Home Again

In June they made their way back to Europe, stopping first in Germany, where they received the accolades of a proud nation. Eventually on 3rd July, the three flyers made a triumphant return to Dublin. An Irish Independent report described the scenes at Balldonnel Aerodrome: When the Europa landed at Baldonnel, the people broke through the cordon of troops and rushed wildly to the machine. For a time the three airmen were unable to leave the plane. Capt. Koehl appealed in vain to the people to keep back. Finally troops succeeded in clearing a space for the visitors. They were carried shoulder high to one of the hangars. On the Naas Road every kind of vehicle including motor cars, motor cycles, buses, jaunting cars and bicycles moved towards the aerodrome. President Cosgrave and the full government cabinet greeted the flyers on their arrival at Baldonnel. They were cheered all along the ten-mile parade route into Dublin city centre. Speeches were made at the GPO in O'Connell Street. An unprecedented number of people turned out to welcome the men. Among the honours bestowed on them was the Freedom of the City of Dublin and President Cosgrave held a reception in their honour at the Metropole Hotel. On 24th July Fitzmaurice was promoted to the rank of Colonel.