Operation Dove (Ireland) facts for kids
Operation Dove (also known as Operation Pigeon) was a secret mission planned by the German intelligence group known as the Abwehr in early 1940. The main goal was to transport Seán Russell, who was a leader of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), to Ireland. When Frank Ryan arrived in Berlin just three days before the mission was set to begin, it was decided he would also travel with Russell.
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Seán Russell's Journey and Training
Seán Russell arrived in Berlin, Germany, on May 5, 1940. He had traveled from the United States and arrived in Genoa, Italy, four days earlier. In Berlin, Russell learned about another secret plan called Operation Mainau. This plan involved parachuting a German agent named Dr. Hermann Görtz into Ireland. Russell was asked to tell Görtz about Ireland before Görtz left that night, but Russell missed his flight from the Fritzlar airfield near Kassel.
By May 20, Russell began special training with the Abwehr. He learned how to use the latest German explosives. This training took place at the Abwehr school in Berlin-Tegel. This school was special because it focused on designing explosives that looked like everyday objects. Russell also visited a training area called 'Quenzgut,' where the Brandenburg Regiment trained. There, he watched soldiers learning how to use materials for secret missions in a real-world setting. Because Russell had learned about explosives, German intelligence planned for him to return to Ireland with a specific mission to carry out. His training with German intelligence lasted for more than three months.
The Mission Begins and Ends
Even though other German agents from Operation Lobster I had been captured, the head of the Abwehr, Wilhelm Canaris, still allowed the plan to transport Russell to continue. Both Seán Russell and Frank Ryan boarded a German submarine, the U-65, at Wilhelmshaven on August 8. This mission was officially named Operation Dove.
During the journey, Russell became very ill and complained of stomach pains. The U-65 submarine did not have a doctor on board. Sadly, Seán Russell died on August 14, about 100 nautical miles (185 km) short of Galway, Ireland. He was buried at sea, and the mission was stopped.
Other German Operations in Ireland
The Abwehr planned several other secret operations involving Ireland during World War II. These included:
- Operation Lobster
- Operation Lobster I
- Operation Seagull
- Operation Seagull I
- Operation Seagull II
- Operation Whale
- Operation Osprey
- Operation Sea Eagle
- Plan Kathleen
- Operation Green (Ireland)
- Operation Mainau
- Operation Innkeeper
See also
