Irishmen Or English Soldiers?

by Thomas P. Dooley

1995 · Liverpool University Press

Unskilled urban workers made up the bulk of Irish volunteers who fought in the British army during the First World War, and Sir Roger Casement described them as being "not Irishmen but English soldiers". In this book, the case of an illiterate general laborer, born in 1876 in Waterford city, who enlisted in the 16th (Irish) Division is used to study the motivation of Catholics enlisting in the British army and to assess the credibility of Casement’s judgment which, the book argues, is too simplistic. The decision to enlist resulted from a complex range of external social, economic and political pressures to which men were subjected during the course of their lifetimes. These are examined in detail and arguments are supported with graphs, charts, tables and numerical calculations. The case of the men enlisting in the British army is considered from three perspectives: via a study of Waterford’s community as representative of the social, economic and political relationships of southern Ireland as a whole; through the presentation of ground-breaking evidence and analysis of more immediate reasons for enlistment; through an examination of why, having enlisted, Irishmen remained loyal to the British army and the 16th (Irish) Division in particular.

The Art of Interrogation: Mastering Techniques, Psychology, and Strategy in Modern Interrogation

by KV Thomas

2025 · Jaico Publishing House

An immersive journey through the evolution of interrogation techniques—from ancient practices to modern methods—revealing practical insights and real-world case studies. In the post-9/11 world, interrogation has evolved from a criminal investigation technique to an essential tool for combating global terrorism and gathering intelligence. This book delves into the art and science of interrogation, tracing its history, exploring diverse methods, and highlighting its pivotal role in both law enforcement and national security. Drawing on real-life case studies and the author’s firsthand experience in India’s premier intelligence unit, this unique book delves into the entire spectrum of interrogation—from the challenges of false confessions to the latest technologies like polygraphs and narcoanalysis. Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand this complex field, it also explores the legal safeguards and ethical dilemmas that lie at the heart of interrogation.