Dividing Ireland: World War I and Partition

78 THE GREAT WAR AND NATIONAL IDENTITY
up to greater and grander conceptions of patriotism. The
perception of the mission and destiny of their nation ought to
stimulate their patriotism. The British nation in spite of her
sins and shortcomings, was the greatest force of
righteousness in the world, and downfall would be a worldwide
calamity. Patriotism was innate and spontaneous. It was
ineradicable and could not be destroyed, an emotion that
persisted…. Go to the British trenches and they found the son
of the peer, the heir to a great name and tradition. Although
fatigued, cold and wet, ask him what he is doing and why he
is there. He would reply: ‘My King and country need me to
battle for her liberty’. The Commoner was also there. But
amidst his hardships ask him why he is there, his reply would
be: ‘My King and country prompt me’. This patriotism was an
exacting ideal, and an expensive devotion…. Love of country
inspired service for the maintenance and protection of her
honour. The English nation had ever stood for freedom and
liberty. They that speak the tongue of Milton must be free. The
world could not do without liberty. The gallant deeds of the
heroic past ought to inspire them to nobler and purer
sacrifice in the present crisis of their nation. 2
When the Belfast Evening Telegraph reported that it had been
‘years since this old land of ours was so stirred’, 3 the Northern
Whig added that:
In no part of the Empire has the present crisis been met with
greater equanimity than in Ulster. Our people have risen to
the occasion splendidly; their calmness and fortitude have
been entirely in keeping with the best traditions of the
province… of the courage of the province there was never any
question. Ulster has given of her best in the service of the
Empire in the past, and will again. What she has helped so
signally to build up she will fight to preserve. In every corner
of the world her sons have lain down their lives for the flag.
High on the role of British honour are such proud names as
those of the Lawrences, of Nicolson, and of White, and in this
hour of stress these are potent in inspiration. The call of the
Empire that is now resounding from shore to shore will
nowhere be answered more ardently than in Ulster. 4
The Tyrone Constitution felt that the patriotism of Ulster was only
now being reawakened in England due to the sense of national
peril; indeed ‘It was not only for herself that Ulster has all along