World War I and its end

[Cheezy the Wiz]

No, to 1919-21. The UVF that fought in that was just a cardboard version of the terror it was in 1914, especially after the Ulster division got wiped the hell out on the Somme.

Ah, I understand your point now.

Twas England bade our Wild Geese go that small nations might be free
but now their graves are on Suvla's waves or the fringe of the great North Sea
Oh had they died by Pearse's side, or fought with Cathal Brugha;
Their names we would keep where the Fenians sleep 'neath the hills of the foggy dew

 

[ParkCungHee]

For that matter, the IRA wouldn't really get into gear until after the war of Independence. Basically, we're really lucky the War of Independence went as easily as it did.

 

[SeekTruthFromFacts]

For that matter, the IRA wouldn't really get into gear until after the war of Independence. Basically, we're really lucky the War of Independence went as easily as it did.

You mean during the Civil War? The pro-Treaty faction may have been stronger than the IRA was during the War of Independence, but that was because they were now allied with the British.

Or does "we" mean the Ulster Loyalists?

 

[ParkCungHee]

We means everyone. The Pro-Treatyites certainly were strengthened by the support of the British, but the IRA also picked up strength and organization during the civil war.
The whole affair could have been much bloodier and more protracted than it actually was.