PWN 2 WWII in Northern Ireland, Eire And Britian Flashcards
(230 cards)
1
Q
Why did Northern Ireland support Britain in the war?
A
The Northern Irish government wanted to declare and demonstrate its loyalty to the union with Great Britain
This loyalty was expressed through immediate pledges of support for the war effort and reassurance to London of their readiness to participate.
2
Q
What did the Stormont government do when war broke out?
A
Pledged its loyalty to the King and offered its full support to the war effort
This reflected a strong commitment to the British war cause.
3
Q
Who stated that there would be ‘no slacking’ in Ulster’s loyalty?
A
Craigavon
This statement highlighted the commitment of Northern Ireland to support Britain during the war.
4
Q
What opportunity did the war provide for Northern Ireland?
A
The chance to show its allegiance to Britain
This was particularly significant given Eire’s declaration of neutrality.
5
Q
What was the conscription issue in Northern Ireland?
A
Conscription divided Unionists and Nationalists
The British government’s decision not to extend conscription to Northern Ireland created tensions.
6
Q
When was conscription introduced in Great Britain?
A
April 1939
This marked a significant shift in military policy during the early stages of World War II.
7
Q
What was the Unionist belief regarding conscription?
A
That conscription should be introduced in Northern Ireland as it was part of the UK
This belief stemmed from a desire to maintain unity with Britain.
8
Q
Why was conscription not extended to Northern Ireland?
A
Fears of a negative nationalist reaction
This decision was influenced by concerns about potential unrest among the Nationalist community.
9
Q
How did Craigavon react to the decision not to extend conscription?
A
He was furious and demanded its extension to Northern Ireland
He believed it would strengthen ties with London and reassure unionists.
10
Q
Who argued that resisting conscription would be morally justified?
A
Cardinal MacRory
As head of the Irish Catholic Church, he voiced the opposition of the Nationalists to conscription.
11
Q
What concerns did De Valera voice regarding conscription?
A
He expressed worries about the implications of conscription for Irish nationalism
His position reflected the broader Nationalist apprehensions about British policies.
12
Q
What did Chamberlain explain to Craigavon regarding conscription?
A
That it was not extended due to Northern Ireland’s ‘special difficulties’
This meeting highlighted the complexities of the political situation in Northern Ireland.
13
Q
What was Craigavon’s response after meeting with Chamberlain?
A
He was unhappy but accepted the decision
This acceptance indicated a willingness to comply despite his initial anger.
14
Q
How much was Craigavon, Northern Ireland awarded in defence contracts?
A
Over 6 million
The contracts aimed to compensate for unemployment in the area.
15
Q
Which companies were particularly involved in the defence contracts awarded to Craigavon?
A
Harland and Wolff, Short and Harland
These companies played a significant role in the local economy during the war.
16
Q
What was the impact of the defence contracts on unemployment in Northern Ireland?
A
A fall of over 30,000 unemployed
This reduction in unemployment came with increased risks, including becoming a target for bombing.
17
Q
What was the public response to the rallies in favour of conscription held in May 1940 in Northern Ireland?
A
Not as positive as Craigavon had hoped
The rallies aimed to garner support for conscription but faced significant opposition.
18
Q
What event in 1941 reignited the discussion of conscription in Northern Ireland?
A
The Belfast Blitz
This bombing campaign raised concerns about local security and military involvement.
19
Q
What was the general stance of Nationalists towards conscription in Northern Ireland?
A
Most opposed the move
They viewed it as a conflict that did not involve them directly.
20
Q
Who condemned the introduction of conscription in Northern Ireland?
A
de Valera
His condemnation reflected the nationalistic sentiment against British involvement.
21
Q
How many Nationalists protested against conscription in Northern Ireland?
A
10,000 Nationalists
The protests were supported by local Catholic bishops.
22
Q
What warning did the police give regarding the introduction of conscription?
A
It could lead to serious public disorder
This warning influenced the Unionist leadership’s decision on conscription.
