大象传媒

My mother comes from the Republic of Ireland, although, being Protestant, she identifies more with Britain.Her memories of the second world war reveal how old memories of "the Irish question" affected attitudes to the war.
She well recalls how on the 1st September she was on a hill near to her home, with some friends, when someone ran up to announce that war had been declared. Suddenly a carefree outing had become sombre.
During the war, she remembers how some neighbours exulted in the bombing of British cities, while others saved money for the British war effort. Some even joined the British army to fight Hitler, although they were
never recognised by their government.
Again, she recalls scenes of rejoicing in Belfast on VE day, while, a year later, in Eire, she saw downcast faces on VJ day.Perhaps it is time to acknowledge the role that some Irish people played in world war two.

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