This is the first complete history of the Curragh Camp, from its
foundation in 1855 to the present day, under both British and Irish
occupation. Dan Harvey, a military historian and an experienced senior
officer, presents a compelling and fascinating narrative of the camp's
many evocative eras and episodes. This unique establishment has been key
in shaping Irish history while being shaped in turn by the great
national and international conflicts that it was founded to respond to:
the Crimean War, the Boer War, the Great War, the Easter Rising and War
of Independence are all accounted for under the banner of the British
Army. The first tricolour flag hoisted overhead of the camp signalled no
change to its level of service as the Curragh's forces were quickly
embroiled in the Irish Civil War, later oversaw the years of the modern
Troubles and forged an international role with the Irish Defence Forces.
These grand narratives are interlaced with smaller yet significant tales
that personalise the institution and lend vitality to the many facets
that keep service, work and a livelihood in check on world-renowned
plains once covered by 'St. Brigid's cloak'. Prince Edward's royal visit
and training, and the 'Wrens' less welcome visits to the soldiers after
dark - everyday and extraordinary matters are described to give the most
authoritative history, compelling and meticulously written, of a camp
inextricable to Ireland for over one hundred and fifty years. [Subject:
?Military History, Irish History
