2nd Division (Ireland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 2nd Division |
|
|---|---|
| XX | |
| Active | 9 May 1941 – 1945 |
| Country |  Ireland |
| Branch | Irish Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Carton House |
| Nickname(s) | Spearhead |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Maj. Gen. Hugo MacNeill |
The 2nd Division, also known as "Spearhead", was a special group of soldiers in the Irish Army. They were an infantry division, meaning they were mainly foot soldiers. This division was active during World War II.
Ireland created two main infantry divisions during the war. The 2nd Division was one of them. The idea to form this division came from Oscar Traynor, who was the Minister for Defence. He approved its creation on May 9, 1941. This was part of a plan to make Ireland's army bigger and stronger.
The 2nd Division first had its main office in Dublin. Soon after, it moved to Carton House in Maynooth. It stayed there for the rest of the war. Its main job was to help protect the border with Northern Ireland.
Why the 2nd Division Was Formed
After a state of emergency was declared in Ireland in 1939, the government wanted to make its army stronger. At first, there wasn't a lot of worry. But then, in 1940, France was taken over by enemy forces. This made Ireland's neutral status seem risky. Being neutral meant Ireland did not pick sides in the war.
Before the war started, experts thought Ireland would need three divisions to defend itself if it was attacked. But by September 1939, Ireland only had two small groups of soldiers called brigades. These brigades were not fully staffed.
By early 1941, Ireland had seven brigades ready. This meant there were over 40,000 soldiers. The question of forming full divisions came up in early 1941.
Oscar Traynor, the Minister for Defence, decided on May 9, 1941, to create two divisions. Six of the brigades were put into these two new divisions. One brigade, the 5th, remained separate. It was under the command of the Curragh area.
How the 2nd Division Was Organized
The 2nd Division was made up of several smaller groups. Here's how it was set up:
- 2nd Brigade: This group was based in Cathal Brugha Barracks in Dublin.
- 2nd Infantry Battalion: A group of foot soldiers.
- 5th Infantry Battalion: Another group of foot soldiers.
- 11th (Dublin) Infantry Battalion: A third group of foot soldiers from Dublin.
- 2nd Field Artillery Regiment: Soldiers who operated large guns.
- 2nd Motor Squadron: A unit with vehicles.
- 4th Brigade: This group was based in Mullingar.
- 6th (Dublin) Infantry Battalion: Foot soldiers from Dublin.
- 8th (Thomand) Infantry Battalion: Foot soldiers from the Thomand area.
- 20th Infantry Battalion: Another group of foot soldiers.
- 4th Field Artillery Regiment: Soldiers who operated large guns.
- 4th Motor Squadron: A unit with vehicles.
- 6th Brigade: This group was based in Collins Barracks, Dublin.
- 7th (Dublin) Infantry Battalion: Foot soldiers from Dublin.
- 18th Infantry Battalion: Another group of foot soldiers.
- 22nd Infantry Battalion: A third group of foot soldiers.
- 6th Field Artillery Regiment: Soldiers who operated large guns.
- 6th Motor Squadron: A unit with vehicles.
Each brigade also had other important units. These included:
- Engineers: Soldiers who built and repaired things.
- Signals: Soldiers who handled communications.
- Supply & Transport: Soldiers who moved supplies and equipment.
- Field Medical Company: A unit that provided medical care.
- Military Police: Soldiers who kept order and enforced rules.
The 2nd Division also had two Armoured Squadrons. These units used armoured cars and light tanks. They also had several cyclist squadrons. These were groups of soldiers on bicycles. Their job was to help stop enemy paratroopers who might drop from the sky.
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Major General Hugo MacNeill was chosen to lead the 2nd Division. He was an experienced officer who had trained in the United States. He was known for thinking ahead and planning well.
