Fighting Irish: The Irish Regiments in the First World War

by Gavin Hughes

Fighting Irish is a meticulous and engaging account of World War I from the perspective of the men of the Irish Regiments of the British Army, revealing the extent of the Irish military commitment to the Great War effort from 1914-1918. Startling and sympathetic matters, from campaign strategy to the soldiers' intimate war experiences, are addressed with fascinating documentary evidence and poignant eye-witness accounts. Persisting humor, unexpected trials, mounting reputations, and the mundane drudgery of routine military life - all is touched upon in the lives of these men, and undercut by the pervasive loss of life. Whether fighting at Ypres, the Somme, Gallipoli, Kostorino, or Nablus, the story of the Irish Regiments is compelling and evocative, with reasons for enlistment as varied as the men themselves. Though entrenched in warfare, many minds were set on the increasing unrest at home, swaying their interests and shaping the communications they left to posterity. Fighting Irish defines the diverse backgrounds of all those who served with the Irish regiments in these years, recounting their deeds through exacting historical research within a gripping and affecting narrative. *** Librarians: ebook available on ProQuest and EBSCO [Subject: History, Irish Studies, Military Studies, World War I]

296 pages, Paperback

First published November 16, 2015

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Reviews

[Meaghan]

A fantastic, detailed look at the involvement of the Irish in the Great War. Gives valuable insight into areas that I have found to be somewhat overlooked: the Irish in the Balkans, etc. Well done.

[Robert McCracken]

Excellent coverage of the Irish regiments and their participation in WW1. Some very interesting personal stories that could be followed up. Quite a lot of statistics and numbers to take in, but still enough to keep the reader engaged. Enjoyable read.