23
Q
What was the final decision of the Unionist leadership regarding conscription in Northern Ireland during the war?
A
Conscription was never introduced
The leadership determined that it would cause more problems than it would solve.
24
Q
What opportunity did Northern Ireland’s contribution to the war effort provide for the Unionists?
A
To show their loyalty to the Crown and Empire.
25
What made Northern Ireland's role in the allied victory vital?
Its geographical position.
26
What type of contributions were more significant than economic and military contributions from Northern Ireland?
Strategic contributions.
27
How did Eire's declaration of neutrality affect Northern Ireland's strategic importance?
It increased greatly.
28
What action did the British government take regarding Atlantic convoys due to Northern Ireland's strategic position?
Diverted the Atlantic convoys around the north coast of Ireland.
29
Why was Northern Ireland's role important during the Battle of the Atlantic?
To keep the sea lanes open.
30
What naval base provided vital support during the Battle of the Atlantic?
Lisahally outside Londonderry.
31
What was Londonderry referred to as during the war?
'Key to victory'.
32
By mid-1943, how many naval vessels were based in Londonderry?
Nearly 150 naval vessels.
33
How many servicemen were stationed in Londonderry by mid-1943?
Over 40,000 servicemen.
34
What natural feature provided refuge from U-boat attacks on merchant ships?
Lough Foyle.
35
Which RAF bases were vital for defeating U-boats?
Long Kesh, Aldergrove, Ballykelly, Eglinton.
36
When did RAF Coastal Command open a major base at Castle Archdale?
In 1941.
37
What type of aircraft was Castle Archdale a natural base for?
Flying boats such as the Sunderlands.
38
What percentage of U-boats destroyed in 1943 were by aircraft from Castle Archdale?
21%.
39
What was significant about the Donegal Air Corridor for the RAF and USAAF?
Allowed them to fly over Donegal rather than around it.
40
What variety of forces used Northern Ireland between 1942 and 1944?
US forces.
41
What was the most important service base on the shores of Lough Neagh?
Langford Lodge.
42
How many military personnel were stationed in Northern Ireland by 1943?
Close to 300,000.
43
What was the general relationship between military personnel and locals in Northern Ireland?
Generally good.
44
Fill in the blank: The heavy military presence in Northern Ireland sometimes caused _______ with the locals.
friction.
45
How many people from Northern Ireland joined the military services?
38,000 people
## Footnote
This number was relatively low compared to the rest of Britain.
46
What caused concern for the government regarding enlistment from Northern Ireland?
The relatively low number of enlistments
## Footnote
Many unionists were unable to join due to being employed in 'reserved occupation'.
47
How many people from Northern Ireland were killed during the conflict?
4,200 people
## Footnote
In addition, over 500 merchant sailors lost their lives.
48
Who was James Magennis?
A Royal Navy sailor awarded the Victoria Cross
## Footnote
He was recognized for his role in sinking a Japanese cruiser.
49
How many citizens from Eire volunteered to fight for the Allies?
43,000 citizens
## Footnote
Their motivations included support for the Allied cause and a desire to escape poverty.
50
What was the Home Guard?
A new civilian defence force formed in May 1940
## Footnote
It was created for local defense during the conflict.
51
What was unique about the recruitment of the Home Guard in Northern Ireland?
Craigavon refused open enrolment due to fears of republican infiltration
## Footnote
This limited Catholic membership and meant the B Specials formed the core.
52
Who controlled the Home Guard in Northern Ireland?
The RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary)
## Footnote
This was different from Britain, where it was under army control.
53
What perception did the Home Guard develop in Northern Ireland?
It came to be seen as a sectarian force
## Footnote
Due to limited Catholic involvement and its control by the RUC.
54
How many members did the Home Guard have?
About 40,000 members
## Footnote
They manned anti-aircraft guns and protected public buildings and airfields.
55
What training did the Home Guard receive?
Training in guerrilla tactics
## Footnote
This was in case of invasion.
56
What was the main focus of the Home Guard's activities?
