Pardon for soldiers who left to fight in war

After decades of waiting, the State has pardoned the thousands of Defence Force members who left the country to fight in the Second World War with the Allies.

At its peak during the Second World War, the Irish Defence Forces had about 42,000 serving personnel in Ireland. It is estimated that many, if not all, of the 4,500 who deserted the Defence Forces and were subject to dismissal went and fought with the British forces.

Another 2,500 who deserted returned to their units or were apprehended and tried by a military tribunal.