KK-SCKK-0019

In the early 1920s £5,000 of the National War Memorial funds were spent collecting the records of all the fallen and publishing them in Ireland's Memorial Records. One hundred copies of the eight-volume set were printed ‘for distribution through the principal libraries of the country'.The printing, decoration and binding of the volumes was carried out by Irish artists and workers of the highest reputation and efficiency'. The most remarkable feature of the volumes are the ‘beautiful symboic borders designed by the artist Harry Clarke, best-known for his work in stained glass. Contained in the eight volumes are the details of over 49,000 fatal casualties. The men and women commemorated either served in Irish Regiments or were born or were resident in Ireland at the time of their death and were serving with units from Britain and its empire. The principle information given for each person, whereas being similar to Soldiers Died in the Great War, quite often contains additional facts such as age, and elaboration on how killed etc. For example, the entry, ‘died of wounds received in Sinn Fein Rebellion' has been noticed. Details of pre-war medal entitlement and other odd facts occasionally occur.