Page 16 - Defence Forces Pictorial History

1939/1946
The Emergency
Óglaigh na hÉireann
The Defence Forces

n the outbreak of World War II, in September 1939,
the Defence Forces mobilised at a strength of less than
O 20,000. A recruiting campaign began and an effective
fghting force was quickly developed. In April/May 1941 the
strength of the Emergency Army reached a high point of almost
41,000 and in June 1943 the Local Defence Force reached a
strength of 106,000.

Mobilisation saw the formation of two divisions and two
independent brigades. The First Division, under Maj Gen M.
J. Costello, had its headquarters in Cork while the Second
Division, under Maj Gen Hugo McNeill, had its headquarters in
Carton House, Maynooth.
Air Corps gunners at Baldonnel.
The independent 5 and 8 Brigades were based in the Curragh
and in Rineanna (now Shannon Airport) respectively. The area
based Commands relinquished responsibility for feld operations
but continued to undertake all garrison duties, recruit training
and the organisation of the Local Defence Force.

Approximately 170 aircraft crashed or force landed on Irish
territory during the period. Separate internment camps were
established in the Curragh for both Allied and German aircrews
as well as the 164 German seamen rescued by the MV Kerlogue
in the Bay of Biscay. In addition to the bombing of the North
Strand in Dublin, bombs were also dropped in Campile, Dundalk,
Monaghan, Carlow and the Curragh.

A Pictorial History of Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Defence Forces of Ireland