|
|
In Fermoy, Ireland |
Aerodrome / Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy.Aviation came early to Fermoy, Its strategic military importance was to a great extent Fermoy's raison d'etre. It was already one of the largest military establishments in the country when the Aerodrome was built in 1918 for the Army Flying Corp. During the Civil War it was taken over by Free State Troops in a semi-dismantled condition and used frequently as a base for air patrols over the surrounding area. At that time two DH89s, two Bristol fighters and two Martinside Scouts were based at the Aerodrome. Bremen W33 The Commanding Officer at Fermoy from late 1923 to the closing of the Aerodrome in the middle of the following year, was a man who was to win World wide fame five years later in 1928 when he piloted the Bremen on the first East-West crossing of the Atlantic. His name was Colonel James Fitzmaurice. 
 Colonel James Fitzmaurice Flying returned to Fermoy on June 24th.1934, when the Cork Aero Club was officially opened at the air display at the Aerodrome. Fermoy was frequently used by the Irish Air Corps for flying manoeuvres. A squadron flew from Baldonnel to the Aerodrome every year to take part in air firing exercises over the Kilworth ranges. 1st Cavalry Squadron. The 1st Motor Squadron was formed in the summer of 1939 in McKee Barracks, Dublin and was the first of the Motor Squadrons. Its Commander was Comdt. Paddy Hassett. The Squadron consisted on formation of four Reconnaissance Troops made up of five scout cars and fifteen motorcycles. Later an Armoured Troop of four Landsverk Armoured Cars was added instead of one of the Recce. Troops. The Unit was first blooded in the Autumn Exercise held in the Leix area in the same year. In the period 1939 and early 1940 the Unit operated between Griffith Barracks, Dublin and Castleblaney and amongst its Officers at that time were two future Directors of Cavalry, Lt. J. Stapleton and Lt. T. Ryan. The Squadron moved later in 1940 to the Curragh where it spent a short period before it moved to Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny.  Mt. Juliet House, Kilkenny 1st Motor Squadron in 1939 included the following: Four Reconnaissance Troops. Each troop had five cars and 15 motorcycles. In December 1940 the Squadron was back in the Curragh The Army was going through a period of expansion and June 1940 saw a Troop of 1st Motor Squadron detached to Boyle to form the nucleus of the newly formed 4th Motor Squadron. The 4th Armoured Squadron was formed in 1944. Another Troop under Lt. T. Ryan remained in the Curragh in 1941 where 5th Motor Squadron was formed and Lt. Stapleton was promoted as O.C. Meanwhile, the remainder of the Squadron moved to Clonmel. The Squadron moved again in November 1941 to Ormonde Castle, and in 1942 its location changed once more, when it moved to Salterbridge House where it participated in Brigade and Divisional Exercises throughout that year. The Squadron later moved to Clonmel, and when the Emergency was over it moved further south taking up residence in Murphy Barrack's. Ballincollig. The period spent in Ballincollig marked the beginning of 1st Motor Squadron's prowness in shooting when the L.M.G. Team came third in the All Army.  1961 2nd Armoured Car Group 35th Battallion, Fermoy Photo kindly provided by the Fermoy widow of a former Serviceman, showing 1st Motor Squadron prior to leaving for overseas service with the United Nation in the Belgian Congo A Home at Last. The Squadron now got a new Commander, Comdt. T. Ryan, and in 1948 it again moved and landed so to speak in the Aerodrome, Fermoy. This Camp had been opened in 1917 and occupied by the Air Corps in the 1920's and 30's. The general appearance of the Aerodrome left much to be desired and the Squadron set about making the Camp a more attractive place to live in. Fermoy suited the Squadron well and it was not long before the Unit became involved in all aspects of local cultural and athletic affairs.  Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy The move to Fermoy was to be the last move of the Squadron for 50 years, except for a short period of duty on the Border, where a Troop was stationed in Finner Camp, Co. Donegal for nearly ten years. It was during this era (the 1970's and 1980's.) that the Squadron enjoyed its `Golden Era` in Shooting, both at Command and All Army level.  1970 Passing Out Parade, Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy In July 1983 by direction of higher authority the names of all the Motor Squadrons were changed to Cavalry Squadrons, and 1st.Motor Squadron became 1st.Cavalry Squadron. On 28th September, 1998 Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy was permanently closed. The Squadron left the Camp for the last time, and proudly, though emotionally paraded through the Town, on the way to its new location in Collins Barracks, Cork. September 28th 1998 saw the 1st Cavalry Squadron leave Fermoy after being resident there for 50 years, and after exactly 200 years Fermoy was without a permanent Military presence in the Town. 
 Lowering of the Flag and Leaving Camp for the last time, Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy on 28.9.1998 |
