Queenstown 1914 - 1918

When Great Britain declared war on Germany in August 1914, Ireland (then part of the United Kingdom) became a nation at war. Thousands of Irishmen joined the British forces.

Many enlisted or were later recruited into the army, joining Irish regiments which were combined to form the 10th and 16th Irish Divisions fighting in France and Flanders, Gallipoli, Salonika and Palestine.

Local newspapers reported daily on events at the front. Published lists of those killed or missing caused constant anxiety and sadness to many families. Almost 4000 men either from Cork, or with connections to the city or county, lost their lives between 1914 and 1919.

Despite the threat from German U boats Cork harbour was busy with the usual commercial, passenger and naval shipping. Troops and horses waited in Queenstown for transport abroad.

Meanwhile, commercial and agricultural life in Queenstown (Cobh) and the Great Island went on very much as usual, although some every day commodities became scarce and prices began to rise.