Invasion of the Republic of Ireland was a real possibility during World War Two. Peter London describes Ireland’s Air Corps during ‘The Emergency’
There was a gap in the clouds and Fg Off David Banks dropped the flying-boat through it. During a sortie from Pembroke Dock in Wales to Stranraer in Scotland Saunders-Roe Lerwick L7252 had encountered bad weather and a position check was advisable.
The Lerwick emerged over Dun Laoghaire, the port of Dublin, and alighted. Banks presented himself to the harbourmaster and he was allowed to buy provisions at a local shop and then was sent on his way. Similar treatment was given to the crew of the first production Short Sunderland, L2158, which had also strayed because of the conditions.
