Page 69
Page 69
55
6.
(a) Dublin aerodromes.
(b) Shannon Estuary, including the
seaplane base at Foynes and
the military aerodrome at Rineanna,
(c) Lough Swilly.
(a) Berehaven.
(e) Queenstown.
It is of the utmost importance that the forces under your command should be ready to take immediate action agains: the enemy, whether in Northern Ireland or Eire, as soon as information is received of a German invasion.
8.
(a) The following forces now in Northern Ireland will be
under your command and will be available for operations in Ireland: -
53rd Division
61st Division
148th Infantry Brigade
Other Field Units
Coast, A.A., Home Defence
and Training Units.
(b) The following forces now in the United Kingdom are
earmarked as reinforcements should the necessity arise:-
36th (Independent) Infantry Brigade,
and/or
5th Division (Scottish Command), with a
Corps Headquarters,
A Heavy and a Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment,
R.A.
Training units and establishments may be included in the defence plans, and may be ordered to carry out any necessary reconnaissances or rehearsals; but they will not be given operational duties which interfere with their training until an emergency arises. If such units have an operational role, they will not be moved by the War Office without the concurrence of the G.0.0., British Troops in Ireland.
9.
•
A copy of a directive to the A.0.C Northern Ireland, issued by the Air inistry, is attached (Annex I) An Air Component consisting of No. 75 (Bomber) Wing is being placed forthwith under your operational control. The composition of this wing is as follows:-
Headquarters No. 75 Wing
2 Medium Bomber Squadrons (32 Battles)
1 Army Co-operation Squadron (18 Lysanders).
These units are now in Northern Ireland and will be increased by two further squadrons of Battles when the situation renders it necessary. The role of the bomber squadrons under your control will be either close support or direct support in land operations according to the situation at the time and as directed by you.
10. To supplement the work of these squadrons, bomber units may be allotted on instructions from the Air Ministry to Headquarters,
These Bomber Command) for direct support operations in Ireland. units will remain under operational control of Headquarters, Bomber Command (or a Bomber Group Headquarters) but will be
-2-
Page 69
Page 69
Page 69