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.

The Government yesterday announced a pardon for soldiers who had left without leave or permission to fight on the Allied side between 1939 and 1945.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said that it was a “time for understanding and forgiveness”.

“Members of the Defence Forces left their posts at that time to fight on the Allied side against tyranny and, together with many thousands of other Irish men and women, played an important role in defending freedom and democracy.

“Those who fought on the Allied side also contributed to protecting this State’s sovereignty and independence and our democratic values,” Mr Shatter told the Dáil.

In August 1945, the government — through an emergency powers order — dismissed army members who had absented themselves during the Second World War. Those members were banned for several years from working for the State. No distinction was made between those who fought on the Allied side and those who absented themselves for other reasons, the Department of Defence said yesterday.

It is estimated that up to 60,000 Irish people joined the British forces during the Second World War.

“It is right that the role played by Irish veterans who fought on the Allied side be recognised and the rejection they experienced be understood,” said Mr Shatter. “To that end, this Government has now resolved to provide a legal mechanism that will provide an amnesty to those who absented themselves from our Defence Forces and fought with the Allied Forces in World War II and to provide a pardon to those who were individually court-martialled.”