Counteracting the IRA threat
## Footnote
This was a significant concern for the government.
57
What action did the government take in response to the IRA's declaration of war?
Introduced internment
## Footnote
This occurred in September 1939.
58
What was the state of England's factories in 1940?
Working flat out to equip the army and air force, with new factories being built and unemployment a thing of the past
59
How did Northern Ireland's industry perform at the start of World War II?
Did not perform well, especially in the first two years, with no new factories built by 1941 and 70,000 unemployed in December 1941
60
What were some reasons for Northern Ireland's industrial inefficiency at the start of the war?
Bad management, lack of planning, and illegal strikes
61
Who replaced Craigavon as Prime Minister of Northern Ireland?
John Andrews
62
What was a talking point at Westminster regarding Northern Ireland's industry?
NI factories had the worst production of any in the UK
63
What major change occurred in Northern Ireland's industry after the USA entered the war in December 1941?
Things began to massively improve under the leadership of Prime Minister Basil Brooke
64
What significant contributions did Harland and Wolff make during the war?
* Produced 140 warships
* Built over 500 tanks
* Employed 35,000 workers
* Made 123 merchant ships (10% of Britain's total wartime production)
* Produced over 13 million aircraft components
65
How many Stirling bombers and Sunderland Flying boats did Short and Harland build?
* 1500 Stirling bombers
* 125 Sunderland Flying boats
66
What was Mackies' contribution during the war?
* Provided 75 million shells
* Supplied 180 million bullets
67
What was the output of Ulster's linen industry during the war?
* Produced 200 million metres of cloth
* Made 30 million shirts (90% of British forces' requirements)
* Manufactured million parachutes
68
What other contributions did local firms make during the war?
* Produced 50,000 camouflage and cargo nets
* Supplied a third of the ropes used by the armed forces
69
What was the best performing section of the NI wartime economy?
Agriculture
## Footnote
Agriculture outperformed industry during the wartime economy.
70
By what percentage did the amount of land used for growing crops increase due to demand from Britain?
60%
## Footnote
This increase was driven by the need for food during the war.
71
What campaign encouraged farmers to produce potatoes and cereal crops?
'Dig for Victory' campaign
## Footnote
This campaign aimed to boost food production during wartime.
72
How many allotments were there in Northern Ireland in 1939 compared to 1941?
2000 in 1939 to 8000 in 1941
## Footnote
The rise in allotments reflected the push for self-sufficiency.
73
What percentage of UK egg requirements did Northern Ireland supply during the war?
20%
## Footnote
This highlights the significant agricultural contribution of Northern Ireland.
74
How much worth of sheep and cattle were exported from Northern Ireland to Britain each year?
£3 million
## Footnote
This export was a significant part of Northern Ireland's agricultural output.
75
How many litres of milk were exported to Scotland daily?
100,000 litres
## Footnote
Northern Ireland maintained a strong dairy export during the war.
76
Was food more readily available in Northern Ireland than in Britain?
True
## Footnote
Milk remained plentiful in Northern Ireland throughout the war.
77
What items were rationed shortly after the war began?
Petrol, meat, fruit, eggs, bread, butter, sugar, clothing
## Footnote
Rationing became more severe by mid-1941.
78
What was the effect of fuel shortages on private transport?
Private transport virtually ceased
## Footnote
Milkmen had to revert to horse and cart for deliveries.
79
What mode of transport saw an increase in use due to petrol shortages?
Railways
## Footnote
Coal was more plentiful than petrol, leading to increased railway usage.
80
What led to an increase in smuggling across the border during the war?
Fewer shortages in neutral Eire
## Footnote
Smuggling was particularly noted across the Fermanagh border and Carlingford Lough.
81
Why was Northern Ireland not prepared for enemy attack in September 1939?
Northern Ireland was poorly prepared compared to other UK cities due to complacency among citizens and the Stormont government.
## Footnote
They believed they would not be targeted and relied on Britain's defenses.
