It was 1940, the Second World War had just begun and countries across Europe mobilized for conflict. In Ireland, coastal defense was clearly on mind of the government. In this amazing archival footage, Taoiseach Eamon De Valera tests a sea mine in Dun Laoghaire.
Archive footage – De Valera tests sea mine
The British Pathé footage shows Irish military personnel place a sea mine in Dun Laoghaire waters as part of a coastal mine testing. Taoiseach Eamon De Valera is standing just past the Sun shelter on the upper walkway of the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire. The assembled group look out toward Sandycove and the armed mine. Then De Valera pushes the plunger and the mine explodes.
Archive footage – Mooring mines
Military personnel arming mines and mooring them as part of a coastal defense strategy.
Archive footage – Preparing defenses
Name that Lighthouse at 14 seconds for a gold star*
