Ralph James
Interviewed for MAOHP - 24/02/2017
Reference Code: IE_MA_MAC_006_MAOHP_024_A
Location(s): Casement Aerodrome
Length: 1.35
In this clip, Major General James recalls his ‘Wings Day’, which was a ceremony to celebrate his qualification as a pilot in the Air Corps. He recalls that his ‘Wings’ were given to him by Brigadier General Jerry O’Connor (then General Officer Commanding the Air Corps) and recalls hearing the song Va, pensiero by Giuseppi Verdi, which his father had played to him as a child. Major General James went on to become General Officer Commanding the Irish Air Corps and Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations).