82
What misconceptions did the citizens of Northern Ireland have regarding enemy attacks?
They believed Northern Ireland was too far to be attacked and that Eire's neutrality ensured safety.
## Footnote
They did not consider the possibility of a German victory in France.
83
What were the consequences of Northern Ireland's lack of preparation at the outbreak of war?
No RAF fighter protection, no searchlights, and almost no anti-aircraft guns.
## Footnote
This left Northern Ireland vulnerable to air attacks.
84
What legislation was passed by Stormont in 1938 to prepare for air raids?
The Air Raid Precautions Act.
## Footnote
This act enforced blackout regulations and directed rescue operations.
85
What changes occurred in Northern Ireland's RAF organization by June 1940?
A significant reorganization occurred, including an increase in RAF squadrons and the provision of updated Hurricane fighter aircraft.
## Footnote
By the end of 1941, there were 12 squadrons in Northern Ireland.
86
What new post was created in June 1940 and who was appointed?
Minister of Public Safety; John MacDermott was appointed.
## Footnote
He was concerned about the lack of preparations for potential attacks.
87
What actions did John MacDermott take to improve Northern Ireland's readiness?
He organized the rapid building of public air raid shelters and reinforced emergency services.
## Footnote
He also began efforts to evacuate children from Belfast.
88
Fill in the blank: Northern Ireland had _______ protection at the outbreak of war.
no RAF fighter
89
True or False: Citizens of Northern Ireland were confident that Eire's neutrality would guarantee their safety from attacks.
True
90
What was a key misconception about the Luftwaffe's capabilities in 1939?
No one considered that Germany could defeat France and bring planes within 20 miles of the English coast.
## Footnote
This underestimation contributed to Northern Ireland's unpreparedness.
91
What was the government's response to the threat of invasion during the war?
The government was slow to act to defend against invasion
## Footnote
Radar coverage for most of Northern Ireland was not achieved until 1941, and warnings from the RAF were ignored.
92
By what year was most of Northern Ireland covered by Radar?
1941
## Footnote
Some RAF personnel warned that enemy planes could still approach without detection.
93
How many anti-aircraft guns were sent to Northern Ireland in spring 1941?
38 guns
## Footnote
Only 22 of these guns were located in Belfast, which was insufficient.
94
What was the recommended number of anti-aircraft guns needed for Belfast?
50 anti-aircraft guns
## Footnote
The actual number was only 22 at the time of the Belfast Blitz.
95
What deficiencies were present in Northern Ireland's air defense by April 1941?
No searchlights, no properly equipped night fighters, nor the facilities to operate them
## Footnote
The RAF was too poorly equipped to fully protect the province.
96
How did Northern Ireland's blackout regulations compare to the rest of the UK?
Blackout regulations were not compulsory in Northern Ireland
## Footnote
This lack of regulation left the population unprepared for enemy attacks.
97
What was the public's attitude towards air raid precautions in Northern Ireland?
The public response was poor; ARP wardens were mocked and responsibilities were ignored
## Footnote
Blackouts were considered pointless due to Eire being lit up at night.
98
What percentage of children were evacuated from Belfast after the local evacuation plan was launched?
10% of children
## Footnote
The plan was initiated in July 1940.
99
What percentage of Belfast households entitled to Anderson air raid shelters had received them nearly a year after the declaration of war?
15% of households
## Footnote
This indicates a lack of preparedness for air raids.
100
What was the impact of the Belfast Blitz in April and May 1941?
Nearly 1000 deaths, 53% of homes destroyed, and 100,000 people made homeless
## Footnote
The Blitz highlighted the consequences of inadequate preparation.
101
Who replaced Craigavon as the leader of Northern Ireland after his death in 1940?
John Andrews
## Footnote
Andrews was not able to meet the demands of the leadership role.
102
What led to John Andrews' resignation in 1943?
Public pressure and pressure from within his own party
## Footnote
He was replaced by Basil Brooke.
103
Who was considered more capable after the resignation of John Andrews?
