Re: new book on air War 1940
 

Oh dear....! Sorry Martin. That bit of attempted levity from this honorary Irishman didn't work, so I geuss its back to observing World War 3 between all of our European neighbours, then. But not before I buy you a pint or three of Guiness, Martin. And I look forward to the book on the little told story of the air war between Poland and Ireland as I am sure you do!

Andy

PS - How many nations was it again? Five? Or was that just the Rugby?

Re: new book on air War 1940
 

Martin
I mean an incident when a Polish pilot returned some bursts at IAC airfield. He got lost in bad weather and found himself over an Irish airfield, where he was fired at. As Ireland was considered pro-German, he did not hesitate any moment. ;)

Re: new book on air War 1940
 

Hallo all,

Andy,

No problem. Our aircraft just did'nt have the range to join in !

And I believe it is Six Nations in the Rugby too ! With Italy, paralleling 1940, being the sixth member.

Must find out one day from you how you are an honorary Irishman.

Franek,

You should know better. That incident never happened, or not as Zdzislaw Radomski (the pilot involved) wrote/remembered it. 'Paper never refused ink' is a great old saying. He may have said he opened fire, but in fact he did not.

As far as I know he circled two airfields in the Dublin area and was fired at by the airfield defence troops to warn him off. He did not fire back. If he had this would have provoked a diplomatic incident with lots of paperwork. I believe he also stated that he landed in a field nearby, but this is not true either.

Much of the the above detail is from my friend Tony Kearns, the expert on the Irish Air Corps. I know you and he - and me indirectly - corresponded about this incident in 2002 and that you generously sent him the relevant extract from Radomski's book. By coincidence only a month or two ago I asked a Polish work colleague to translate it for me. Unfortunately he chose instead to become engaged........!

What we should be talking about is Peter Cornwell's forthcoming book, THE BATTLE OF FRANCE, THEN AND NOW. I await its publication in February 2008 with huge anticipation. For me it will probably be my book highlight of next year. A major gap in the coverage of the air war is about to be filled. Well done Peter and all who helped you !

Regards,

Martin.

Re: The Battle of France Then & Now
 

John, Andy, Martin,

Sorry I missed this thread while away in France. Thank you all for your comments, I hope that the book meets your expectations.

As for those expressing a view on the bye-line title, this merely reflects the six nations' loss lists that are included in diary form. However, I should point out that Swiss losses are also referenced though not in as much detail, nor in the same form, as the other nations involved.

Re: new book on air War 1940
 

Peter
Matters of Polish Air Force were discussed at Anglo-Franco-Polish conference on 25.10.1939 and following discussions a Franco-Polish agreement was signed on 4.01.1940, with an additional technical agreement signed on 17.02.1940. In spite of this the claim that there were only six nations involved (but Swiss) in French Campaign is untrue on offensive.
I presume our Czech and Slovak friend can explain virtues of Czechoslovak agreements.
Obviously, those comments in no way refer to the contents of the book.

Martin
If you had read Radomski's account (it is not his book), you would know, that he landed on Isle of Man. He also noted that he was questioned back in base, and that he was surprised the incident was not followed any further. The one may presume it was covered, as it was in nobody's interest to make it widespread. Oh, he was not awared that he was over Ireland.

Re: new book on air War 1940
 

Hello,

Since we are in 2011; no available comments about this book???

Franck.