Charles P. Flanagan

The First World War witnessed many advances in warfare but one of the most significant was the leap forward in aerial combat. Many men and women buried in Glasnevin served in a variety of roles during the First World War with the Royal Flying Corps, Royal Air Force and Women’s Royal Air Force.

Pilots of these early fighter aircraft took great risks and their life expectancy averaged just 11 days during the war. To become an ace a pilot needed five confirmed victories and less than 40 men from Ireland gained this honour during the war. Many of the Irish aces would be killed at the front while some, such as Charles P. Flanagan, survived and returned home.

Despite the risks of their job many pilots were seen as glamorous personalities, revered by the public and looked on with an element of envy by those involved in the depressing stalemate of trench warfare.

Charles P. Flanagan one of the first members of the newly founded Royal Flying Corps. KE 136 Garden