about the project
IRISHWWIIVETSPROJECT is a collection of war memory from Ireland, comprising three distinct components. “Direct Memory” relates the experiences of Veterans from, or living in, Ireland. Men and women who served in all branches of the services, relate their experiences with humour, dignity and sadness. “Indirect Memory” deals with the experiences of Brian Smith, who grew up in Swansea and came from a family with a long history of military service. Brian’s brothers both flew with the RAF during World War II, his father and uncle were both veterans of the Great War and his mother worked in a munitions factory during the First World War. “Collected Memory” tells the story of Paddy Bassett, originally from England and living in Ireland since 1952. Paddy was a child evacuee and has been an avid collector of military memorabilia for all his life.
These three strands of memory aim to build a rich picture of war memory. The site is intended as a hub where veterans, their families and interested parties can participate in the story. Members and comments are welcome.
It is anticipated that the site will become a valuable document and testament to those who lived through World War II.
The project was compiled by Photographer and Documentarian Damian Drohan and comprises interviews, portraiture, archival material and photo-films.
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