Mr de Valera Hauls up Eireflag at taking over of Spike Island Forts. To the accompaniment of a gun salute, Premier Eamon de Valera hauled up the tricolour flagof Eire on Spike Island, Cork Harbour, to mark the taking over of the forts from the British Army, which has been in command there since 1779 when the island was bought by the British War Office. The forts were handed over under the terms of the recently concluded Anglo Eire agreement. Photo shows, the British troops marching from Spike Island to board the ship for England. 13 July 1938