Rathbone
Note. This map only shows the position of Limerick in the Republic of Ireland. Attempts to find a location for RATHBONE aerodrome have failed to date, so if anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.
RATHBONE: Military aerodrome
NOTES: It is very important to realise that, although now in the Republic of Ireland, in the period referred to, this location was still in the U.K.
In 2017 I came across this most interesting account in the excellent book, British Aviation - The Pioneer Years, by Harald Penrose, first published in 1967.
"The R.F.C. pilots of the Military Wing had been making their mark with cross-country flights. In February, (My note: 1913), No.2 Squadron had earned respect by flying their Farmans and B.E.2s through fog and rain 450 miles from Farnborough to their new air station at Montrose, Scotland, requiring nine flying days in the course of a fortnight. Spring saw a similar but swifter air journey when three B.E.2s were delivered from Farnborough, but led to tradegy next day when one of them, built a year earlier, collapsed in flight, killing the pilot, young Lieut. D.L. Arthur. 'Criminally negligent repair work by Royal Aircraft Factory or R.F.C.' reported the Accidents Investigation Committee of the R.Ae.C.."
"Towards the end of August the Squadron was ordered to participate in the Irish manoeuvres. Only four aviators as yet had crossed the Irish Sea - and they were rash civilians. The initial target was Stranraer, and Capt. G.W.P. Dawes, flying a Maurice Farman, successfully pioneered the route in bad visibilty on the 26th. Next day a formation of four B.E.2s set forth, led by Capt. C.A.H. Longcroft, who, a week earlier, with Col. Sykes as passenger, had established an R.F.C. record from Farnborough to Montrose with only one stop in a flying time of 7hrs 40 mins."
"On this new occasion the squadron had a week of adventerous forced landings, but ultimately the Farman and four B.E.2s of which two were replacements, arrived safely at Rathbone, near Limerick - the first operation in which a unit of the R.F.C. had flown overseas. People were impressed."
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