Soldier’s name : Hugh Bredin
Descendent : Deaglán de Bréadún
Deaglán de Bréadún is an author and journalist. For many years, he was an Irish Times correspondent, covering the Northern Ireland peace process and international affairs. He is the author of The Far Side of Revenge – Making Peace in Northern Ireland (2001, and 2008).
Deaglán’s uncle Hugh Bredin fought in two world wars and was mentioned in dispatches by Field Marshall Douglas Haig.
Your own name: Deaglán de Bréadún
Your relative: Lance-Corporal Hugh Bredin (uncle) from Kiltyclogher, County Leitrim
Period of activity : World War One and Two
Specific regiment: Royal Irish Regiment; Inniskilling Fusiliers; Royal Artillery.
Areas served in: Belgium and France.
Did you have much contact with him?
He was a house-guest at my family home in County Wexford after his retirement.
What are your most striking memories of him?
He was mentioned in despatches in the First World War and evacuated from Dunkirk in the Second World War. Amiable person, battle-scarred.
Where is he buried?
London
Do you have any mementos of him?
Yes – the photograph and documents reproduced see above.
The Lion and the Shamrock 