Giving an example of what some soldiers faced when they returned to Ireland after the war ended in 1945, Mr [Peter Mulvany, co-ordinator of the Irish Soldiers Pardons Campaign] said that one Irish army deserter who was involved in the liberation of the Belsen concentration camp [above], had to emigrate after struggling to find work. The man only returned to Ireland a few years ago, Mr Mulvany said.

 

Even the Nazis got a warmer welcome.

Apology and amnesty for World War II soldiers who were branded deserters (RTE)

(Getty)