Chris O'Dowd was one of many Irish volunteers who chose to fight in the British army during the Second World War. After a period in the regular infantry which saw him take part in the Norwegian campaign, he joined the Commandoes and then moved on to the newly formed SAS. He took part in many of the early raids in North Africa and the invasion of Sicily, but tragically was killed early in the campaign in Italy.

The author is Chris O'Dowd's nephew. He was intrigued by the story of his lost uncle, but only recently was able to found out any details of his life. That led him into more research, and the production of this book.

This is genuinely a story that needs telling. So 70,000 Irishmen fought in the British Army during the Second World War, and for many years they were treated fairly appalling at home. That has now changed, allowing the role men like Chris O'Dowd played in the fight against Nazi tyranny to be properly recognised.

www.historyofwar.org

Written by Sergeant Chris O'Dowd MM'S nephew He Who Dared and Died is an account of a young Irishman, who, brought up in poverty in the West of Ireland, ran away to join the Irish Guards aged 18. O'Dowd soon experienced action in Norway but, hungry for more, he volunteered for the newly formed Commandoes. After intensive training, he sailed for Egypt and came into contact with David Stirling. When Stirling got the go-ahead to form the SAS, his handpicked team included the young O'Dowd.

Britain at war Magazine

Written by Chris P'Dowd MM's nephew, He Who Dared and Died is an account of a young Irishman who, brought up in poverty in the West of Ireland, ran away to join the Irish Guards aged 18. O'Dowd soon experienced action in Norway but, hungry for more, he volunteered for the newly-formed Commandos. After intensive training he sailed for Egypt and came into contact with David Stirling. When Stirling got the go-ahead to fro, the SAS, his handpicked team included the young O'Dowd.

Britain at war Magazine

With the recent release and publicity surrounding the publication of a wartime SAS diary, this book is is a timely new release., It is proof that there are many more stories of the SAS still to be told, full of adventure and daring.
It covers the story of a young Irish soldier who joined the Irish Guards at the age of 18, he had been brought up in poverty in the West of Ireland and had ran away from home to join up. 


This book written by his nephew is a fitting tribute to a brave man, It is a story of courage and is a respectful tribute to an Uncle he never knew, other than from a faded picture which had pride of place on his Grandmothers wall.
An excellent read.

WWII Connection