Basil Brooke
## Footnote
Brooke was seen as much more able to handle the demands of leadership.
104
What did de Valera announce the day after Britain declared war on Germany?
Eire's neutrality
## Footnote
This decision was made to unite the people against outside forces and protect them from the hardship of war.
105
Why did de Valera consider neutrality important for Eire?
It allowed for an independent foreign policy and established a separate identity for Eire
## Footnote
Neutrality was a way to show that Britain's enemies were not necessarily those of Eire.
106
Which country did de Valera point to as an example of a neutral nation?
USA
## Footnote
The USA's neutrality served as a reference point for Eire.
107
What was significant about Eire's status as a dominion of the British Commonwealth during the war?
Eire was the only dominion that did not go to war in 1939
## Footnote
This highlighted Eire's unique position among Commonwealth nations.
108
What did the Eire government believe regarding Britain's protection during the war?
Britain would not allow them to fall into enemy hands and would protect their coastline
## Footnote
This belief stemmed from Eire's status as a member of the Commonwealth.
109
What was the size of Eire's armed forces at the time?
20,000 men
## Footnote
Eire had a very small army and airforce and no navy.
110
Why was the Eire government unable to modernize its military?
They could not afford to rearm
## Footnote
Financial constraints limited their ability to invest in military upgrades.
111
What was the public sentiment in Eire regarding neutrality?
There was huge public support for neutrality
## Footnote
The population largely favored avoiding involvement in the war.
112
Did some people in Eire have sympathy for Germany?
Yes
## Footnote
This sentiment contributed to the overall support for neutrality.
113
Why did some believe Germany posed no threat to Eire?
The Germans would have to invade Eire by sea, which would have been difficult
## Footnote
Eire's geographical position and military limitations were considered protective factors.
114
What was the primary attitude towards Eire's neutrality?
Controversial and contentious among the Irish, British, and American governments
## Footnote
Eire's neutrality sparked significant debate and differing opinions among various stakeholders.
115
Why was Eire's neutrality considered the best policy?
It would have prevented division within Eire and avoided a German invasion
## Footnote
Declaring war would have led to significant internal strife and external threats.
116
What was the general sentiment towards neutrality in Eire?
By and large popular, with sympathy for the Allied cause
## Footnote
Many citizens believed neutrality reinforced Eire's independence.
117
What was a major belief regarding the impact of neutrality on Eire?
It helped reinforce Eire's independence
## Footnote
Citizens felt that remaining neutral was crucial for maintaining sovereignty.
118
What was a significant reason for support of Eire's neutrality?
Relief from the horrors of modern warfare
## Footnote
Many hoped that neutrality would protect Eire from the devastation of war.
119
How did Britain initially respond to Eire's neutrality?
Accepted grudgingly, fearing German invasion
## Footnote
Despite accepting neutrality, Britain was concerned about potential threats.
120
What was the response from Churchill regarding Eire's neutrality?
Realized the importance of maintaining communication with Eire
## Footnote
Appointed Sir John Maffey as the British representative to facilitate relations.
121
How did Britain formally view Eire's neutrality?
Never recognized it
## Footnote
Post-war relations were strained and negatively impacted Eire's economy.
122
What was Northern Ireland's government reaction to Eire's neutrality?
Strong resentment, viewed as a security threat to the UK
## Footnote
The declaration was condemned publicly in Stormont.
123
How was Eire's neutrality described by Craigavon in Stormont?
Disloyal
## Footnote
This reflects the strong opposition and negative sentiments in Northern Ireland.
124
What was Eire's stance during the war despite pressure from Britain and the USA?
Eire refused to take part in the war and did not send troops or openly support the Allies.
## Footnote
Eire's neutrality was a significant aspect of its foreign policy during WWII.
125
Who was the leader of Eire during World War II?
De Valera
## Footnote
Eamon de Valera served as the Taoiseach of Eire during this period.
126
What did De Valera refuse regarding Great Britain's military use of Eire?
He denied Great Britain the use of Irish airfields and ports from the outset of the war.
