Wednesday 6 June 2012

Bureau of Military History collection delayed

The release of the Bureau of Military History 1913-1921 collection, which was expected last month (see report), has been delayed. (See update below)

This is due to technical difficulties that MilitaryArchives.ie hopes to resolve in the coming weeks. There is not, as yet, any revised date for publication.

The collection, which covers the Independence movement from 1913 to 1921, includes reports by individuals who had been involved or had witnessed events, and is a fascinating collection of material relating to the Irish Volunteers from their formation in 1913 to 1921. It comprises 1773 witness statements, 334 sets of contemporary documents, a huge photographic collection, voice recordings and press cuttings.

Paper witness statements will continue to be made available in Military Archives, with duplicates in the National Archives. Military Archives also has electronic versions, with a limited search capability, available in the reading room, by appointment as usual.

Update – 7 August: Bureau of Military History collection released.