CAB80-20 — Page 38

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Co-operation Squadron which is already under his operational control. No. 75 Wing will comprise two Medium Bomber squadrons (to be increased to four when the situation renders it necessary), and one Army Co-operation Squadron, This modification has the advantage that the organisation which exists prior to invasion will remain unchanged should invasion occur. It will therefore simplify operational planning. It will also facilitate the experiments now being undertaken in the development of close support of an army in the field.

Fighter Operationa.

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Prior to an invasion of Ireland, the Air Force authority directly responsible for fighter operations over Northern Ireland and the Irish Sea will continue to be the Air Officer Commanding, No. 13 Group. As Air Officer Commanding, Northern Ireland, you should nevertheless keep yourself acquainted with enemy air activity over or off the coasts of Northern Ireland and the success or otherwise of our fighter counter-measures, It will therefore be the duty of the Fighter Sector Commander at Aldergrove to give you such information as you require regarding ighter operations, You are also empowered to communicate direct with Headquarters,

Fighter Command, and with Herduarters. No 15 Coun

13 Coup, bn uhl matters affecting the fightera in GreaÜNİ BUZ LIGFIacet. have the authority to represent your views on sir defolau matters in Ireland direct to the Air OfPleur voumanalingames Chief, Fighter Command, with whom you should co-operate in drawing up operational plans involving the employment of fighters based in Ireland.

During an Invasion of Ireland.

Control of Fighter squadrons.

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y01

The Air Council recognise that the Fighter squadrons already in Northern Ireland would probably be inadequate to afford reasonable protection to British land forces of Bomber and Army Co-operation squadrons operating against an enemy in Ireland in the event of a German invasion of that country. Four additional Fighter squadrons have therefore been earmarked to move on a Wing Serviceing Unit basis to Northern Ireland or Eire in the event of invasion, and as soon as adequately protected aerodrome accommodation is available for them, No. 22 and 23 Wing Serviceing Uni 65, capable of operating these squadrons, are already in Northern Ireland,

6.

The Air Council consider that the protection of Ireland in general, and the British forces in particular during an invasion could best be assured by unified control of the fighters under the general direction and responsibility of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Fighter Commande At the same time, the Air Council are of the opinion that the Air Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force in Northern Ireland, being fully aware of the military situation in Ireland as well as the situation in the Irish Sea and North Channel, would be in a better position to exercise control of the fighters than would be cither the Air Officer Commanding, No,13 Group, oz the Commander of an Irish Fighter Group. For this reason;

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