Mililtary Heritage Tours

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TOURS
The main overseas tours in 2005 are:
WW1 May 12-16
Normandy June 07-17

At home various tours are in the pipeline, 1916, War of Independence,
Civil War. Some small groups have signed up for various combinations.
If your group would like to opt for any tour or combination of tours
please contact us at dbuckley@anu.ie

THE FORGOTTEN IRISH IN THE FORGOTTEN ARMY
Following Independence in 1921 and the disastrous Civil War of 1922/23, severe damage was done to our appreciation of our rich military heritage.
There were reasons for this. The newly independent state had fought a bitter fight against the Black and Tans and the Auxiliaries (ADRIC) (see Sept 2004 Newsletter) and terror and counter terror on both sides became routine. The legacy of this war ensured that anti-British feelings were very strong and that association with British Forces not welcome.
Despite the fact that 230,000 Irishmen had fought in the Great War for the highest of ideals and that 49,000 Irishmen were killed, a mental block became established in the Nationalist psyche and the veterans of the Great War and their incredible sacrifice became ignored and forgotten. They kept a low profile in the New State and were written out of history, passing reference only if any being made about them in the educational system.
In the new state of Northern Ireland the 36th (Ulster) Division was rightly remembered and has never been forgotten. However this remembrance was at the expense of the 16th (Irish) and 10th Divisions who were written out of Northern Ireland's version of history.
This situation was appalling and a monumental injustice was done not only to the Great War veterans and the families of the fallen, but also to generations of Ireland's soldiers who served so valiantly and in incredible numbers down through the centuries in the service of Britain.
Only in very recent years is this situation being addressed. Citizens of Ireland are only now realising the enormity of the injustice and albeit too late for the soldiers involved, their families and descendents are now beginning to get the recognition that they richly deserve. Regimental Associations such as the Royal Muster Fusiliers, the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, the Connaught Rangers and the Leinster Regiment have been formed to honour the memories of those who fought in WW 1.


DUNDALK SEMINAR 2005
In 2005 there are quite a number of veterans thankfully still with us in Ireland and it is the intention of Military Heritage Tours to hold a Seminar on the most forgotten, i.e. those Irish soldiers who served in the Britain's 14th Army in the Far East. This Seminar entitled The Forgotten Irish in the Forgotten Army, will take place on 27/28
August in Dundalk. Co. Louth in the County Museum and will feature a panel of distinguished speakers and a weapons and transport exhibition. More details to follow.