A chara, - Now that the Air Corps has finally departed from Gormanston Air Base, perhaps some of your readers could help with my projected book on this historic site.
The base was constructed in 1917 to cope with the Royal Flying Corps' major expansion of its training facilities. The RAF later operated from it against the IRA during the War of Independence and it also housed the crown forces who were responsible for the burning of Balbriggan. In 1922 the new National Army used it for a short time for its mechanical transport.
The base languished and decayed until the mid-1930s when the Irish Air Corps returned each summer for air firing exercises on its ranges. With the outbreak of the second World War it became a permanent home for the Defence Forces and flying training continued, not only for the Air Corps but also for Aer Lingus aspirants. In 1969 its buildings housed refugees from the Troubles.
The site will now become a housing development and, before memories fade, I propose to record its 86 years with the help of any reminiscences and, in particular, photographs which your readers may possess. All material will be copied and swiftly returned.
I can be reached at the address below, or on the following email: donmacs@onetel.com. - Is mise,
DONAL M. MacCARRON, 4 The Chyne, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL98HZ, England.