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77.

The following forces in. Northern Ireland will be under your command and will be available for operations in Ireland:-

8.

53rd Division (now in Northern Ireland) 61st Division (less R.A., R.E., etc.), (now

in Northern Ireland).

3rd Division (moving to Northern Ireland). Coast, A.A., Home Defence and Training

Units (now in Northern Ireland).

The Royal Marine Brigade now at Milford Haven is at 6 hours notice. This Brigade has been ordered to study in consultation with you, the problem of assisting

It has you in any operations you may undertake.

however alternative roles elsewhere and may not be available. You should therefore NOT rely upon its use. If, in the event, it is allotted to you for operations in Ireland it would come under your command.

9.

The air forces in Ireland will consist of the

following:-

2 Medium Bomber Squadrons (32 aircraft

1 Army Co-operation Flight (6 aircraft)

1 Complete Fighter Squadron) An emergency force

(12 aircraft).

2 Medium Bomber Squadrons

(20 aircraft).

1 Reconnaissance Squadron

(9 aircraft).

found from R.A.F. and Fleet Air Arm Operational

Training Units in Northern Ireland.

In addition there is a general reconnaissance land-plane squadron of Coastal Command operating from Aldegrove which will not be available for operations within Ireland.

10. An Air Officer Commanding in Ireland is being appointed by the Air Ministry, with a small operational

He will exercise staff, to work under your command.

operational control of the air forces located in Ireland as well as of any air forces that may be made available to operate over Ireland from bases in the United Kingdom.

11. You will be responsible for all planning in connection with operations in Ireland, in conjunction with the Air Officer Commanding in respect of air operations. General Bourne, Director, Coinod Operations, will be available to give you technical advice on the employment of the Royal Marine Brigade.

12.

Preliminary talks have already been held between the General Officer Commanding, Northern Ireland District and the Eire Authorities, and plans have been made for the re-inforcement of Eire from the troops in Northern Ireland.

13.

It must be assumed that the Eire Government and armed forces are co-operating with us, but it would be unwise to rely upon the Eire forces to render any effective assistance.

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