An Cosantóir

cos book review | 27 of the difficulties encountered. They provide a remarkable insight into the transformation of an undermanned, under equipped and under resourced organisation in 1939 to a force of two divisions that took the field in 1942 for a period of extended exercises. The bulk of the reports are those by Lt Gen Dan McKenna with only that for the year 1948-1949 being the work of Lt Gen Liam Archer. These are valu- able documents covering a period of great national importance. They provide a wealth of detail not only for military historians but also for a much wider audience. The annual statistical data provides information not only on the development of the DF but also tables of equipments pro- cured, civilian properties taken over or targeted for takeover, personnel figures including discharges and en- listments, crime returns listing both military and civil offences, the dis- eases suffered by the troops, and as- sistance rendered to the civil authori- ties such as turf cutting, harvesting and more, in fascinating detail. Lt Gen McKenna's first report clearly shows that prior to the fall of France the war was a matter of some indifference to the majority of the population. It must have been frus- trating for him to see that this had permeated even the Dept of Finance. Consequently, the men and mate- riel necessary for the defence of the country were not to hand. It is very hard to understand that the recruit- ment authorised at the outbreak of the war in September 1939 was halt- ed eight weeks later on grounds of expenditure. In fact there were 1,400 fewer men in the forces in November of that year. However, it is only fair to say that if the "Phoney War" lulled Britain and France into lethargy it is not surprising that it also happened in neutral Ireland. The unleashing of the Blitzkrieg in the West culminating in the fall of France in June 1940 roused the coun- try to the possibility of an invasion. This frightening prospect instigated a recruiting drive and between May and Septem- ber 1940 nearly 23,000 men were inducted into the ranks. Recruiting the required man- power was one thing but provid- ing the necessary arms, ammuni- tion and equip- ment presented severe difficulties thanks to the lack of preparation during peacetime. In every report McKenna ap- pealed for the most basic items of military hard- ware, in particu- lar mortars, anti- tank weapons, air defence equip- ment and all kinds of ammuni- tion. However, only minimal quantities were received. Indeed, the hostile attitude of the Churchill Government ensured that most such orders were unfilled. It is interesting to note that his concern for the manpower shortages meant that the possibility of introducing conscription was a recurring theme in McKenna's reports. As the war in Europe came to an end Lt Gen McKenna the State having to assume military obligations if admitted as a member to the UN or of entering into any defence commitments such as are being organised by the Benelux states, it may be doubted whether it will be possible for the State to remain neu- tral in the next world conflict." (Report 1947-48, p615.) "The Emergency" was a major mile- the reports became oriented on the post-war world security scenario. The one for 1945-46 shows that the stand- off between the Soviet Union and the Western Powers had been accurately identified and was the target of future planning. It is apparent from the docu- ments that wartime neutrality was regarded as a temporary expedient and the changed environment should not have precluded other arrange- ments. "Apart from the possibility of stone in the development of the De- fence Forces. This publication deals with it in a very thorough manner, detailing many positive aspects but also the negative ones. Michael Ken- nedy and Victor Laing have rendered a great service in presenting such a valuable book. It is an essential source for any history of the Defence Forces or of Ireland during WWII and its aftermath. LT GEN COLM MANGAN DSM (RETD) THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

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