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Page last updated at 07:13 GMT, Wednesday, 3 August 2011 08:13 UK

Irish 'deserters' who fought the Nazis

The Republic of Ireland was neutral in World War II, but 5,000 Irish soldiers deserted their regiments to fight with Britain and the other allies. On their return they faced court-martial and were banned from working for seven-years.

Robert Widders, author of Spitting on a Soldiers Grave, calls on the Irish government to pardon the few soldiers who are still alive.


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