The Wild Geese Fly Far.

Yes that's right everyone, it's another of my Irish themed threads. Since I've arrived on AH.com, one of my main intrests has been the history of my Motherland, hence I've attempted threads on Brian Boru and an Irish empire, and a different take on the Northern Irish troubles. Both ended due to laziness and lack of writting skill. I've thrown myself pell mell into threads about 1798 rising, and about the Irish Question that very nearly turned Eire into a Dominion loyal to the Crown. Often these end with me getting bored or too lazy to carry on, and occasionaly offending loyalists and other Britons, though this is rare.

For my next installment of this great series that no one asked for, I am discussing an event that goes far beyond the British Isles, even beyond Europe. I am discussing PODs and threads that can be created by the actions of the Wild Geese and their descendents, the Irish Brigades.

For those who have little idea about what I'm talking about, I suggest you follow this link. The Honourable Society of the Irish Brigade. It gives a rather detailed history of the topic I'm looking at, as well as some extra imformation for those intrested in similar topics. However it contains some minor grammatical and spelling errors that I'm trying to fix, not to mention a few historical claims that I question. The issue of historical bias is also there, though I think it can be overlooked in most accounts.

Hopefully this thread will attract more commenters than usual. The topic, whilst having Irish roots, can effect events across the entire world very dramatically.
 
I really enjoy all Irish timelines given that I am a patriotic Irishman and love to see anytime where their is a strong Ireland and Ireland has a greater impact round the world. However I am not fully sure what you have in mind for this timeline but good luck with it and hope it all goes well
 
It's not really a TL as such, it's more a place for me to throw around ideas to do with the Wild Geese as a way of getting through my mental drought.

Though thank you for your intrest.
 
Wild Geese head to Macao... Become mercenaries for the Ming emperors?

You read my mind, I've been thinking of a scenario like that all day.

I believe that it would largely hinge on a greater French influence in India and Asia. Either that or the Portugese form there own Irish Brigade.

Judging from what Irishmen have managed to do with the Russian and Austrian armies, and how integrated into the ruling classes they became, it could enable the Mings to keep some power.

However, Chinese suspicion of the Western powers may ruin it. Not to mention that they've got no supply of Paddies to refill the ranks.
 

Thande

Donor
I have a hard time seeing how they could do anything more extraordinary than OTL, when they basically ran the entire Spanish Empire for decades (and half the successor states after it fell)...
 
I have a hard time seeing how they could do anything more extraordinary than OTL, when they basically ran the entire Spanish Empire for decades (and half the successor states after it fell)...

I've got a few thoughts.

1) They managed to get a few nobles in the various states they ended up in (Russia, France and Austria etc). Maybe one of them ends up on the throne?

2) Ending up in Asia thanks to more "European" rather than British involvement. This could lead to Irish Brigades (or at least units of Irish mercenaries) being formed in China, Japan and the Indian states. It also allows for my personal fantasy of an Irish Samuri :D

3) More heroic "Last Stands" to add to the already ample Irish romanticism.
 
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You read my mind, I've been thinking of a scenario like that all day.

I believe that it would largely hinge on a greater French influence in India and Asia. Either that or the Portugese form there own Irish Brigade.

Judging from what Irishmen have managed to do with the Russian and Austrian armies, and how integrated into the ruling classes they became, it could enable the Mings to keep some power.

However, Chinese suspicion of the Western powers may ruin it. Not to mention that they've got no supply of Paddies to refill the ranks.

The Sons of Heaven would love this. Tractable barbarians who would have no chance of taking the throne themselves and who have few other options? Perhaps as a sort of bodyguard corps or intermediaries for commerce...

I may have gotten the timeframe wrong here, not sure if it would be Ming or Qing.

I have a hard time seeing how they could do anything more extraordinary than OTL, when they basically ran the entire Spanish Empire for decades (and half the successor states after it fell)...

Indeed. El Supremo O'Higgins, anyone?
 

archaeogeek

Banned
I have a hard time seeing how they could do anything more extraordinary than OTL, when they basically ran the entire Spanish Empire for decades (and half the successor states after it fell)...

