Britain's Air Arms and the Bandit Country of South Armagh: Operation Banner 1969

Operation Banner was the British Army's campaign against the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) in Northern Ireland. The operation began in 1969 and lasted until 2007. The British air forces played a major role in Operation Banner, providing support to the ground troops and carrying out a variety of missions, including:

• Reconnaissance and surveillance
• Troop transport
• Close air support
• Air strikes

This book provides a detailed account of the British air forces' involvement in Operation Banner. It is based on extensive research, including interviews with veterans of the conflict. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the air operations conducted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Army Air Corps (AAC) during the conflict, including the use of helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

South Armagh is a region of Northern Ireland that was known as the "Bandit Country" during the Troubles. This was due to the high level of PIRA activity in the area. The PIRA used South Armagh as a base for launching attacks on British security forces and civilians. The British Army responded by launching a number of operations in South Armagh, including Operation Banner.

Air War Northern Ireland: Britain's Air Arms and the 'Bandit Country' of South Armagh, Operation Banner 1969–2007

by Kyla Duffy

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	180 pages

FREE

The air forces played a major role in the British Army's operations in South Armagh. Helicopters were used to transport troops and supplies into and out of the area. Fixed-wing aircraft were used to provide reconnaissance and surveillance, and to carry out air strikes. UAVs were also used to gather intelligence on PIRA activity.

The air operations conducted by the British air forces in Operation Banner were varied and complex. The RAF and AAC flew a wide range of missions, including:

• Reconnaissance and surveillance: Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were used to gather intelligence on PIRA activity. This information was used to plan operations and to target PIRA personnel and equipment.
• Troop transport: Helicopters were used to transport troops and supplies into and out of South Armagh. This allowed the British Army to quickly and efficiently move troops to where they were needed.
• Close air support: Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters were used to provide close air support to ground troops. This involved attacking PIRA positions with rockets, bombs, and gunfire.
• Air strikes: Fixed-wing aircraft were used to carry out air strikes on PIRA targets. These strikes were often used to destroy PIRA infrastructure and equipment.

The air operations conducted by the British air forces in Operation Banner had a significant impact on the conflict. The air forces provided the British Army with a vital source of intelligence, transportation, and firepower. The air operations also helped to disrupt PIRA activity and to reduce the number of casualties suffered by British troops.

The British air forces played a major role in the British Army's campaign against the PIRA in Northern Ireland. The air operations conducted by the RAF and AAC were varied and complex, and they had a significant impact on the conflict. This book provides a detailed account of the British air forces' involvement in Operation Banner. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the conflict or in the role of air power in counterinsurgency operations.

Air War Northern Ireland: Britain's Air Arms and the 'Bandit Country' of South Armagh, Operation Banner 1969–2007

by Kyla Duffy

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	180 pages

FREE