P1110110.JPG Desmond 7 Jean Bowen: The Irish in the British Army

            Heroic Option - The Irish in the British Army
by Desmond and Jean Bowen

This is a Canadian couple born in the early 1920s who produced a scholarly very informative easy read book, which in a way is mind-blowing thinking of what has been a tremendous commitment of sacrifice and determination given by so many Irish heroes who built the British empire: not just Anglo-Irish toffs, but humble Catholics from poor peasant stock. Some names we know - we all know: the Duke of Wellington, Alexander of Tunis, Montgomery of Alamein, Alannbrooke - they and soldiers of their ilk made their reputation in America, in the Peninsular and Crimean wars, in India of the Raj, the Boer war and more recently in the First and Second World Wars, where all these past shadows come back to life, unexpectedly with some glorious stories.

I would not know if Desmond and Joan Bowen are related to Elizabeth Bowen of Bowen Court in Ireland (and Oxford) to be able to suggest that the talent runs in the family. But regardless of this possible link which may explain the Irish interest, this is a book which holds its own - a good read of humour and humanity doubled by sound research - a book which I recommend.
I bought my copy at the little bookshop counter at the Army Museum in Chelsea.
   

Taken on: July 10, 2009

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Sets appears in: • Book Cover • Book Reviews more » • Constant's Library - London • Ireland - A Protestant with a Horse • Irish • London Museums - National Army Museum • London Museums - National Army Museum, Chelsea SW3 • My Library « less

Groups appears in: • A Book • bookshop more » • Your books • The Anglo-Irish Heritage • canada the land the people the history and experience • Literary Ireland • brilliant magic • national army museum chelsea - NAM « less

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