Irishmen went to the trenches because they were misled

I AGREE strongly with Jack Lane and Tom Cooper, both of whom criticised the trend towards State participation in November remembrance ceremonies (Letters, October 20).

I do not think we should look on the British army as anything other than what it was: an instrument of repression in Ireland. Certainly Irishmen joined — often out of economic necessity — and died in its service. Those who joined during the First World War were misled by John Redmond and many would not have done so had they known how events would unfold.

The First World War was ‘great’ in a number of respects: the arrogance and stupidity of the politicians; the utterly pointless level of carnage which ensued and the arrogance, vindictiveness and stupidity of the terms of the Versailles Treaty which made the Second Word War virtually inevitable. The First World War did dismantle two ramshackle empires and also began a process of reducing both Britain and Germany to levels of military strength which seem to have ensured neither can ever mess up the world again.

Germany seems to have eschewed militarism entirely, while Britain now only rides into battle sitting on America’s shoulder — an increasingly perilous perch these days.

David Roberts

Castlegrove

Mallow

Co Cork