Why Did Nazi Germany Bomb an Irish Village in 1940?

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On 26 August 1940, two German aircraft crossed the coast of County Wexford and flew towards the small village of Campile. One aircraft dropped bombs near Ambrosetown, while the other attacked the tiny village of Campile a few miles further east. Three women, Mary Ellen Kent, Catherine Kent and Kathleen Hurley were killed. 

The bombing shattered the belief that Ireland’s neutrality could protect it from the Second World War. It also ignited a debate that has lasted for decades: Was the attack intentional or were the pilots lost? While politicians attempted to reduce tensions, investigations by An Garda Síochána and Irish Military Intelligence reached disturbing conclusions. 

They believed Campile had been deliberately targeted by the Nazis. In this episode I explore what happened. I also explore why Irish Military Intelligence were convinced the Nazis intentionally bombed this tiny Irish village at the height of the Battle of Britain and what it purpose it served. 

Written, researched and presented by: Fin Dwyer

Sound: Kate Dunlea

Additional narration: Aidan Crowe and Therese Murray

Further Reading and Listening:

The Campile Bombing, August 26th, 1940, Horeswood Historical Society. This detailed local history includes eyewitness accounts, photographs and primary material relating to the attack. 

Michael Kennedy, Guarding Neutral Ireland: The Coast Watching Service and Military Intelligence, 1939–1945. 

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