Irish doctors in the Second World War

Tipperary medical heroes feature in new book

The fascinating sequel to ‘Irish Doctors in the First World War’ has been published.

‘Irish Doctors in the Second World War’ features a roll of honour recording Irish doctors who served, were decorated, and lost their lives.

It includes two Nenagh doctors – John Joseph Williams of: Beechmount, Toomarane and Michael Francis Healy of 18 Pearse St. Profiled is Clonmel-born Dr Theobald Phelan, who was awarded for gallantry in his command of a field ambulance attached to an armoured brigade.

This beautiful fully illustrated hardback also includes harrowing firsthand accounts from Irish doctors detailing the horrors of the atomic bomb and the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. It charts the vital contributions of Irish doctors in the Second World War, a conflict that demonstrated to the world how military warfare had changed utterly since the Great War.

While advancements in medical care during the interwar years made field medicine almost unrecognisable compared to 1918, this was tempered by vast innovations in the destructive power of the machines of war. From the Maginot Line to the Far East, Irish doctors risked their lives in a terrifying new landscape.

This richly illustrated book tells the stories of Irish medical personnel who served, and includes excerpts from firsthand accounts, such as that of Aidan MacCarthy, a Japanese POW who was present when the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, as well as heartrending reports from Irish doctors arriving in liberated concentration camps. Combined with its meticulously compiled roll of honour commemorating those who served, it is a powerful tribute to their humanity and indomitable spirit.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Patrick J Casey is a founding member of the Medal Society of Ireland. He is a life-long military medal collector with a keen interest in the profiles of those awarded military honours. Pat has written numerous articles on the history of Irish regiments, their insignia, uniforms and awards.

Kevin T Cullen is a retired geologist and past President of the Institute of Geologists of Ireland. He compiled and self-published the World War One Roll of Honour for County Monaghan, his native county, in 2010.

Joe P Duignan is a retired surgeon and former council member of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He has lectured on the nature and treatment of wounds and diseases of past military campaigns from the Crimea to World War Two, and on the medical advances during this period.