## Footnote
This decision was part of Eire's policy of neutrality.
127
What policy did Eire appear to follow despite its official neutrality?
Benevolent neutrality
## Footnote
This term refers to actions that seemed to favor the Allies while maintaining a neutral stance.
128
What secret agreement did De Valera allow regarding RAF flights?
The RAF was permitted to overfly Co. Donegal, known as the Donegal air corridor.
## Footnote
This agreement was made to improve the effectiveness of Atlantic patrols.
129
What was the significance of the Donegal air corridor?
It avoided a detour of over 100 miles around Donegal.
## Footnote
This route was crucial for military operations during the war.
130
What did De Valera do for crashed Allied airmen?
He secretly allowed them to go back to Britain via Northern Ireland.
## Footnote
In contrast, German airmen were imprisoned.
131
What assistance did De Valera provide during the Belfast Blitz?
He sent 13 fire engines to help local forces and established relief centres on the border.
## Footnote
This action demonstrated a level of support for the Allies.
132
How many Irish citizens served in the British armed forces during WWII?
Nearly 43,000
## Footnote
This included 5,000 who left the Irish army to join the British forces.
133
What was De Valera's reaction to the death of Hitler?
He expressed sympathy by visiting the German ambassador.
## Footnote
This action was controversial and annoyed Allied opinion.
134
What did De Valera do in April 1945 regarding US relations?
He visited the US embassy to pay respect to the late US president Roosevelt.
## Footnote
This visit followed his controversial meeting with the German ambassador.
135
Fill in the blank: De Valera confiscated the radio used by the _______.
German ambassador in Dublin.
## Footnote
This was part of Eire's efforts to maintain its neutrality.
136
What was the nature of news broadcasts in Eire during the war?
News reports were strictly factual.
## Footnote
This policy was intended to avoid aiding either side.
137
True or False: Eire imposed blackouts during the war.
False
## Footnote
Eire refused to impose blackouts, which made it easier for German bombers to attack Northern Ireland.
138
What radar bases were established in Eire towards the end of the war?
Secret RAF radar bases
## Footnote
This was part of an agreement that indicated a shift in Eire's neutral stance.
139
Who was the British Prime Minister that put pressure on Eire to join the war?
Winston Churchill
140
In which month and year did Churchill propose an end to the partition of Eire if it joined the Allies?
June 1940
141
What would the Dublin government allow in return for joining the war on the side of the Allies?
British forces to be stationed in Eire and use of naval facilities
142
Who was the leader of Eire that rejected Churchill's proposal?
de Valera
143
What reason did de Valera give for rejecting Churchill's proposal?
Eire was unprepared
144
What concern did de Valera express regarding Northern Ireland's involvement?
There was no guarantee that NI would agree as its government had not been consulted
145
How did Craigavon and the Unionists react to Churchill's proposal?
They felt betrayed by London
146
What was Craigavon's statement regarding loyalty to Ulster?
'to such treachery to loyal Ulster I will never be party'
147
When did the USA enter the war, prompting renewed pressure on Eire?
December 1941
148
What message did Churchill send to de Valera after the USA entered the war?
"Now or never. A nation once again"
149
What was de Valera's response to Churchill's message after the USA entered the war?
He refused again
150
How did the USA view Irish neutrality during the war?
As a 'serious impediment to the war effort'
151
In which year did Churchill attempt to regain the use of the treaty ports?
1942
152
What was de Valera's response to Churchill's efforts to regain the treaty ports?
His efforts were rejected
153
What event left Britain standing alone by the end of June 1940?
All of Western Europe had been conquered by Hitler
154
What was established to bolster local defense in Britain during WWII?
The Local Defence Volunteers
155
How many members did the Local Defence Volunteers have within a year?
1 million members
156
What significant military order was placed by Britain from the USA?
Over 500,000 rifles
157
What operation did Germany prepare for in September 1940?
Operation Sealion
158
What was essential for the Luftwaffe to achieve before invading Britain?
