The Back Streets consisted of seven streets situated at the back of Enniskillen, home to a mixed community of Catholics and Protestants. When the First World War broke out in 1914, the Home Rule Crisis (1912-1914) was at its height. Many young men joined the army, some hoping to obtain Irish self-governance, others in opposition to it. Some sought adventure and comradeship, others enlisted to gain a much-needed income during difficult times. Tragically, over 70 Back Streets men never returned home or later succumbed to wounds and illness. Many of these men fought and lost their lives in the battle for control of the Turkish Dardanelles (25 April 1915 to 9 January 1916). The devastation on the local community was so profound that the Back Streets became known locally as “The Dardanelles”. The Back Streets were demolished in 1970.