AIR WAR OVER IRELAND

摘要

Numerous Royal Air Force bases had been established in Ireland by the end of the First World War, from Training Depot Stations to small airstrips. At that time, the country was part of the United Kingdom, but in December 1918's General Election Republican Sinn Fein candidates won a large majority. The following month, rejecting Westminster's parliament and seeking independence, Sinn Fein formed the First Dail, or Dail Eireann (Assembly of Ireland), in Dublin. Great Britain sought to recover its authority and the Anglo-Irish War began. The RAF supported British ground forces during the conflict against the guerrilla units of the Irish Republican Army. Its duties included reconnaissance, ferrying important passengers and carrying communications. Aircraft protected motor convoys, railway freight and troop trains from attack, and dropped leaflets bearing details of wanted men. Initially, Bristol F2Bs of Nos 105 and 106 Squadrons were deployed. The units were based at Omagh, County Tyrone, and Fermoy, County Cork respectively, but with dispersed flights. They were joined in March 1919 by No 141 Squadron at Tallaght, southwest of Dublin, also with F2Bs; in addition, elements of Nos 117 and 149 Squadrons arrived.