1917 Photo Exhibition

USS Porter (DD-59) arriving at Queenstown, Ireland on 4 May 1917 as part of the first U.S. Navy force to reach European waters for World War I service. Courtesy of James C. Russell, Chicago, Illinois. ©NHHC

From Friday 28th April and throughout the month of May a historical photographic exhibition will be staged in the Cobh Maritime Exhibition space in Cobh Railway Station. The exhibition commemorates the arrival of the US Navy to Queenstown in May 1917.

Curated by Cobh Tourism and thanks to the US Naval History and Heritage Command, Imperial War Museum and newspaper archives these historical images tell a story all on their own.

Speaking to Cobh Edition, Hendrick Verwey, chairman of Cobh Tourism said, “The primary focus of our 1917 exhibition is to shine the spotlight on a very interesting and somewhat forgotten aspect of Cobh and Cork Harbour’s history. One hundred years later, the landmarks, piers and locations in Cobh are virtually unchanged, adding a fourth dimension to these fascinating images”.

He went on to say, “This exhibition and the exhibitions in Cobh Museum and Sirius Arts Centre, ceremonies on 4th May and a panel discussion Ireland, the United States and the war at sea, 1917 on Thursday night 4th May as part of the CAFE Readers’ and Writers’ Festival will reveal another fascinating aspect of Cobh’s story”.

On the 4th May 1917, six US Naval Destroyers arrived in Cork Harbour, under the command of Commander J.K. Taussig. They were the first American forces to arrive following the US declaration of war. Queenstown and Cork Harbour was about to be transformed.

A United States Naval Air Service Seaplane Base was operational at Aghada, a sub chaser Base and Barracks at Glenbrook, US Naval Stores at Queenstown, a Torpedo Repair Station, Dockyard and Stores at Haulbowline Island, Base Hospital No. 4 was operational in Whitepoint and recreational facilities for US Servicemen had been provided at the Baths Quay.

Entry to the exhibition will be free of charge and will be open everyday from 11 am to 4 pm.