LAST UPDATE | 22 Jul 2022
THE SKY ABOVE Dublin was full of Battle of Britain era fighters and bombers today as the Irish Air Corps welcomed its British counterparts as it continued to celebrate its centenary.
The Royal Air Force ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’ flew across Dublin City and landed at Casement Aerodrome.
The flight of a Lancaster Bomber with a Hurricane fighter was met off the coast by the Irish Silver Swallows PC9s.
They then made their way up the Liffey towards Baldonnell in South County Dublin.
The guest of honour at the event was Group Captain (Retired) John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway (Distinguished Flying Cross), the last known Battle of France, and Battle of Britain Pilot. John is a resident in South Co. Dublin and celebrated his 103rd birthday this week.
John was reunited a Hurricane Aircraft, the same type he flew in WW2.
General Officer Commanding of the Irish Air Corps Brigadier General Rory O’Connor said that he was delighted to mark Veterans’ Day.
“Seeing the iconic and historic Lancaster and Hurricane flying in Irish skies was very special.
“The arrival of the aircraft serves as a reminder that the Irish Air Corps flew Hurricanes during the Emergency. I was also honoured to host Group Captain Hemingway and be there when he was reunited with his World War 2 aircraft type. Today we are both proud Irishmen,” he said.
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