A new 12-panel display at The National Archives in Kew, London, tells the story of the contribution made by Irish soldiers, in particular that of the 36th (Ulster) Division and the 16th Irish Division, to the early part of the Somme offensive.
Called 'It's a long way from Tipperary: The Irish on the Somme', the exhibition provides a narrative of the events from the first date of the Battle of the Somme and explores the crucial part played by the two divisions in the conflict 100 years ago this month. It also considers how the commemoration of the war became problematic in Ireland as a consequence of the revolutionary movement in the years that followed.
Sources for the exhibition have been gathered from The National Archives, PRONI, Ulster Museum and the National Library of Ireland.
The exhibition will be on display in the first floor reading rooms until 17 September.