Ireland pardoning thousands who deserted Irish army to fight for Britain in World War II
By Shawn Pogatchnik, The Associated Press
DUBLIN – The Irish government said it is pardoning nearly 5,000 men who deserted its armed forces to fight for Britain during World War II, an episode of history that brought shame and embarrassment to neutral Ireland.
“If you were in the British army, you were regarded as a traitor. Neighbors turned against each other, and people were isolated.”