What role did Ireland have in World War II?

During World War II, Ireland maintained a policy of neutrality, but this neutrality was complex and often nuanced, reflecting both official stance and practical realities.

Official Neutrality

Ireland declared its neutrality at the outbreak of World War II, a policy strongly supported by Taoiseach Éamon de Valera and his Fianna Fáil government. This stance was enshrined in law through the Emergency Powers Act of 1939, which granted the government sweeping powers to maintain public safety and order during the conflict23.

Practical Cooperation with the Allies

Despite the official neutrality, Ireland's actions often favored the Allies. Here are some key points:

• Donegal Corridor: Allied military aircraft were allowed to use the Donegal Corridor, a narrow strip of Irish territory, to fly between bases in Northern Ireland and other destinations. This was a significant deviation from strict neutrality124.
• Weather Reports: Ireland provided the Allies with crucial weather reports, including a pivotal report from Blacksod Bay that helped decide the timing of the Normandy landings2.
• Intelligence Sharing: Irish military intelligence (G2) shared information with British intelligence and held secret meetings to discuss joint military actions in the event of a German invasion12.
• Treatment of Military Personnel: While German military personnel who crash-landed in Ireland were interned, Allied pilots were typically released and allowed to cross into British territory145.

Economic and Human Contributions

• Volunteers in Allied Forces: An estimated 70,000 Irish citizens volunteered to fight in the British Armed Forces, despite this being against Irish law. Those who did so faced penalties upon their return to Ireland, including loss of pay, pension rights, and employment bans1.
• Shipping and Rescue: Irish cargo ships continued to sail with clear markings of neutrality but were still attacked by both Axis and Allied forces. Irish ships rescued over 500 seamen and airmen from various countries during the war1.

Domestic and Diplomatic Aspects

• Internal Security: The Irish government interned active republicans, including members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), who sought to provoke a confrontation between Britain and Ireland. Several IRA members were executed or died on hunger strike24.
• Diplomatic Relations: De Valera maintained diplomatic relations with both Germany and the UK, though the practical cooperation was more significant with the British. The German ambassador, Edouard Hempel, had discussions with Irish officials, but these did not lead to significant military cooperation with Germany12.

Incidents and Reactions

• Bombing Incidents: Ireland was not entirely spared from the war; for example, the North Strand area of Dublin was bombed by German aircraft in June 1941, resulting in significant casualties3.
• Cross-Border Assistance: During the Belfast Blitz in April 1941, Ireland sent fire engines to help their counterparts in Northern Ireland, and De Valera formally protested to the German government1.

In summary, while Ireland officially maintained neutrality during World War II, its actions and policies often leaned towards supporting the Allies, reflecting a pragmatic approach to maintaining national security and sovereignty.