'Military aviation is a subject that has been ignored or only mentioned in passing by most Irish historians of the 20th century. Yet, as O'Malley illustrates, it was of some significance and worthy of an in-depth study. - This is a detailed, insightful and well written account of an important wing of the Irish defence forces.' Books Ireland Sept. 2010 'Meticulously researched by a man with first-hand knowledge of flying, the book records the struggles and adventures of the Irish Air Force from the stirring 1920s to the end of the Second World War - O'Malley's book is an entertaining and rewarding read for the general bookworm as well as a comprehensive one for the historically inclined. The book is a fitting tribute to the pioneer conquerors of the Irish skies.' The Irish Catholic, 7 July 2011 'In this groundbreaking organisational history, retired Irish Air Corps pilot O'Malley treats the problems affecting his service from the Free State's founding through 'the Emergency' of 1939 - 45. The usual symbiotic relationship between interwar civilian and military aviations noted by Robin Higham and others was glaringly absent in Ireland, where both Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera favoured the former. Budgetary constraints, politicised selection of pilot cadets, haphazard aircraft procurement, and undue influence of infantry officers who little understood or cared about air operations further undermined professionalisation and morale. By 1939, the Air Corps still lacked an operational purpose distinct from that of the ground forces, and the Irish government's decision to subordinate its defensive strategy to that of the British - despite its own neutrality - removed any sense of direction at the strategic level. Not until the adoption of an air-sea rescue mission in 1963 would the Air Corps have a valid raison d'etre.' Choice, 48 (10) 2011 'the coverage is impressive, covering policy and planning, economics, organisation, administration, equipment, operation, recruitment and training - any serious student of military aviation should have this volume to hand.' Aeroplane, August 2011 'At last we have a book that looks at the personnel and the operations. - This is an excellent book. It is an important addition to the growing historiography of the Irish Defence Forces. Its analysis of the infighting that blighted the Corps during the 1930s could only be written by someone with an insider's feel and access to sources. For any student of the Irish Defence Forces, and for anybody interested in Irish military history or the history of Irish aviation, it is highly recommended.' The Irish Sword 2012
