Heroes or Traitors?: Experiences of Southern Irish Soldiers Returning from the Great War 1919-1939 (Reappraisals in Irish History LUP)

La 4e de couverture indique: "Covering the period from the Armistice to 1939, the book examines the experiences of Irish soldiers who had fought in the British army in the First World War on returning home to what became the Irish Free State. At the onset of the War, southern Irishmen volunteered in large numbers and marched off accompanied by cheering crowds and the promise of a hero's welcome home. In 1916, while its soldiers fought in the British army, Ireland witnessed an insurrection against British rule, the Easter Rising. Ireland's soldiers returned to a much-changed country, which no longer recognised their motives for fighting and which was at war with the country in whose army they had served. It has long been believed that the returning soldiers were subject to intimidation by the IRA, some killed as a retrospective punishment for their service with the imperial power, and that they formed a marginalised group in Irish society. Using new sources, this enlightening book argues otherwise and examines their successful integration into Irish society in the interwar years and the generous support given to them by the British Government. Far from being British loyalists, many served in the IRA and the Free State army, and became republican supporters." Covering the period from the Armistice to 1939, the book examines the experiences of Irish soldiers who had fought in the British Army in the First World War on returning home to what became the Irish Free State. At the onset of the War, Southern Irishmen volunteered in large numbers and marched off acccompanied by cheering crowds and the promise of a hero's welcome home. In 1916, while its soldiers fought in the British Army, Ireland witnessed an insurrection against British rule, the Easter Rising. Ireland's soldiers returned to a much-changed country, which no longer recognised their motives for fighting and which was at war with the country in whose army they had served. It has long been believed that the returning soldiers were subject to intimidation by the IRA, some killed as a retrospective punishment for their service with the imperial power, and that they formed a marginalised group in Irish society. Using new sources, this enlightening book argues otherwise and examines their successful integration into Irish society in the interwar years and the generous support given to them by the British Government. Far from being British loyalists, many served in the IRA and the Free State army, and became republican supporters. - Publisher's description "Covering the period from the Armistice to 1939, the book examines the experiences of Irish soldiers who had fought in the British army in the First World War on returning home to what became the Irish Free State. At the onset of the War, southern Irishmen volunteered in large numbers and marched off accompanied by cheering crowds and the promise of a hero's welcome home. In 1916, while its soldiers fought in the British army, Ireland witnessed an insurrection against British rule, the Easter Rising. Ireland's soldiers returned to a much-changed country, which no longer recognised their motives for fighting and which was at war with the country in whose army they had served. It has long been believed that the returning soldiers were subject to intimidation by the IRA, some killed as a retrospective punishment for their service with the imperial power, and that they formed a marginalised group in Irish society. Using new sources, this enlightening book argues otherwise and examines their successful integration into Irish society in the interwar years and the generous support given to them by the British Government. Far from being British loyalists, many served in the IRA and the Free State army, and became republican supporters."--Back cover Cover 1 Acknowledgements 7 Contents 9 List of Tables 10 List of Figures 12 List of Maps 12 Biographical Notes 13 Glossary 14 Abbreviations 17 Introduction 19 PART I TIME OF CONFLICT, 1919-23 35 Chapter 1: Violence and Intimidation 37 Chapter 2: Were Ex-Servicemen Targeted? 93 PART II BRITAIN: LEGACY OF OBLIGATION, 1919-39 107 Chapter 3: An Imperial Obligation 109 Chapter 4: Homes for Heroes 155 PART III IRELAND: STATE AND COMMUNITY, 1922-39 187 Chapter 5: Equal Citizens of the State 189 Chapter 6: Integration into the Community 238 Conclusion: Heroes or Traitors? 261 Appendix: Sources 270 Bibliography 273 Index 282