Destroying the RAF
159
When did the Luftwaffe launch Operation Eagle?
12th August 1940
160
What was the main goal of Operation Eagle?
To bomb airfields and destroy RAF planes
161
What advantage did the RAF have over the Luftwaffe?
The ability for pilots to return to fight again
162
What change in tactics did the Luftwaffe make on 7th September?
Started bombing London instead of RAF bases
163
What allowed the RAF to reorganize and gain new aircraft?
The change in Luftwaffe tactics
164
What technology gave the RAF an advantage in detecting German aircraft?
Radar system
165
Which two aircraft types were effective for the RAF during the Battle of Britain?
Hurricanes and Spitfires
166
What was the significance of the Battle of Britain in military history?
It was the first military campaign fought entirely by aircraft
167
What was the first time Nazi forces were defeated since the start of WWII?
The Battle of Britain
168
What effect did the Battle of Britain have on British morale?
It provided a significant morale boost
169
What ultimately led to the defeat of the Nazis after the Battle of Britain?
Hitler's decision to switch focus to the invasion of the USSR
170
Fill in the blank: The RAF was reorganized into three sections: Fighter Command, ________, and Coastal Command.
Bomber Command
171
True or False: The RAF was in a weaker position than other military branches before the Battle of Britain.
False
172
Why was Belfast bombed during World War II?
Belfast was bombed because it was an important center for building aircraft and other war material, which contributed to the war effort.
173
What was one of the goals of the Luftwaffe raids on Belfast?
To destroy shipbuilding, munitions, and aircraft industries.
174
What impact did the bombings have on civilian morale in Belfast?
The bombings aimed to damage the morale of the civilian population.
175
How many times did the Luftwaffe raid Belfast in April and May 1941?
Four times.
176
Approximately how many civilians were killed during the Belfast Blitz?
Close to 1000 civilians.
177
What percentage of homes in Belfast were damaged or destroyed during the bombings?
53% of total housing.
178
How many people were left temporarily homeless due to the bombings?
In excess of 100,000 people.
179
What was the short-term response of many residents following the bombings?
Many thousands fled Belfast to the rest of Northern Ireland and even to Eire.
180
How long did it take for Belfast's industrial production to recover after the bombings?
Six months.
181
Why did Belfast suffer more from Luftwaffe attacks compared to other British cities?
Belfast's industrial infrastructure was heavily targeted and suffered extensive damage.
182
How many people were killed in Hull compared to Belfast during the bombings?
Hull experienced roughly 1200 deaths over 82 raids.
183
What was the extent of housing damage in Coventry compared to Belfast?
Coventry had 55,000 homes destroyed in 43 raids.
184
What was the condition of Harland and Wolff shipyard after the bombings?
It suffered the greatest damage during a single raid.
185
What was the Stormont government's attitude towards the threat of air attacks?
They were complacent about the danger to Belfast.
186
How many anti-aircraft guns did Belfast have in 1941?
22 anti-aircraft guns.
187
What was the capacity of shelters in Belfast during the bombings?
Shelters for only a quarter of the city's population.
188
How many civilians had been evacuated despite air raids being expected?
Only 4000 civilians had been evacuated
189
How many squadrons of fighters were available to give protection?
Only one squadron of fighters
190
Why were Barrage Balloons ineffective during the air raids?
They were too low to hinder German aircraft
191
What was the performance of the City's anti-aircraft gunners during the attacks?
They failed to make contact with the German aircraft
192
Which areas of Belfast were targeted during the Luftwaffe attacks?
East, north, and central Belfast
193
What was the strategy behind targeting densely populated areas in Belfast?
To maximize the damage caused
194
What was the status of night time air cover during the attacks?
There was no night time air cover
195
What other locations in Northern Ireland were raided by the Luftwaffe?
Londonderry, Bangor, and Newtownards Airport
196
What was the outcome of the bombing in Londonderry in April 1941?
Bombs fell on civilian housing killing 15 people
197
What significant social issues were exposed by the Luftwaffe attacks on Belfast?
