Thursday, 23 April 2015

Book launch: Irish Doctors in the First World War

Last night saw the launch of Irish Doctors in the First World War at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. If you have medical ancestors who fought in WW1, this book is a must purchase and must read publication, already acclaimed for its depth of research.

The editors – Patrick Casey, Kevin Cullen and Joe Duignan – have created a unique book that records the experiences of the 3,300 Irish doctors who joined the British armed forces. More than 240 of them were to lose their lives in the conflict, many with no known grave.

The 513-page hardback, which is lavishly illustrated with 120 colour and black & white photographs, comprehensively records the theatres of war and key campaigns including army, navy and air force, where Irish medics assisted and developed their expertise in caring for the wounded.

It includes an indispensable Directory of Irish Doctors who served in the First World War, compiled from available records and publications. Where the information was available, each profile contains the name, family details and military record of the doctor, including medals and honours awarded. There is also a Roll of Honour of Irish Doctors who died during the First World War.

Published under the Merrion Press imprint, the book is available from Irish Academic Press, price €31.50. The ISBN number is 978-178537-0045.