Autobiographies emerging from the Irish Defence Forces have been quite infrequent. Most of the existing material has been primarily authored by external commentators, predominantly journalists or scholars. An exception to this occurred in 2012, with former Army Captain Tom Clonan’s “Blood, Sweat, and Tears”, chronicling the experiences of Irish troops serving in Lebanon under the United Nations banner.
Now, Ex-Lieutenant Colonel Ray Lane, who also held the position of Commanding Officer at the Defence Forces Ordnance School, has enriched this underrepresented genre. His work, “Only a Soldier Knows”, outlines his 45 years of service in the Army, recounts his experience in international conflict hotspots and collaborations with international organisations including the UN, EU and NATO.
Lane’s impressive military career might have merited three or four separate books, but in a concise 250 pages he accounts for his time in bomb disposal during the Troubles, tours of duty in Lebanon, investigative and diplomatic missions in former Yugoslavia and Gaza, and involvement with the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague. His closing narrative provides a stinging overview of Ireland’s defence strategy amidst a volatile global landscape.
The author elucidates the evolution and international recognition of the Army’s ordinance capacities: bomb disposal, lauding the daredevil acts of bravery displayed by those who undertake this harrowing task. He underscores the innovative robotic technologies fabricated by Irish companies to aid this process, while addressing and modern biological and chemical threats.
Approximately 40,000 Irish soldiers, encompassing both men and women, have served abroad under the UN banner. Hence, Lane’s portrayal of the pressures and risks, the mundaneness and humdrum aspects of peacekeeping deployment will resonate with numerous families. The ultimate priority is ensuring the safety of the protectors and those under their guard. Essential traits include bravery, sound judgement, flexibility, and practicality.
This engaging narrative is brought to life by an Irish soldier boasting a strong sense of patriotism and humanity, professional pride and skill. However, ex-Colonel Lane doesn’t pull punches when critiquing certain facets of the environment within the Irish Defence Forces. It record of service testifies to the kind of discerning, loyal and brave individuals that put on its uniform.