|
| First World War teddy bear |
During the First World War, an Irish soldier in hospital recovering from wounds made this teddy for the nurse who looked after him. The nurse was Mrs S F McConnell who came from Lisburn, Co Antrim. As part of their recuperation soldiers were encouraged to embroider, sew and make decorative items.
'I turned over one poor chap on a rocky, bloody crag on Tanngoucha. He was facing the right way, the last round of a clip in the breech and three dead Germans in front of him. His name was Duff. After all is over - and the remainder of the Empire is understandably irritated with Ireland - I hope these countless Duffs, from both the North and the South, and in all three services, will be remembered.
(Brigadier Nelson Russell, Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade, 1942-44)
For individual museum opening times and information, please click on the relevant museum below:
- Inniskillings Museum
- Royal Ulster Rifles Museum
- Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum
- Royal Irish Regiment Museum
We have a large archive of soldier records. Trace your military heritage through our Research Database.
Find out more
