August 1920 - Squadron Leader A J Butler


Squadron Leader Butler took command of the squadron on the 16th August 1920.  It was about the same time as the squadron was deployed to Fermoy to become part of the force assembled in Southern Ireland to address "the Irish Problem".  However, this was a period when due to defence cuts; the effects of demobilisation and having to operate with obsolete equipment that the efficiency of II(AC) was at a very low ebb.  Written complaints to the Air Staff bought the desired result inasmuch as shortly after a Staff visit the squadron was re-equipped and reorganised to the extent that additional aircraft were held in reserve to ensure that commitments could be met.  He led the squadron for almost two years when he was suceeded by Sqn Ldr Smythies in May 1922.

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