Col. James Fitzmaurice – Ireland’s Greatest Aviator by Teddy Fennelly World War One hastened the advancement of aircraft technology. From use as an experimental armament of war in 1914, its enhanced mobility, stability and speed had established the airplane as an essential weapon of warfare by the time hostilities ceased in 1918. When peace was restored aviators and aviation companies could set their sights on vastly more ambitious projects than had been harboured by pioneers in 1914. There was a worldwide public fascination in the post-war years in aviation and in breaking new barriers in speed, distance and endurance.  Transoceanic flight was now seen as an achievable ambition and flying…