| Soldier of the
Queen - Introduction |
O'Mahoney, born in Britain of Irish
parents, was introduced to violence at an early age in
the form of a brutal father. The early part of the book
traces his childhood and youth and the inevitable grudge
againt a society where other people were seen to grow
up in relatively happy families.
He joined the army to avoid a prison sentence and contrary
to his expectations, made an early appearance in Northern
Ireland. No lover of the military life, he was sufficiently
detached from the bigots with whom he came into contact
to see both sides of the conflict.
At the same time, though, he intended to survive his tour
of duty in one piece. And he did so, for, as he says,
"natural born hooligans" make the best soldiers.The
main part of the book offers an account of the everyday
life of a squaddie in Northern Ireland 20 years ago.
The publishers are to be congratulated on having the courage
to present it in all its rawness. It does not tell us
all we need to know about the conflict, but it offers
an excellent insight into the motivations, activities,
views and attitudes of a central participant therin. |
| Contact : bernard.omahoney@bernardomahoney.com |
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