Poverty, poor housing, and health levels in NI
198
How many houses had been built in Northern Ireland in the previous 20 years?
Only 50,000 houses
199
What was the condition of approximately 5,000 houses before the war?
They were uninhabitable
200
How were those living in the Belfast slums described after the war?
Nearly sub human
201
What health issues were reported among children in Belfast?
Infested with lice and suffering from illnesses such as TB
202
What was the impact of the Belfast Blitz on post-war reforms?
It laid the foundation for reforms due to the destruction revealed
203
What was the term used to describe the period of neutrality in Eire during the war?
'Emergency'
## Footnote
This term reflects the unique situation Eire faced during World War II despite its official stance of neutrality.
204
What act did the Eire government pass in 1939 to manage the country during the war?
Emergency Powers Act
## Footnote
This act granted the government special powers for wartime governance.
205
What was the potential threat to Eire during the war?
Invasion by Germany
## Footnote
This was seen as a possibility as part of a larger strategy to invade Britain.
206
How many of Eire's citizens joined the British army?
43,000
## Footnote
This figure illustrates significant participation of Irish citizens in the British military efforts.
207
What caused a drop in food imports into Eire during the war?
British need for ships for the war effort
## Footnote
Nearly all Irish overseas trade relied on British ships, which were diverted for military use.
208
What was the result of food shortages in Eire?
Rationing of some foods
## Footnote
Food rationing became necessary due to decreased imports.
209
What was the impact of the war on coal availability in Eire?
Severe shortages
## Footnote
Most coal came from Britain which needed it for the war, leading to a reliance on turf.
210
What happened to many industries in Eire during the war?
Closed down due to falling imports of raw materials and fuel
## Footnote
This also led to rising prices of goods.
211
How did the Eire government respond to the threat of invasion?
Increased military strength
## Footnote
This included expanding the army, navy, and creating an air force.
212
By how much did the Eire army grow from 1939 to 1941?
From 7,000 to 41,000
## Footnote
This significant increase was part of the response to potential threats.
213
What was a common fuel source used in Eire due to coal shortages?
Turf
## Footnote
Turf became a primary fuel as coal became scarce.
214
Fill in the blank: Many Irish people moved to Britain to work in _______.
munition factories
## Footnote
This migration was a response to unemployment caused by industry closures.
215
True or False: There were blackout regulations in Eire during the war.
False
## Footnote
Unlike Britain, Eire did not implement blackout regulations.
216
What was one positive aspect of food availability in Eire compared to Britain during the war?
Better availability of meat and dairy produce
## Footnote
Despite shortages, Eire had more stable access to certain food items.
217
What geographical area did farmers in Eire increase cultivation of during the war?
Tillage
## Footnote
This shift aimed to compensate for the fall in grain imports.
218
What was one of the specific bombing incidents in Eire during the war?
Bombing of North Strand in May 1941
## Footnote
This incident resulted in casualties, highlighting the war's impact on Eire.
219
When did the IRA declare war on Britain?
January 1939
220
Which cities were attacked by the IRA over the next three years?
Birmingham, Coventry, London
221
What measures did the Irish government take against the IRA?
Strong measures to avoid giving Britain an excuse to interfere or invade
222
Why did the Irish government intern IRA members?
To prevent potential support for a German invasion
223
What significant action did the IRA take in December 1939?
Seized 1 million rounds of ammunition from a magazine fort in Dublin
224
How many IRA members were interned by the Eire government due to the December 1939 raid?
50 members
225
By August 1942, how many IRA men were hanged?
6 IRA men
226
How many IRA members were killed by police by August 1942?
2 IRA members
227
What happened when three IRA members went on hunger strike?
Nothing was done to prevent their deaths
228
How many individuals were taken into custody during the war?
Over 1,100
229
What was the general public's reaction to the government's actions against the IRA?
Supported by the majority of the population
230
What was the outcome for the IRA after the government's measures?
Left the IRA broken
