Sir,
—I am very grateful for your encouraging review of County Wexfordin the Rare Oul’ Times No. 4 (Wexford and the South-East c. 1910–1924)(‘Bookworm’, HI 14.3, May/June 2006). It is important, however, to addthat the film and stage actor Stanley Holloway was included since hewas a junior officer in the British Army at Enniscorthy when the IrishVolunteers took over the town and vital communications in 1916.
The spy of international infamy, Kim Philby, is among thosephotographed in the book. His distinguished father, H. St John Philby,is the focus, however, since his role as Britain’s Middle East and Arabspecialist was enormous. As our photograph shows (above), he wasappointed to accompany the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Faisal IbnSaud, and his retinue on his visit to Wexford during the shootingseason (wild game) in November 1919. Philby was the only European inthe ill-fated young prince’s party. The party were hosted by M. J.O’Connor, solicitor, Wexford, throughout their visit.
—Yours etc.,
NICHOLAS FURLONG
Wexford