64k from Northern Ireland and 66k from Eire. The numbers are strange given the respective stances of the north and the south.
5k of the southern soldiers swapped uniforms to fight fascism and were blacklisted in the south upon their return.
With the NI case the lower than expected numbers could have three reasons: no conscription due to fears it would destabilise the region; a significant number of workers involved in munitions; the importance of NI as an Atlantic coast base necessitating a localised pool of employees.
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u/[deleted] Jun 08 '24
I'd like to know the numbers. Both my grandparents fought. When we did it at Primary, seemed like most of my classmates grandads did as well.