Our Partners Irish Defence Forces

Irish Defence Forces

The National Collection of Aerial Photography has been working with the Irish Defence Forces to digitise tens of thousands of aerial photographic images and associated records held by the Irish Military Archives, to transform access to this unique imagery.

The Irish Military Archives

The Irish Military Archives was first established in 1924 as part of Intelligence Branch. In 1990, it was designated as the statutory place of deposit for records of the Irish Defence Forces and Department of Defence under the National Archives of Ireland Act 1986. They collect, care for and provide access to military archival material spanning the foundation of the Irish State to the present day.

A historic black and white oblique aerial photo of Millmount Fort, Drogheda, a circular stone fort on a conical hill. The fort is located in a town, surrounded by houses and church spires, with a river running by.
The town of Drogheda, Co. Louth, with Millmount Fort in the foreground; Collection: Irish Military Archives, Sortie: CSY06/0016/C/1/F, Frame: 0108

Aerial Photography Project

Contained within the Military Archives are tens of thousands of aerial images, ground images and associated records. These unique records include photography created during Operation SANDSTONE, a top-secret British-Irish collaboration to survey the coastline and beaches of Ireland, carried out at the request of the United States. These images (often taken by military personnel out of uniform) would have been vital for planning a counter-invasion if the Russians ever invaded Ireland during the Cold War. As well as the Operation SANDSTONE material, also included is imagery taken by the Irish Air Corps and sorties flown by the United Sates Air Force over Ireland. Together, this imagery provides a unique perspective on Ireland's history and development over time.

Thanks to this collaboration, access to over 100,000 images of locations around Ireland - created for military intelligence purposes during the second half of the twentieth century - will be preserved, rehoused, digitised and made accessible online for the first time via our online platform.

Read more about the project on the Irish Military Archives website.
 

Irish Military Archives - external

IN THIS SECTION

A large modern, multistorey building is the focus of the image. It is primarily made from glass sheets, with white panelling between them. Our view is partially obscured by large, low bushy trees, which are spaced in between areas of grass. Decorative paving is laid directly in front of us and leads to a low, sweeping glass entranceway.

National Archives and Records Administration

In 2016, NCAP began a partnership with NARA to copy its extensive holdings of aerial photography, with a particular focus on images from the Second World War.

Approximately 60 figures stand in a loose group in front of a large, grey stone building. Shrubs grow on either side of the group, and appear to be climbing up the building. The figures are arranged across a stepped patio area and tiered garden. Some figures smile gently. They wear a mix of military type uniforms - there are four or five variations. For example - a navy blue fitted jacket, pencil skirt and grey tights, or a dark khaki green jacket with gold coloured buttons, and straight legged trousers.

The Medmenham Association

With significant elements of the NCAP collection originating from RAF Medmenham, our relationship with the Medmenham Association remains a valuable one.

The city of Edinburgh, as seen from Calton Hill. The bright blue sky is crossed with stripes of cloud. In the lower half of the image buildings of varying heights and widths are clustered together, seen from above from our placement on the hill. On the left of the image is the Dugald Stewart Monument. It is composed of a circle of columns on a podium.

The University of Edinburgh - external

NCAP is committed to collaborating with staff and students at the University of Edinburgh, to further understanding of our collection and provide valuable research opportunities.

A large industrial building is the focus of the image. It has large white panelled doors which are sitting open. The main body of the building is shiny black panelling. Some areas have fencing and mesh panels. The building is partially obscured by two mature trees. There is a luminous blue sky behind the building, and some snow on the grass surrounding it.

Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre

NCAP has been an early adopter of EIDF, providing them with our huge dataset of photographic images to work with while accessing their critical mass of expertise in return.

A long, low profile building fills the frame. It has lots of square edges and sharp angles, and our view of it is partially blocked by spindly trees and dense, low bushes. The photograph has been taken at night, and the clear, dark blue sky glows behind the building. Three rows of windows are illuminated with orange light from inside.

Directorate of Overseas Surveys Partnership

Working with Stockholm University and the University of California (Berkeley), this partnership delivered a pioneering digitisation programme.