USAAF bases in Northern Ireland were probably established to handle aircraft being ferried across the Atlantic or to provide pre operational training for crews destined for units based in England. Would WW2 personnel have worn the USAAF 8th AF shoulder flash prior to being assigned to an operational base in England ?
shareI have a large coffee table-sized book which is an extensive history of world war two and it mentions the huge facilities establishment in Northern Ireland to provide a comprehensive training as well as maintenance depot for all things air related, beginning early in 1942.
Yes, Eighth Air Force being a significant portion of that. Initially it also was thought to provide support of things to take the weight off the struggling RAF which was taking a signifcant beating, especially prior to 12/7/41 after which the US could openly begin to send materiel, men and women into the theatre.