ID this book

So, I read a book many years ago and I have no idea of the author's name or the book title. I can describe the book as I remember it well. Perhaps someone else has read it?

The novel was written by an Englishman who grew up in Northern Ireland. He was from a well-off family and his accent remained English, although his best friend had a strong Irish accent. The opening lines are something like: "They've taken away my shoelaces so I can't hang myself."

The war came along (one of the world wars - can't remember which), and the best friends found themselves enlisted in the army. The English-spoken guy was given a higher ranking because he sounded posh while the Irish guy served under him as a soldier.

The story ambles through the war and you see the friendship remain strong despite the physical and (internal) political barriers. The English officer tries to help the Irish solider as much as he can, as the soldier has it pretty tough (shoes worn out, little food etc.). Something happens (can't remember what) and the Irish soldier is court-marshalled and subsequently sentenced to death. His English friend is required to do the killing. He refuses. His Irish friend is killed anyway and he is court-mashalled and also sentenced to death. And that's why they've taken away his shoelaces.

Does anyone have a clue what the novel is called and who it's by? It's been driving me nuts for years.

zenwriter, thanks but it wasn't that. I'm pretty sure it was a male author, and the title might have included something like swans or pond.

callalilly, I had the same nin-results with google. I'll try Abebooks though -didn't know about that forum - thanks!

Wow, that IS it! And yes, the swan are so recurring that I was sure they were in the title. Zenwriter, apologies (and thanks!) - that is indeed the one. Thank you for checking it out Nevada. Half the reason the title has driven me nuts is because I always think of Wild Swans at Coole instead of the real title. The influence only became clear to me years later when I studied the poem for the first time, funnily enough.

And yes, it's definitely worth a read.