An Cosantóir

72 By Cpl. David O'Dowd and Cpl. Jamie Martin 105 PHOTOGRAPHIC & AIRBORNE IMAGING SQN The Role of 105 Squadron has varied over the years, the squadron has been responsible for all Aerial Reconnaissance, military Surveil- lance and intelligence gathering, as well as aid to civil power roles (ATCP) and even public relations. The history to 105 Sqn can be traced back to pre WW2 as Ireland's need to monitor its coastal areas after the onset of war in Eu- rope. With the Irish Government looking to establish special squadrons for the defence of Ireland with a specialist squadron called "The Reconnaissance and Medium Bomber Squadron". These new units would be tasked with "Coastal Patrols and specialist duties as necessary." A total of 9 Avro Ansons had been purchased to allow the squadron to carry out these duties. In addition to this maritime role, the squadron also operated out of the Dove Aircraft with the camera mounted through a specially designed hole in the floor. 105 Squadron was involved in photographing and processing strategic areas and towns, villages and coastal areas up and down the country with particular attention on the border counties. One of the first and most important aerial survey undertaking by The Irish Air Corps was that of Rineanna, common- ly known now as Shannon Airport. The aerial photos from this sortie laid the foundation for what was to become the new Airport and where The Reconnais- sance and Medium Bomber Squadron would be stationed throughout WWII. Although both the aircraft and cam- eras in operation today are vastly different to those in the 1940s, the squadron's maritime responsibilities have remained. Photographers currently operate on the CASA 235 aircraft providing surveillance and intelligence imagery within the State's waters, playing a major role in providing data for the policing and protection of Ireland's Fisheries. Up until the late nineties 105 worked within fully functional darkrooms, where photogra- phers would spend hours processing, devel- oping and printing their work. This ranged from larger format 9x9 negatives for aerial reconnaissance to smaller more conventional 35mm film rolls. With the onset of new digital Casa sighting a fishing vessel A photographer working with an EC135 Centenary/Wings Commission flypast Photographers on the ramp of Casa for Air to Air shoot 105 PHOTOGRAPHIC & AIRBORNE IMAGING SQN

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