While some returning soldiers were active in the Irish Revolution, most were not. A different future beckoned, not connected to the fight against Britain or between republicans. Their first challenge was to get home. Released prisoners of war were often soonest home, but there were some tragic cases among them. Thomas Bennett of the 2nd Royal Irish Regiment was taken prisoner at Mons in 1914. He died on 14 November 1918 when on his way home to Dublin after release.2 Yet the armistice of 11 November 1918 was not an end to the war, merely a halt, so there were no immediate mass returns. Lieutenant Allen Guest was unusual in successfully making a case for getting home a little earlier than most on the basis of his long service.