“Yet another war believed to be over by Christmas. The Second Boer War was fought between the greatest empire the world had ever seen and a nation of farmers with a population fewer than that of Brighton, England. It took the might of the British Empire three years to subdue these farmers who were known as Boers. The Boers believed they were fighting for their right to self govern and the British fought to keep control of the mineral rich lands of the southern tip of Africa.

Irish men were found on both sides of the conflict nearly 14,000 km from home. Irishmen such as the 150 Irish Commandos fighting for the Transvaal Republic, commanded by men like John MacBride, brought their expertise back to Ireland to take part in the 1916 Rising. Others fought for what they believed was right, for glory, for money. The war left an indelible mark in the heart of Dublin city in the form of a triumphal arch by St. Stephen’s Green. Every day many Dubliner’s walk under this arch, dedicated to the fallen Irish of the war, however, few take the time to observe the names etched onto its walls. Because of the animosity gained by Irishmen fighting for the British at the advent of the 20th century, the arch was given the nickname, Traitor’s Gate. This episode will tell the story of those men who were ridiculed and abandoned by the land they called home.”

This episode was written by Sam de Turberville

Sam de Turberville is a teacher and author with a passion for uncovering lesser-known stories from the past. Based in Ireland, he has a keen interest in early modern history – from the Age of Enlightenment to the First World War. When he isn’t researching, teaching, or writing history, he enjoys motorsport and playing guitar. He hopes to write for us again soon.