Irish Anzacs

[groundhog]

E mail received

I am doing a research thesis on my grandfather's involvement in the War of
Independence (and, I hope, a documentary series). He was Australian born son
of Michael Casey from Glenanaar in East Limerick and Minnie Nagle of
Glenosheen.

No 20 Corporal PC Casey, MM, 13th Battalion AIF went AWL on August 17 1917
until turning himself in at an Australian Military Hospital in London in
October 1919. He had spent the intervening period in Ireland with family -
mostly in Glenanaar but also in Kerry.

Perhaps the best known of what I call IRA Diggers was Kilcommon born 2417
James Gorman - sung by Dan Breen, Ernie O'Malley and numerous BMH Witness
Statements as Jim Gorman of the 3rd Tipperary Bde. I believe he was really
an O'Gorman.

I have recently completed preliminary analysis of the the AIF Service
Records of the almost 6,000 Irish born Mmmen and women who enlisted in the
Australian Army during WW1. Many , like my Grandfather went AWL in Ireland,
others when they were discharged at the end of the war returned to Ireland.
Some became involved in the Fight for Irish Freedom.

I am trying to write this story of the Diggers and the IRA. It's never been
spoken.

Can you help me with this. Any suggestions of other Australian soldiers who
may have been involved.South Tipp was a very active area. I am particularly
interested in the area of South Tipp, East Limerick and East Cork.

All the best with your new group

Kerry

Kerry Casey

The only one I have been able to help Kerry with is Michael McGrath fatally injured at Powerstown 27th April 1923 while being arrested by the National Army. He previously served in WW1 in the Australian Artillery. If anyone knows of any others please let us know.

[digger20]

Presented the story of the Diggers and the IRA at the Australian Defence Force Academy on Tuesday. They had never heard a thing about it. Got a very interested response. Come on Irish some of you must have some of the story. I want to honour those men and appease their ghosts. They were discharged by the Australian Army in 1920 as DESERTERS when they were nothing of the sort. They were fighting for something they believed in: a free Ireland.

[digger20]

There were 64 Irish born Australian soldiers still AWL when the AIF cleared the books on 1 April 1920 (is the date significant) who were consequentially charged with desertion. - 57 RC and 7 other. A further 168 were discharged when demobilised in London - 74, of whom, were RC and 94 were other.
They have, as they wanted to disappeared from history. It is safe now to speak of them but is it possible?