The Irish in the Italian Campaign, 1943-45 (Hardback)
Men and Women of Ireland in one of the Second World War's Toughest Theatres
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 272
Illustrations: 32 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781036124083
Published: 15th July 2025
(click here for international delivery rates)
Need a currency converter? Check XE.com for live rates
More Irish personnel served in the Italian campaign than in any theatre of the Second World War. The greatest numbers were in the Army but airmen and sailors also played important roles. From the first actions in Sicily on 10 July 1943 until the German surrender in Italy on 2 May 1945, Irish personnel were in the front line. Those in the combat support services also gave outstanding service, as did medical officers, nurses and chaplains. Many were decorated. At least one was recommended for a posthumous Victoria Cross and there were numerous awards of the DSO, DCM, MC and MM as well as Mentions in Despatches.
For most there were no decorations, only the Italy Star; and the service of many was marked only by a headstone or a name on a memorial. Their stories are equally inspiring and deserve to be told whether they were tankmen, gunners, sappers, signallers, infantry or the faithful members of support services such as drivers and mechanics or nurses who were often under threat from air attack or artillery fire. At the other end of the spectrum, many of the commanders, including General Montgomery, Admiral Cunningham and Field Marshal Alexander were also Irish.
Drawing on personal memoirs, published works, official records and interviews with veterans, as well as his own in-depth knowledge of the Italian campaign, Richard Doherty reveals the service of Irish units and Irish personnel of all ranks and throughout the campaign, especially during the major battles.
Register or Login now to post a review!
"...this latest is highly recommended to all with an interest in the Italian campaign and, in particular, in the units and individuals who took part in it."
Clive Elderton - Military Historical Society
In this, the latest of his many highly regarded military histories, distinguished military historian, prolific author and long serving Military Historical Society member, Richard Doherty, weaves the two subjects of which he is the undisputed expert, and with which he is so strongly associated, into a single chronological account of the war in Italy told through the experiences of Irish men and women of all ranks, some distinguished and some previously unknown, who served in that campaign. The author claims that more Irish personnel served in the Italian campaign than in any other theatre of the Second World War, mostly on land but also at sea and in the air, and they are all represented in this vivid and lively account. As ever, Richard Doherty’s narrative is clear and compelling and ranges from the grand strategic, to provide context, to the sub-tactical exploits of the Irish men and women in whom he clearly has the greatest interest. The author draws heavily on personal memoirs, interviews with veterans conducted over many years, official records, and on his earlier books on the same themes, but this is neither a regurgitation nor a compendium of his earlier works but introduces many new characters and fresh insights into the Campaign and the part Irish men and women played in it. Simply a glance at the almost 800 footnotes, the extensive bibliography, including 15 of Doherty’s earlier books, and the three remarkably comprehensive and detailed indexes (formations and units, people and general) gives an indication of the breadth and depth of this fascinating and compelling account of the Italian Campaign and the remarkable contribution made by the people of Ireland. This extremely clear and readable account of the Italian Campaign will be a welcome addition to the shelves of all with an interest in the Campaign and in the Irish men and women from all walks of life who played such a crucial part in it. Most highly recommended.
Military Historical Society
About Richard Doherty
Richard Doherty, recognised as Ireland’s leading military history author, has thirty published books to his credit, plus many articles in journals and magazines. Included in his Pen and Sword titles are The Thin Green Line: The History of the RUC GC; Helmand Mission; Victory in Italy and Hobart’s 79th Armoured Division at War. He has worked on radio and TV historical series, including The Sons of Ulster and One Man’s War, as well as contributing to other programmes such as Who Do You Think You Are? He is also in demand as a speaker and lecturer, speaking at venues such as the National Army Museum, the Tank Museum and the US Marine Corps Staff and Command College, Quantico, Virginia.
Pen and Sword Books
About Us | Contact Us | Delivery Information | Privacy Policy | Cookies | Affiliates | Terms and Conditions | Backlist | Mailing List | Reward Scheme | Review Request
© Pen and Sword Books Limited 2026. Registered in England No. 2527258.
Registered Office: 47 Church Street, Barnsley, S70 2AS.