Irish POWs in the Great War

Abstract

The thesis turns on the central question: ‘What were the experiences of Irish POWs during and after the Great War?’ – placing them in their historical context, examining the knowledge gaps and rectifying the historical memory. Their support from the home front and their repatriation to Ireland after the war is also considered. Finally, I look at how they are commemorated and how all this new information could allow their ethical remembering. In order to answer the research questions, I proceed by consulting a range of primary and other sources and the overall approach is qualitative. Three main research methods will be used in this thesis, each of which offers a unique approach to generating answers regarding the research questions. The first involves research in a variety of archives in Ireland, the UK, Switzerland and Germany. This in-depth analysis of primary source material will form the backbone of the information gathering. Secondly, an interview approach complements the archival work. Finally, secondary sources such as history texts are used to help answer the questions. A literature review tries to answer the second research question, ‘What is currently known about Irish POWs and what are the knowledge gaps about them in existing historical accounts of Irish soldiers in the Great War?’ As this review reveals, much recent historical work pays attention to the experiences of Irish soldiers in combat, but POW experiences are rarely dealt with. The third research question, ‘What happened to Irish POWs during their incarceration?’ is then addressed. This chapter includes qualitative archival research in the National Archives Kew, the Imperial War Museum, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Bureau of Military History (BMH), and the Bundesarchiv (BA) in Freiburg and also interviews with representatives of Irish Regiments such as the Connaught Rangers. This fourth question is ‘What support did POWs receive from the home front during the war?’ To answer this, chapter four examines supports for POWs, mainly from their families but also from voluntary committees and regiments. Therefore, using newspapers, archives and interviews with regimental historians, the research looks at levels of home front support and assesses the effects of separation on POWs and their families. Following release from captivity after the war, Irish soldiers returned to a changing Ireland. This chapter deals with the fifth question, ‘What happened to Irish POWs on their repatriation?’ As the ethical remembering approach requires, events need to be remembered in their context, so I suggest that the 1916 revolt and subsequent political events impacted on their return, as it did for all Irish soldiers. The sixth question is, ‘How does the recovery of the stories of POWs contribute to a project of ethical remembering?’ First, I look at how a national amnesia was applied to Irish soldiers and POWs and how their commemoration became contentious. But, sometimes imagination can do a better job than bare facts, and I explore how reflected voices of plays and literature help us recall the period. Then, I reflect on how soldiers and particularly POWs in the Great War are publicly commemorated. Conclusions Recent historical accounts of Irish soldiers are also complemented by public commemorations of the Irish in the Great War. However, despite the large number of Irish POWs, published secondary accounts of their experiences during and after the war are rare. Overall, treatment of Irish POWs was similar to that of other British soldiers in Germany. The exception was for a time in 1914-1916 when Irish prisoners were brought to Limburg camp with a view to setting up an Irish Brigade to fight with Germany. The plan to form an Irish Brigade from Irish POWs in Germany was ill-conceived (few soldiers joined) and contributed to Roger Casement’s treason trial and execution in 1916. Because of the conditions for POWs, support groups mainly led by titled ladies, became very important in providing parcels and letters and middleclass women also undertook support. Regiments such as the Royal Dublin Fusiliers also offered support and were led by army officers. Finally, families also sent letters and parcels. Separation was a key experience of war for soldiers, parents, siblings, wives and children but families could have adjustment problems when the soldier returned home. Following repatriation, the reception for POWs was mixed. While some veterans may have been better off because of pensions, disability allowances, regimental support and even houses, they formed a marginalised and unwelcome group in Irish society. They suffered from republican hostility, although some joined the IRA and many joined the National army, especially at the outbreak of the civil war. As personal testimonies of POWs are re-told, we might be moved by the images of the damage to young lives and the reality of life for thousands. Ethical remembering however, may allow us to remember both the Great War and 1916 and share of moments of grief in a manner that can deepen reconciliation and lead to forgiveness.