You probably have never heard of 433186 Private Richard Hanley, who served in this army from August 1940 to January 1946, mainly as a Company Clerk. But he has left us a vivid and moving testimony of those times. it is a photographic record, largely of the soldier's daily routine of weapon training, lining up formations, lounging in the billets, toiling on the big manoeuvres of 1942 as a highlight, but many times "having a welcome break" as a caption says of men with a bottle of beer in hand.
And not entirely forgetting pictures of the top brass. (All of these look remarkably youthful, including Mickey Joe Costello). As to the rations, the caption writer tells us that in March 1941, tea and butter began to run short. (Butter short in Ireland? Well, work out why). The supper ration had to be discontinued except when soup was available, or by "judicious savings on the daily ration." By the end of 1942, the desert ration (which consisted mainly of rice, sago, tapioca or dried fruits) was almost exhausted.
The bread ration was also reduced and an extra potato ration issued in lieu. The last meal of the day was at 4.30. Tea.
Out of Private Hanley's collection of photographs, plus other sources, a book has been published, entitled The Nation is Profoundly Grateful - a quotation from a broadcast by the Taoiseach, Eamon de Valera, about a week after the end of the war in Europe. It is a softback book, about 12 inches by eight, some 70 pages lone and costs a mere £2. It is published by Military Archives, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin 6; a good job well done.
But there is more. A travel hog exhibition of photos, including those from the book, has been seen around the country and has proved a huge success. Commandant Peter Young, head of Archives. says that many have come across from Britain just to see it, and he has met one who travelled from the States. Next showing is to be in Bray next month. at the Heritage Centre. The faces of these young men, teenagers in many cases. stay in your mind; all trustful and eager in their bulls wool uniform. You note, too, the indifferent weaponry they were given.
In the years between the wars, the Defence Forces came very low on Government priorities. The public didn't seem to want to know. With today's rumours of reorganising, cost cutting, downsizing or whatever, there is food for thought in the state of deterioration that was allowed to develop in the 1920s and 1930s. Especially now with the expanded role offered by the United Nations, in which our Forces have served with heart and ability.