For hundreds of years, Irish soldiers have sought their destiny
abroad. Stepping aboard ships bound for England, America, or Europe,
young Irishmen have been hungry for adventure, a self-made fortune or
the means to carry on a cause back home. Wherever he has travelled,
whichever side of the battlefield he has stood, the tales of his
exploits have never been forgotten.
The Irish soldier has always been in the thick of the fight. Leaving
his birthplace, he travelled with hope, sometimes wanting to bring a
liberating revolution to his fellow countrymen. Often seeking
adventure, the Fighting Irish have been found in all corners of the
British Empire, winning new territories, gaining a reputation as
fearless soldiers. Some sailed to America and joined in frontier
fighting or demonstrated their loyalty to their new homeland in the
bloody combats of the American Civil War. Others took the opportunity
to carry on their home-borne disputes with campaigns against the
British Empire in Canada and South Africa.
The Irish soldier has been in the thick of war during the twentieth
century-facing slaughter at the Somme, surviving prison camps in
Korea, desperate last-stands in the Congo-and continuing sacrifice in
Iraq and Afghanistan. In Fighting Irish, acclaimed historian Tim
Newark tells their tales in the dramatic words of the soldiers
themselves, gathered from diaries, letters and journals from
archives-and interviews with veterans-in Ireland and across the world.
Praise for Highlander:
"Tim Newark is a remarkably gifted storyteller." The Scotsman
"At last, the Highland soldier has the history he richly
deserves. Tim Newark tells the dramatic tale with some startling new
stories and superbly researched detail." Andrew Roberts.
"Highlanders have long been among the most feared soldiers in
the world and Tim Newark's book admirably tells their stirring tale.
A great read!" Bernard Cornwell.
