Men from Irish Free State and WW11

[margnip2]

So as not to take over the Custom House thread, I have posted this for those who may be interested.

My granddad joined the IRA in 1917, he then joined the Irish National Army and then in 1942 the RAF.  Gary Deering asked how many men from Ireland who were in the WOI joined the British Armed Forces in WW11.  Hope this helps.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8095110.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3749629.stm

[deccam]

Another little known fact about the Irish in WW2 is that thousands deserted the Irish army most of whom then joined the British forces.From what I was told DeValera pardoned them in 1943 so they were able to come home.I have a list of these men if anyone wants a look up.

[Gary Deering]

I have to say I love this site, My Great Uncle Christopher Deering was killed in El elemein & my uncle Willie deserted the Irish army & joined the British army & was caught, he spent a year in an army prison for that one !
Deccam if you dont mind have a look & see if theres a William Deering there born 1921, just interestred to see if he is listed as I said above he was caught, so may not be on a pardon list.

[deccam]

Gary,there are two Deerings on the list,no William but there is a Christopher.The address for Christopher is 12 Digges Street,Dublin,date of birth: 27/12/1907,former occupation Labourer and the date of dismissal from the army : 8/8/1945.The dismissal date is more or less the same for everyone on the list,bar a few.Funny you should mention about El Alamein,my dad was there at the same time.

[Gary Deering]

Hi Deccam, are you telling me that Christopher Deering is listed as deserting the Irish Army to join the British army? it has to be the same person,because his age in the 1911 census is 3.My family never fails to amaze me.

[deccam]

Yes Gary,the Christopher Deering at that address is on the list of people dismissed from the defence forces "In Time OF National Emergency" most of these would have joined the British Forces.

[GMac78]

Interesting article here http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/lest-we-forget-they-died-for-our-freedom-1526460.html

[Gary Deering]

Thanks for that Deccam, another funny one a chap that lives a few doors from me, father was also in the battle & wounded, he was a Gordon Highlander the same regiment as Christopher Deering. I have too ask who was the other Deering on the list?

The Kevin Myers article was good, but I have to say I am sure the 2 Deerings that I am related to that served in the British Army in WWII  did not do it for any ideal , but to put food on the tables of there familys. 

[deccam]

Gary, the other Deering on the list is a John,with an address in Countess Markievicz House,Townsend St.,Dublin.D.O.B.: 21/12/1905.