Later this year marks the one hundred anniversary of the beginning of World War One . Between 1914 and 1918 approximately 17 million people would lose their lives across  Europe during the Imperialist conflict . This includes approximately 50,000 Irishmen , 8,000 of them from Dublin.

Between August of 1914 and November 1918 over 28,000 recruits signed up to the British Army in Dublin. (This is in addition to those who had enlisted in earlier years, and reservists called up for duty). 

Many men from the North Docks area (including East Wall , North Wall and North Strand) would have been included in this number. There were numerous factors in people enlisting , including  political , economic and personal motives. Some of these locals were amongst the estimated 8,000 Dublin fatalities.

 Aside from those who enlisted and fought over-seas there were also major consequences in Dublin City itself – food and fuel shortages became a major concern and inflation was rapid . There was also a number of munitions industries which were established , including a shell factory in Dublin Port which employed many local women.

The East Wall History Group intends to explore this aspect of our areas past . If you have anything to contribute – family stories , photos , memorabilia ,or documents – please get in touch and get involved with this project.

eastwallhistory@gmail.com