An Cosantóir

26 | IRelaND'S ACE oF ACES O Hornchurch Wing, which comprised of three squadrons on a mission to attack German troop positions at Etaples. Fighter Command's policy of taking the fight to the enemy, however, was becoming very costly in terms of both experienced pilots and aircraft. Leading the Wing on that day was a young Irishman, Brendan Finucane, or 'Paddy' as he was known in the Press from New York to Sydney. In a meteoric rise this 21-year-old Dubliner was now a wing commander, having taken part in the Battle of Britain as a pilot of- ficer a mere two years earlier. On entering the target area at very n July 15th 1942 two Spitfires swept low over northern France. They were part of the low level near Le Touquet, Brendan's aircraft was hit in the underwing radiator by a burst of machine-gun fired from a beach position. His wingman, Canadian 'Al' Aikman strafed the position while Brendan climbed to gain height. However, the aircraft was unable to gain enough altitude to return to base as the engine seized due to lack of cool- ant. Instead of parachuting and the certainty of capture he decided to ditch. A perfect approach and land- ing on the water was not enough to save him and his aircraft sank immediately. It is thought by many that his head went forward with the impact and struck the reflector gun BY: MauRICe ByRNe PHOTOS: Ray FINuCaNe sight rendering him unconscious. On its return the Wing stayed over the site until their fuel was nearly expended but nothing was seen in the water. It was a tragic end for a brave and courageous Irishman. Brendan's final score was 32 enemy aircraft destroyed, putting him among the highest echelon of Allied aces during World War II. The story begins in Rathmines, A tired Brendan Finucane, 1942 Dublin, on October 16th 1920 when Brendan was born to Andy and Flor- ence Finucane. He was the eldest of five children and was educated at Synge St CBS and then at O'Connell's Schools, when the family moved to Cabra, and finally Sandymount be- fore leaving Ireland in 1936 to settle in Richmond, Surrey. An excellent athlete, Brendan excelled at Rugby, Gaelic football and boxing. He was also a member of the famous Nep- tune Rowing Club. Brendan and his younger brother in the 1916 Rising, Brendan applied for a short-service commission in the RAF in 1938 with his parent's approv- Ray had been fascinated by the exploits of the flying aces of World War I and then a flight at Baldon- nel Aerodrome in 1932 ensured that flying would never be far from the Finucane brother's thoughts. Ten years later both would be fighting for their lives in the war-torn skies over Europe. Despite his father's participation ing, in July 1940, was to 65 Squadron at Hornchurch, which was one of the sector stations in 11 Group and right in the heart of the battle that was being waged against the might of the Luftwaffe. He recorded his first kill on August 12th when he shot down an ME109 at a range of 75 yards. His skill and ability of getting close to an enemy aircraft before opening fire would result in many future victories. Promoted to flying officer on Sep- al. Having been accepted, he gained his 'wings' in 1939, despite not being a 'natural' flyer. Several months of inaction and ordinary flying duties would pass before he took part in the Battle of Britain. Brendan's first operational post- tember 3rd, his squadron was sent to Scotland on rest while another rotated in. In this way Fighter Com- mand was able to use its meagre resources. Bad weather during the winter guished Flying Cross (DFC) and his logbook being signed 'exceptional' of 1940/41 prevented much day- time flying but did not prevent the infamous Luftwaffe night Blitz of Britain, nor did it prevent Brendan destroying an ME 110 early in the new year. His younger brother Ray had by now joined RAF Bomber Command as a wireless operator/ air gunner. A recommendation for the Distin- An Cosantóir July/August 2012 www.dfmagazine.ie

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