Military connections between Ireland and Latin America would seem unlikely, however Irishmen have served in one capacity or another in every region on the globe and Latin America is no exception. One of the reasons for this wanderlust is the long history of British rule in Ireland, many Irishmen who opposed rule by Britain sought their fortunes with her enemies, serving both in the rank and file of the famed Irish Brigades of France one Spain, some becoming respected Commanders for these Countries.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that many famous Irish leaders built their careers in the Spanish Empire of the New World, and that units of the Irish Brigade of Spain were stationed in Mexico, while units of the Irish Brigade of France fought with Britain in the Carribean, notably in support of North America during it's Revolutionary War [see Mark McLaughlin's "The Wild Geese" Osprey, Men at Arms No. 102].

On the other hand, many Irishmen served in Latin America, directly or otherwise, as a result of their support for Britain. Irishmen in the British Army and Navy participated in the numerous operations in the region, while many a veteran of the Napoleonic wars, knowing no other way of life served with Simon Bolivar and San Martin in their Armies of Liberation. Needless to say numerous Irish immigrants participated in the Interventions of Latin America's big neighbor, including those who deserted and Joined the Mexican Army to form the San Patricios Battalion. British communities in Argentina and Chile, including those of Irish descent, contributed to their adopted Country's armed forces to this day, such as Chile's General Augusto Pinochet [O'Shea].

The following is a list of all the entries in the journal of the Military History Society of Ireland, "The Irish Sword", dealing with Irishmen serving in Latin America. It should be noted that entries are not restricted to full length articles but also include short notes, queries and replies and even book & periodical reviews. In addition, the "Sword" naturally contains pieces on units or individuals who spent part but not all of their careers in Latin America, in that respect this list does not pretend to be complete.

ARTICLES DEALING WITH LATIN AMERICA IN THE IRISH SWORD

The Carribean:

Irish Brigade Colour in the West Indies. Vol.1, No 1 p.64, 1949-50.
The Irish Brigade in the West Indies. Vol.2, No 9, p.374. Winter 1956.
A Letter from the West Indies. Vol.7, No 27, p.173-474, Winter 1965.
Colonel Patrick Delamar. Vol.13, No 52, p.276, 1978 & Summer_ 1979.

Book Review: Neptunia [issues Nos. 46 & 47 1, Vol.3, No 11, p.135, Winter 1957.
General W.A.C.Ryan, the Cuban Martyr. Vol.8, No 31, p.115-119. Winter 1967.
Defeat at Les Platons 1792.[Hait.il Vol.13, No 51, p.89-105. Winter 1977.
Regulations that have been found useful for preserving the health of the Loyal Irish Corp in the island of Jamaica. Vol.15, No 60, p.200-201. Summer 1983.

Mexico:
An Irish Regiment in Mexico 1768-1771. Vol.2, No 8, p.257-263. Summer 1956.
General Arthur O'Neill. Vol.6, No24, p.218. Summer 1964.
The Battalion of Saint Patrick 1346-47. Vol.3, NO 10, p.65-66. Summer 1957.
The San Patricio Deserters 1847. Vol.3, No 13, p.246-255. Winter 1956.
San Patricio Deserters. Vol. 2, No 21, p.262. Winter 1962.

Book Reviews:
Military Affairs VOL. 14. 1951-52, Vol.1, No. 3, p.243.

South America:
Irish in South America. Vol.3, No 10, p.67. Summer 1957.
An Irish Officer at Martin Garcia 1814. Vol.8, No 30, p.71. Summer 1967.
General O'Leary and South America. Vol.11, No 43, p.57-74. Winter 1973.
Captain Morgan O'Connell of the Hussar Guards of the Irish Legion. Vol.13, No 53, p.281-282. Winter 1979.
Irish Soldiers in South America 1818-30. Vol.16, No 62, p.22-35.Summer 1984.
Admiral William Brown. Vol. 2, No 8, p.283. Summer 1956.
A Message from the Argentine Minister. Vol.3, No 10, p.2-3. Summer 1957.
Brown, the Sea Hero. Vol.3, No 10, p.4-6. Summer 1957.
Glory to the Victors of Uruguay. Vol.3, No 10, p.7-15. Summer 1957.
An Argentine Presentation to the Military History Society of Ireland. Vol.10, No 40, p.177-8. Summer 1972.
An Irish Regiment in Brazil 1826-28. Vol.3, No 10, p.28-31. Summer 1957.
An Irish Regiment in Brazil. Vol.3, No 12, p.205-6. Summer 1958
Irish Recruits for the Emperor of Brazil. Vol.12, No 47, p.130. Winter 1975.

Book Reviews:
Viva de Daniel Florence O'Leary by Manuel Perez Vila, Vol.3, No 11, p.133-134. Winter 1957.
Historia [January 1957, Vol.2, No 7.1 Vol.3, No 10, p.78-9. Summer 1957.
Revista del Mar Orgaro del Instituto Browniano. Vol.17, No 66, p.66-7. Summer 1987.
Revista de Marina [Vol.69, No 5,?. Vol.2, No 5, p.78-9. 1954.

[some decent articles there to try and get copies of --TDH ]