65 years of Wexford military history
QUITE an undertaking, a new book published by local historian Des Robinson looks back on those who served and the role played by the Local Defence Force and An Forsa Cosanta Áitiúil over a period from 1940 to 2005. Running at 365 pages, ‘Wexford Citizen Soldiers (1940 - 2005)’ is packed with photos, facts, figures and stories of those who served their county and country with distinction.
Some of the photos, provided both by local photographers and from Des’s personal collection, are truly stunning and provide a real snapshot of the time. Des also notes that four Wexford Mayors, who were also citizen soldiers in the LDF and FCA, are featured while the section on Guards of Honour shows photos fro the visits of cardinals, ambassadors, political heavyweights, former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower and President Patrick Hillery.
‘ The book consists of 46 items or sections covering various roles of the force over the years which includes annual training, range practices, guards of honour, security duties, social events and retirement functions etc,’ Des explains. ‘Also provided are 24 pages with the names, addresses and years of service of LDF members taken from the register of Emergency Medals Records, which was kindly supplied by the Military Archives at Cathal Brugha Barracks. These records show approximately 500 members of the LDF which include four Mayors of Wexford, a County Manager, a future Tánaiste and a number of councillors.’
One fascinating section features letters written to the author from the Congo by the late Sgt James Sexton in 1963, who took command and led his platoon after his commanding officer was killed in the Battle of the Tunnel, one which also claimed the life of fellow Wexford man Pte Andy Wickham.
A fascinating read for anyone interested in military history or history in general, ‘Wexford Citizen Soldiers (1940 - 2005)’ is available to purchase now from Red Books in Peter’s Square, Wexford, or you can order via the Facebook page or call 0861988254.