#OnThisDay 1945 Eamon De Valera’s on Ireland‘s neutrality.
‘Mr. Churchill is justly proud of his nation’s perseverance against heavy odds.But we in this island are still prouder of our people’s perseverance for freedom through all the centuries’
To listen to or read the full speech click here: https://speakola.com/political/eamon-de-valera-churchill-criticism-1945
#OnThisDay 1943 The RAF launched the Dambuster Raid, aiming to destroy three dams on the Ruhr. Sgt Richard Bolitho from Derry (left) was the only Irishman to take part. However, his plane struck pylons before they dropped their bomb & all crew were killed.
#OnThisDay 1826 United Irishmen General Joseph Holt passed away in Dublin. Holt organised several attacks in Wicklow & after the Rebellion ended, joined Michael Dwyer in his guerrilla campaign. Deported to Australia, he was pardoned in 1809 & returned home.
#OnThisDay 1968 Captain Edmund Landers from Oola, Limerick was KIA in Vietnam. In command of a reconnaissance-in-force patrol, Landers neutralised several enemy positions but returning from the frontline, he encountered more enemy & was killed. Buried in Oola.
#OnThisDay 1921 The IRA ambush RIC D.I. Cecil Blake at Ballyturin House, Galway killing him, his wife & two other British officers. There was one survivor, Mrs. Gregory, the widowed daughter-in-law of famous folklorist & dramatist Lady Gregory of Coole Park.
The Irish at War 