General Discussions
This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII.
Re: BBC documentary
Posted by:
Nick Clark
()
Date: October 30, 2007 12:15AM
Peter
I think Barry Scully has put the whole thing in perspective and expressed most of our feelings about this. I suppose the subject was always going to generate a lively debate. However, an intelligent and well-put together programme on why these myths still exist with reference to Anglo-Irish relations between the wars would be a more interesting angle.
For example, in 1939 Winston Churchill was quick to respond to certain paranoid feelings within the British government surrounding the U-boat threat and Irelands political position and acting as First Lord of the Admiralty he wrote his concerns in a message to the Director of Naval Intelligence:
FIRST LORD to DIRECTOR of NAVAL INTELLIGENCE 6.IX.1939
'What is the position of the West Coast of Ireland? Are there any signs of succouring U boats in Irish creeks or inlets? It would seem that money should be spent to secure a trustworthy body of Irish agents to keep most vigilant watch. Has this been done? Please report.'
Had any such agents been approached? I wonder what stories they could tell? No doubt their experiences would be far more interesting than the usual folklore!
Best of luck
Nick Clark
www.harry-tates.org.uk
I think Barry Scully has put the whole thing in perspective and expressed most of our feelings about this. I suppose the subject was always going to generate a lively debate. However, an intelligent and well-put together programme on why these myths still exist with reference to Anglo-Irish relations between the wars would be a more interesting angle.
For example, in 1939 Winston Churchill was quick to respond to certain paranoid feelings within the British government surrounding the U-boat threat and Irelands political position and acting as First Lord of the Admiralty he wrote his concerns in a message to the Director of Naval Intelligence:
FIRST LORD to DIRECTOR of NAVAL INTELLIGENCE 6.IX.1939
'What is the position of the West Coast of Ireland? Are there any signs of succouring U boats in Irish creeks or inlets? It would seem that money should be spent to secure a trustworthy body of Irish agents to keep most vigilant watch. Has this been done? Please report.'
Had any such agents been approached? I wonder what stories they could tell? No doubt their experiences would be far more interesting than the usual folklore!
Best of luck
Nick Clark
www.harry-tates.org.uk
