please help us if you can.
Below please see some examples of outstanding veterans we have interviewed.
If you can help or if you know someone or some institution that can help please contact me at
dbuckley@anu.ie
Thank you.
Capt Donal Buckley, Mr Chuck Dunford, Mr Risteárd Ó Domhnall
If you would like to know more about the project then check out the following link ' Irish Veterans '
The Irish Veteran's
Oral History Project
" You who have died on Eastern Hills
Or fields of France as undismayed
Who lit with interlinked wills
The long heroic barricade,
You, too, in all the dreams you had,
Thought of some thing for Ireland done,
Was it not so, O shining lad,
What lured you, Alan Anderson.
Or fields of France as undismayed
Who lit with interlinked wills
The long heroic barricade,
You, too, in all the dreams you had,
Thought of some thing for Ireland done,
Was it not so, O shining lad,
What lured you, Alan Anderson.
A closer view of this fighting family. Their sister who passed away
in 2007 had been married to WW1 sapper who served from
1914-1919
Sgt. Michael O'Byrne ex Irish Guards and his 7 brothers, all who
served in WW2
Capt D Buckley and Lt Col Dennis McCarthy. Lt Col McCarthy
was Free French Foreign Legion and was De Gaulles personal
security until severe injury finished his war.
Donal Buckley and Chuck Dunford interview
Flying Officer Geoff Salisbury MBE C de G. RAF Bomber
Command. Shot down over France he spent a year with the
Maquis operating against the enemy.
Lt Terry Murphy QA who spent her war in Burma and India.
Sgt James Brennan Royal Armoured Corps
Tank commander Battle of Normandy
Aged 94
Sgt Alan Robinson. Desert Rat
Veteran of Tobruk aged 92
