The Irish amateur military tradition in the British Army, 1854–1992

Download or read book The Irish amateur military tradition in the British Army, 1854–1992 written by William Butler and published by Manchester University Press. This book was released on 2016-10-30 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Covering the period from the re-establishment of the Irish militia during the Crimean War until the disbandment of the Ulster Defence Regiment in 1992, this book examines the Irish amateur military tradition within the British Army, distinctive from a British amateur military tradition. Irish men and women of both religions and political persuasions made a significant contribution to these forces, and in so doing played an important role within the British Empire, whilst also providing a crucial link between the army and Irish society. Utilising new source material, this book demonstrates the complex nature of Irish involvement with British institutions and its Empire. It argues that within this unique tradition, two divergent Protestant and Catholic traditions emerged, and membership of these organisations was used as a means of social mobility, for political patronage, and, crucially, to demonstrate loyalty to Britain and its Empire.