“Nobody's Children”? Political Responses to the Homecoming of First World War Veterans in Northern and Southern Ireland, 1918–1929

Abstract At the time when Irish veterans of Great War were being demobilized, Ireland was in a period profound social, political, and cultural change that irreversibly transforming island. Armistice veterans’ relief at having survived conflict back with family could not eclipse overwhelming political climate they met on their homecoming. This article draws 1929 Report by Committee Claims British Ex-servicemen , commissioned Free State to investigate whether discriminated against Southern authorities. The research also makes use range underexploited primary sources: Liaison Evacuation Papers Military Archives Dublin, collection minutes Sailors’ Soldiers’ Land Trust National London, original material from Public Record Office Northern relating economic programs for veterans. A comparative approach respective demobilizations 1920s reveals disparities formal recognition sacrifice special provision housing employment significantly painfully complicated repatriation.