The Aerodrome Forum - View Single Post - Irish pilots flying for the Central Powers?

Vin · 20 January 2005, 09:58 PM

Admirable research. My comment about popular sentiment was in response to JDCMaster’s comment “I was thinking since the Germans attempted to help with the Uprising during that same time…” The implication being that Irish citizens would join up and fight for Germany. My response was that of the two, popular sentiment was in favour of Britain.

Popular sentiment might have favoured Britain over the Central Powers but that doesn’t mean that the Irish wanted to join up and fight Britain’s war for her – as your figures illustrate. The Irish didn’t feel part of the empire, unlike other parts of the British Isles. There is a huge difference between being more sympathetic towards Britain than Germany and joining up.

The response of the Dublin population to the Post Office and Customs House survivors in 1916 bears out popular sympathy towards Britain. The rebels were booed and abused as they were led off to prison. Irish support only turned after the executions commenced.

I've never seen statistics on the issue that I remember. I was aware that many joined up but I didn't think that that many did.

20 January 2005, 09:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
Vin Forum Ace Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: right here Posts: 1,577	Admirable research. My comment about popular sentiment was in response to JDCMaster’s comment “I was thinking since the Germans attempted to help with the Uprising during that same time…” The implication being that Irish citizens would join up and fight for Germany. My response was that of the two, popular sentiment was in favour of Britain. Popular sentiment might have favoured Britain over the Central Powers but that doesn’t mean that the Irish wanted to join up and fight Britain’s war for her – as your figures illustrate. The Irish didn’t feel part of the empire, unlike other parts of the British Isles. There is a huge difference between being more sympathetic towards Britain than Germany and joining up. The response of the Dublin population to the Post Office and Customs House survivors in 1916 bears out popular sympathy towards Britain. The rebels were booed and abused as they were led off to prison. Irish support only turned after the executions commenced. I've never seen statistics on the issue that I remember. I was aware that many joined up but I didn't think that that many did. __________________ Honorary Consultant on Policy and Ethics On a Holy Purpose The absolute self-appointed authority Too myopic to comprehend Fools and cowards foolish do-gooder, you aid and abett the devil Last edited by Vin; 20 January 2005 at 10:01 PM.