A look at Britain’s military commanders in Ireland on the centenary of the final one’s departure
The approaching centenary of General Macready’s departure provides an opportunity to reflect on the contribution made by men like Macready to Irish history. My book, based on new primary research, seeks to highlight the significant impact made on Ireland by commanders such as Lieutenant General Ralph Abercromby, General Charles Cornwallis, Field Marshal Frederick Roberts and Field Marshal Garnet Wolseley, who were household names during their Irish command.
The second key conclusion is that the commander was a convenient scapegoat for the intelligence failures of the civil power. General Henry Edward Fox lost his command in 1803 as Dublin Castle sought to hide its own culpability in failing to anticipate rebellion. Major General Lovick Friend lost his command under similar circumstances during the Easter Rising in 1916.
A key theme to emerge from the book is the often fractious relationship between the commanders and the civil power. There was almost constant tension between the commander, who wanted to concentrate his troops to allow for training and discipline, and Dublin Castle, which was under pressure from Irish loyalists to scatter the army across the country to provide protection against local disaffection, perceived or otherwise.
Another issue that is examined for the first time is the responsibility of the commanders towards their men. Obviously discipline and training were a priority, but the commanders also looked after the physical and spiritual health and well-being of their troops, promoting ‘manly’ physical activities and educational opportunities while seeking to combat such temptations as prostitution, alcohol and smoking.
Another aspect of the commander’s role was their contribution to wider society. They were enthusiastic patrons of the arts and cultural events such as the Dublin Horse Show. The level of public attention they received meant that even Field Marshal Wolseley, who generally relished the public glare, complained in October 1890 about ‘this racket of moving about with crowds to stare at one, and escorts and guards of honour’.
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