Description

For the hundreds of thousands of Irishmen who fought on the battlefields of Europe, Gallipoli, and the Middle East during the Great War, music was far more than mere entertainment—it was a lifeline to home, a vehicle for grief, and a tool for survival. March Away My Brothers shines a vital, unique light on the social and musical history of these Irish regiments.

This text tracks the diverse tapestry of songs that filled the barracks and front lines—from traditional folk airs adapted with raw trench humor to high-energy marching tunes and deeply religious hymns. By exploring soldier diaries, historic song sheets, and vintage recordings, the author reveals how these songs captured the complex, often conflicting political loyalties and deep emotional realities of young men caught in the horror of global industrial warfare.

What you will discover within this musical history:

• Authentic Trench Lyrics: Collects the genuine, unedited verses and songs written and performed directly by front-line soldiers.

• Socio-Political Context: Investigates how music reflected the shifting political landscape in Ireland during the turbulent 1914–1918 years.

• Rich Archival Evidence: Draws heavily on private family letters, vintage wartime songbooks, and regimental diaries.