Celtic Parade in Paris - sept 2007

**Riverkilt** · 15th November 07, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Ever hear of the Auld Alliance & the Wild Geese?

:mrgreen:

Regards,

Todd

Ummm, no...

Ron

**macwilkin** · 16th November 07, 04:32 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Ummm, no...

Ron

The Auld Alliance: http://www.electricscotland.com/fran...d_alliance.htm

The "Wild Geese": http://www.tcd.ie/CISS/mercenaries/index.php

Regards,

Todd

**GMan** · 16th November 07, 11:02 AM

Great stuff!

**Riverkilt** · 16th November 07, 11:27 AM

Thanks Todd,

So much history not taught. Still don't get the Wild Geese, unless I missed it in the article. Vague memories of a bad B movie shoot em up with that title but don't recall any French aspect of it.

No biggie

Ron

**macwilkin** · 16th November 07, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Thanks Todd,

So much history not taught. Still don't get the Wild Geese, unless I missed it in the article. Vague memories of a bad B movie shoot em up with that title but don't recall any French aspect of it.

No biggie

Ron

The "Wild Geese" was the nickname of the Irish soldiers serving in the French Army. There are several theories as to its origin.

The tie-in to the movie is that the "Wild Geese" was No. 5 Commando, a mercenary unit commanded by Col. "Mad" Mike Hoare, a South African of Irish heritage. Hoare's story fighting in the Belgian Congo was the basis for the novel and the move -- the African President the mercenaries are sent to rescue is supposed to be the late Moshie Tshombie (sic?), the leader of Katanga, which tried to seceede from the Congo after the Belgians left in the 60s.

Regards,

Todd