The Irish fought too

Published: 12 November, 2010

• WITH Remembrance Sunday approaching, I would ask readers to remember the bravery and sacrifice of the Irish community. No country per head of population contributed more to Britain during World War II than the supposedly neutral Irish. 

Winston Churchill was so impressed by the number of Irish volunteers he suggested that an RAF wing similar to that of the American Eagle squadrons be formed. From Ireland’s small population of two million, more than 183,000 volunteers joined the British Army in 1940. This led to the formation of the Irish Brigade, later known as the 38th Division. 

A thousand Irish RAF pilots and crewmen lost their lives during the Battle of Britain. Overall, some 400,000 Irish men and women joined the British forces, receiving 780 awards for gallantry and 11 Victoria crosses. 

Many Irish civilians won gallantry awards, including two young nurses who entered a burning building and rescued people from the top floor. They both won the George Medal. 

Yet, at London’s 2005 World War II commemoration, although other communities were celebrated, the Irish were not mentioned. 

In August this year, outside the Cabinet War Rooms, I was privileged to hear Robert Hardy speak Winston Churchill’s words at the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. I noticed a board on which it was stated that 2,900 aircrew died. It mentioned Commonwealth and allied service personnel but did not mention the 1,000 Irish aircrew who gave their lives.

This year, please give generously to the Royal British Legion. Well done, Waitrose, at Angel, which last year took the collectors inside the shop, out of inclement weather, and provided chairs and cups of tea.

ROISIN NI CORRAIN
Milner Square, N1
Irishequality@waitrose.com