Your are certainly correct Daz. There were Irish, English, Canadian, Swedish and Italian soldiers with Custer. There was also a black American scout called Isiah "Teat" Dorman who died in the battle.
The message from Custer to Benteen asking him to bring up his troops and packs was carried by trumpeter John Martin, who was in reality Giovani Martini an Italian. Benteen himself was of Irich descent. Ltnt George W "King's Own" Cook was of Canadian origin.
Perhaps the most well known of the Irish contingent was Captain Myles Keogh who gave the 7th Cavalry its marcjing tune of Garryowen. He aslo served with the Papal Army prior to going to America and, from first hand accounts given by Sioux and Cheyenne who took part in the battle was one of the bravest men on the field, having repeatedly placed himself and his horse between the attacking Indians and his own men. The only living thing found on the field of battle was Keogh's horse "Comanche".
What a lot of people don't know, is that a number of Custer's relatives died with him. His younger brother Tom was present, as was his brother Boston, who served as a civilian packer. His nephew, Harry "Autie" Redd was also present as was his brother-in-law, James Calhoun.
There are lots of myths and legends associated with the battle, but the reality is far more interesting.
