Air Bases

Military bir bases

General

At present time, only Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel is in permanent military occupation. Gormanston, which until recently housed only the Cessna's is no longer in use as an operational base by the Air Corps.

One Allouette and one Dauphin helicopter were at different periods permanently detached to Finner camp in Co. Donegal, and another Allouette to Monaghan barracks. Monaghan has a tarmac landing strip into which Cessna's occasionally operated.

Air Corps Bases Through the Years

Baldonnel

In mid 1917 Capt. Sholto Douglas came to Ireland with instructions to survey sites for permanent airfields in the country. In all, five sites were selected - Gormanston, Tallaght, Aldergrove, Colllinstown and Baldonnel. Construction started almost immediately and was followed to a common standard. Baldonnel's hangers are the only remaining ones in their original style, in addition, landing sites were constructed at Fermoy, Oranmore and Castlebar. There was also a landing ground at the Curragh from as early as 1913. Baldonnel has been occupied on a permanent basis since 1922 and all the aircraft operated by the Air Corps have been based there.

Gormanston

This was used for one month every year for air firing from the 1930's until after the Emergency. It was after the 2nd World War that a unit of the Air Corps was transferred to Gormanston and a school established. In July 1980 the school officially returned to Baldonnel and No. 2 Support Wing became the Air Corps representative in Gormanston until recently when operations ceased there.

Rineanna (Shannon Airport)

Rineanna was occupied on the 30th August 1939 when 4 Anson's and 2 Walrus's arrived from Baldonnel. The aircraft and personnel were from the 1st Recce and Medium Bombing Sqdrn, and the Coastal Patrol Sqdrn. The detachment was commanded by Capt W.J. Keane and Capt T.J. Hanley was his second in command. Patrols were flown over the west and south coasts from this base. In 1943 the fighter Sqdrn occupied Rineanna and were to remain there with their hurricanes until May 1945 when they moved to Gormanston. Baldonnel and Rineanna were the only permanent bases of the wartime Air Corps. The Fighter Squadron was the last detachment to leave Rineanna, which subsequently became a civil airport, Shannon as we know it today.

Fermoy

This airfield was occupied for the duration of the Civil War when Bristol fighters, Martinsyde F4's, SE5A's and DH9's operated on sorties over the south. It was during one such sortie that a sole SE5A was lost as a result of engine failure, it was flown by Capt Crossley. Fermoy was reopened during the thirties for bombing and the air firing exercises and again for periods during the war when Lysander's were based there.

Tralee

Tralee airfield was operational also during the Civil War when Lt Delemere with a Bristol Fighter occupied this small base. A hanger was constructed to house the aircraft but facilities were very limited. The sole aircraft was joined by a DH9 at various times. It was closed in December 1923 and the aircraft returned to Fermoy.

Rathduff, Golden, Co. Tipperary

This airfield was occupied for a period during army manoveres in the south, accommodation was in tents and aircraft were picketed in the open. Hawker Hectors, Lysander's and Hinds operated from this base with many resulting in broken props and under carriages resulting from the rough ground.

Glenville, Co Cork

This was a small landing ground used by Miles Magisters during army manoeuvres and like Rathduff was used only for a short period.

Ballinteer

This airfield was occupied from 21 May to 2 July 1941. It was located in the grounds of Ballinteer house, six miles from Navan. The landing ground was the park in front of the house, which belonged to the Briscoe family. The aircraft were dispersed in the trees and the accommodation was under canvas. Three Gladiators operated from here often starting flying at 04.30hrs, and regularly flew 8 hours a day. An Avro Cadet joined the complement of aircraft for airborne communications.

Edgeworthstown

This airfield was used during manoeuvres by Avro Cadets and like other temporary airfields accommodation was under canvas.