FlyPast 02.2018

INTER WAR 100 YEARS OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE

February 2018 FLYPAST 65

KURDISH DEFIANCE
Numerous challenges faced Iraq
Command including localised
defiance, resentment against the
imposed foreign ruler, raids in the
south by the Wahhabis, Turkish
territorial ambition and the Kurdish
quest for independence. Most units
were based at Hinaidi from where
they could deploy to support 55
Squadron in the north and 84 in the
south.

In June 1922, two British officers

were killed by supporters of Kerim

Fattah Beg, a Turkish-supported

Kurd, north of Sulaimania. A

column of ‘levies’ (locally recruited

militia) was mustered and,

supported by DH.9As of 8, 30

and 55 Squadrons, set off

in pursuit. Kerim Beg

and his followers

fell back

behind the Turkish border, the

troops returned exhausted, the many

sick being ferried from the scene by

aircraft.

Left

Snipes of 1 Squadron

over the River Tigris

at Baghdad in 1924.

Below

The Bristol F.2b two-

seat fi ghter was used

by 6 Squadron in Iraq,

then Egypt, from 1919

to 1932.

“Numerous challenges faced Iraq Command including localised

defi ance, resentment against the imposed foreign ruler, raids in the

“Numerous challenges faced Iraq Command including localised

defi ance, resentment against the imposed foreign ruler, raids in the

“Numerous challenges faced Iraq Command including localised

south by the Wahhabis, Turkish territorial ambition and the Kurdish

defi ance, resentment against the imposed foreign ruler, raids in the

south by the Wahhabis, Turkish territorial ambition and the Kurdish

defi ance, resentment against the imposed foreign ruler, raids in the

quest for independence”

south by the Wahhabis, Turkish territorial ambition and the Kurdish

quest for independence”

south by the Wahhabis, Turkish territorial ambition and the Kurdish