A well-placed marriage and an irish prince founds the spanish royal house of Tyrone y Habsborgo?
 
The Sons of Heaven would love this. Tractable barbarians who would have no chance of taking the throne themselves and who have few other options? Perhaps as a sort of bodyguard corps or intermediaries for commerce...
Yes, Irish Brigades have been known to show unbelievable loyalty to whoever their fighting for. However, when fighting for France and Spain, they were motivated by faith and the chance that they would spear-head a liberation of their homeland.
In Asia, it'll be money and a chance to ruin things for the Limies :D

I may have gotten the timeframe wrong here, not sure if it would be Ming or Qing.
Well, the Wild Geese formed in the late 1600s. European military actions in Asia peaked in the mid-1700s at the earliest. Late 1700s is when I think the Irish will run of to fight in China.
 
Yes, Irish Brigades have been known to show unbelievable loyalty to whoever their fighting for. However, when fighting for France and Spain, they were motivated by faith and the chance that they would spear-head a liberation of their homeland.
In Asia, it'll be money and a chance to ruin things for the Limies :D


Well, the Wild Geese formed in the late 1600s. European military actions in Asia peaked in the mid-1700s at the earliest. Late 1700s is when I think the Irish will run of to fight in China.

And a chance to convert the Celestials to the One True Faith. :rolleyes:

Qing then, or perhaps some Ming remnant or another....
 
I suppose it would be improper to not mention Irelands exiled children in the New World.

Most famous are the two Irish Brigades of the American Civil War, incidently both Yankees and Neo-Confederates incist that they Irish are on "their side". Like every other nation :rolleyes:.

Then in Mexico, there's La Battalion San Patrico (St Patricks Battalion) made of mostly Irish Catholics (though with plenty of French, Germans and Scots). They deserted during the Mexican-American war, due to abuses from Protestant US officers and incentives from Mexico. All were executed by the Americans, now remembered as national heroes south of the border.

In Canada, there were "invasions" led by the American branch of the IRB.

And in South America, there was Simon Bolivars Irish Legion of South America. Incidently one of it's members was Morgan O'Connell, son of The Emancipater Daniel O'Connell.
 
I have finally worked out a reasonable POD, an attitude adjusment for Thomas Arthur, comte de Lally, baron de Tollendal.

De Lally was son of an exiled Irish Jacobite (as the name suggests), an officer in the Irish Brigade and commanding officer for the French expedition to India in the Third Carnatic War. Otherwise known as the Indian portion of the 7 Year's War. He was known for bravery and skill as a commander, however he showed little to no respect for his subordinates and mistreated the Indian soldiers of the FEIC. Hence, he wasn't the most popular man, and this more than likely cost France the campaign.

Henceforth, make him a nicer chappie, and France can win the campaign in India. And of course that leads to plenty more changes that I'll go into later.
 
Time for another update-ish thing.

Readers should know, I prefer to cone up with a basic plot using the opinions and advice of other, more professional members. Then I'd write a TL. And finally I'd write a story based around specific individuals or events. That is my prefered method of operation, so I suppose I should say that if anyone is intrested in seeing this TL/story coming to fruition, I will need opinions and events. But anyway.

Anyway, France holding on to India colonies butterflies away the French Revolution due to a better economy. That means they keep Louisiana, at least untill the Americans decide they want it for various reasons. So assuming that Americans do not attack their old allies out if greed, that means that the west coast is between Spain/Mexico, Britain, and France.

Another idea tomorrow.
 
Fellow celtophile!
An idea, maybe because of the irish in asia, there would be more irish influence than there already was in australia, and they have an irish-australian revolution and create a free irish there
 
Fellow celtophile!
An idea, maybe because of the irish in asia, there would be more irish influence than there already was in australia, and they have an irish-australian revolution and create a free irish there

And a dia duit to you as well mo chara :D

Well considering an Irish Australian Free State, the thought has crossed my mind before. However is this scenario, the option to run away to fight for a foreign power is open, many young Catholic/nationalist men will take that over rebelling and being deported. Hence Irish immigration to Australia, and even America, will be reduced.
 
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