10th (Irish) Division

The 10th (Irish) Division was an infantry division of the British Army that saw active service in the First World War. Formed in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's New Armies, it was composed primarily of Irish volunteers, though recruitment extended beyond Ireland to include men from across the United Kingdom.

The division was notable for its distinctive composition, drawing heavily on Irish nationalism and Catholic identity for recruitment, though it also included Protestant Irishmen. Prominent figures involved in its formation and leadership included Lord Kitchener and General Sir Bryan Mahon, who commanded the division during much of its active service.

The 10th (Irish) Division first saw action in the Gallipoli Campaign in August 1915, landing at Suvla Bay. It endured heavy casualties and fought in several key battles, including the Battle of Sari Bair. Due to significant losses and the overall failure of the campaign, the division was evacuated from Gallipoli in October 1915.

Following Gallipoli, the division was transferred to the Salonika front in Greece, where it remained for the duration of the war, fighting against Bulgarian forces. Its service in Salonika was characterized by trench warfare and challenging conditions, including disease and supply difficulties.

The 10th (Irish) Division was demobilized after the end of the First World War. Its legacy is complex, reflecting the diverse experiences and motivations of its soldiers and the shifting political landscape of Ireland during and after the war. The division is remembered as a significant contribution to the British war effort, but also as a reflection of the divisions and complexities of Irish identity at the time.