Yes’ I know and accept Ireland’s less than straight neutrality, for example, the Irish government made no effort to stop Irish nationals joining the British armed forces, nor punished them when they returned. As you are probably aware, there were plans drawn up for British troops to come to the aid of the Free State if she was invaded by the Germans, so it cut both ways

But in the business of the Treaty Ports Ireland failed to live up to it’s obligations IMO. They would have provided safe-havens and bases for Maritime Patrol Aircraft. It’s not as if Ireland didn’t need the cargos that were coming across both the Atlantic and The Irish Sea, particularly food, coal and raw materials – seems like cutting off the nose to spite the face.

Let’s not forget those Irish that cheered for the other side, nor the infamous ‘sorry Hittler’s dead’ telegram

Sorry, aviation forum – Thanks for the Walrus!

It’s mainly a cost thing – if someone asks for ‘everything on Operation Planefare’ for example, you’d be there for years. So there’s some financial cut off point, not sure what exactly but this outlines the procedure, that‘s why they like you to narrow the scope of an enquiry. If you want something specific you’ll get it

http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/20000036.htm

sorry JDK but your sly dig is out of date, try the FOI act, ask for something specific and you’ll get it – and sharpish too – I know, we recently declassified a Secret logbook from 2003 because some UFO spotter requested it – nothing was removed, nothing was censored, the appropriate pages were photocopied and sent out as written

That Yorkshire thing – Halli-something
looked like a flying nissen hut, handled like a pig, controls by Heath-Robinson – naaaa, scrap them all (oh, they did, didn’t they? 😉 ) Build more lancasters! Butch can’t have been wrong!

I know there’s little chance but I’d like to see a ‘Russian hangar’ where all the Soviet stuff can be placed. How about a Bear/Badger display? Or a row of Mig 15/17/19/21/23/25/29? Or a few Su? Got to remember ‘the other side’ too! (remember the binning of Ex-Luftwaffe machines post war and all the missed opportunities for preservation.) I know there are a few ex-Sov airframes at Duxford but I’d like more

er, no, Wellingtons mainly

Tornados being scrapped? I’m getting old, Tonkas historic? I suppose so – liked the prototype colours for the ADV and IDF. Actually the early German Navy ones looked quite funky – any photos?