Explanation of the "Donegal Corridor" by Joe O'Loughlin
Ireland (Eire) is shown in Green and Northern Ireland (British) is shown in pink.
To understand the situation properly a little knowledge of the history of Ireland (Eire) is required. This part of the island of Ireland had only become a self governing country in its own right after centuries of rule by England the young state was in existence for about 16 years, it had suffered from the effects of a war of Independence from British rule. This was followed by an internal Civil War that left much bitterness amongst the factions involved.
When the Second World War broke out in September 1939 Ireland was in no position to become involved, in fact some years before hand the deValera led government had declared a policy of neutrality. This was supported by the opposition parties.
The Battle of the Atlantic commenced right away after war was declared, the German U-boats attacked Allied shipping convoys in the Atlantic Ocean, hundreds of ship were sunk, thousands of lives lost, the situation was very serious. In December 1940 a survey was carried out on Lough Erne with a view to having flying boat bases built there. This was the most westerly point in the United Kingdom from where planes could patrol the Atlantic and offer some protection to the shipping convoys against the dreaded U-boats. Early in 1941 the first Flying boats were based on Lough Erne. They were not permitted to fly over the territory of Eire, this meant that they had to first fly northwards then change the flight path and go west. Some limited protection could be given to the convoys coming the to the U.K. from the U.S. and Canada, the same protection could be given by American based air craft. Still there was a gap where the u-boats could create havoc unhindered. This mid Atlantic area was known as the Black Gap. Ireland came under extreme pressure from the British and even the U.S.A. who at this time were themselves neutral to dispense with it neutrality policy and join with the Allies. A meeting took place in January 1941 between deValera and Sir James Maffey the British representative in Dublin. An agreement was reached where by the Lough Erne based Flying Boats were permitted to fly across a four mile stretch of neutral territory from Belleek in County Fermanagh to Ballyshannon in County Donegal and there by gain access to the Atlantic Ocean. To pacify the Germans these aircraft were supposed to follow a defined route and then only on air/sea rescue missions.
This flight path became known as 'The Donegal Corridor'. The original agreement and rules were soon changed and the Flying Boats went on missions to the mid-Atlantic, to the west coast of France and to Iceland to protect convoys on those routes. This was a turning point in the Battle of the Atlantic which was the longest battle of World War 2. Some 9 U-boats were confirmed as having been sunk by the Lough Erne Sunderland and Catalina Flying boats and many others so badly damaged that they had to return to base in France. One of the most famous sorties was that of a Lough Erne Catalina that spotted the Bismarck when it was escaping to France.
Over 40 aircraft were lost and 350 airmen lost there lives while based on Lough Erne.
Much more could be written but we hope this gives you and insight into the situation.