Reddit reviews A Bloody Day: The Irish at Waterloo

There were 25 Irish regiments and a further 4 if you include the Irish Disporosa ones like the Liverpool or Newcastle Irish regiments, the majority of these were predominantly composed of Irish Catholics to quote Wellington in a speech to the house of commons after Waterloo " It is mainly to the Irish Catholic that we [the British] owe our pre-eminence in our military career.". The military was a good means of stable long term gainful employment and many poor people across the Ireland and Britain joined in disproportionately large numbers, even after independence 50,000 Irish soldiers fight for Britain in WWII which was more than the 40,000 from NI.

As I've also pointed out the CO issue, thats simply a load of bollocks the test act that barred them went practically unenforced before being officially repealed in 1778 and leading to riots in Scotland as people were appalled at the thought of a catholic commands.


As you seem to be adverse to edits I should say EDIT: If you actually want to learnt about the Irish involment in the British army during the Napoleonic wars specifically may I recommend https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloody-Day-Irish-Waterloo/dp/0993114350

or if you would prefer scholarly articles Chappell, Mike (2003). Wellington's Peninsula Regiments (1): The Irish.