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Thanks to John Brotherston who has permitted me to digitise a WW1 rigging notebook that has been in his possession for many years, I have completed an electronic version of the notebook as well as publishing it in paperback and Ebook format with Amazon/KDP. You may view the complete book for free via the Rigger's Notes page on this website or purchase a copy from the Amazon on-line book store in paperback or Ebook. Air Mechanic 2nd Class (Rigger) G Slater was posted to the No 12  R eserve  A eroplane  S quadron based at Thetford Aerodome in November 1915. Thetford (aka Snrehill, Norfolk) was used for basic flight training for pilots and observers, including night flying. Slater's role as a rigger included the training of junior riggers and he compiled a comprehensive notebook detailing the rigging for nine (9) specific types of British aircraft, The Maurice Farman Longhorn and Shorthorn, the Royal Air Force Factory FE2, the Royal Air Force Factory BE2c, the De Havilland DH1 and DH2, the Avro 504, the Bristol Scout Type C and the Vickers FB5 'Gunbus'. Artwork for front and rear cover to "Rigger's Notes for British WW1 Aircraft"

On Sunday the 20th May, a one-day exhibition ‘Abeele tijdens de Groote Oorlog’ (Abeele during the Great War) took place during the ‘Abeele kerremesse’ funfair at the village’s community centre d’ Hoge Schole. Though I was unable to attend, there should have been on displayu significant content regarding 6 Squadron (I provided details as to 6 Squadron's involvement with the local community during the two and a half years it was based at Abeele, from April 1915 to November 1917). Hopefully I will be able to add a photo of the poster advertising the event to my website in coming weeks. The organisers of the event were also hoping to conduct a 'fly-in' weekend on the site of the WW1 Royal Air Force aerodrome, complete with replica / restored WW1 aircraft, but have struck a few logistical problems which have delayed the project.

Thanks to the assistance of fellow researcher Paul McMillan, I have been able to find sufficient evidence to prove that the 'vacant' grave in Plot 3 Row G Grave 2 was in fact the final resting place of AC1 John Maxton Ramsay, who died in the RAF Hospital at Hinaidi on the 17th July 1924 from enteric fever, perforated intestine and general peritonitis, aged 22. At the time he was serving with No 6 Armoured Car Company, based at RAF Hinaidi. Before the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is able to update their records, my findings will have to be ratified by the JCCC (Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre). I have attached to this post photos that support my findings. UPDATE MAY 2024 With no progress made by the CWGC, MoD or JCCC on my submission since April 2023, I spent two weeks of further research to establish beyond doubt that John Ramsay lies in Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery, notably his birth certificate, Military Notice of Death and a cemetery photograph that clearly shows a headstone in a plot that is officially "Vacant' but fits the timeline of his death perfectly. I presented my new findings to the CWGC in May 2024 and these were passed on to the MoD and JCCC. More than a month later I still have received no response. For details of my full submission refer to this PAGE on my website.

On Valentine's day in 1942, exactly eighty-four years ago, Captain Kenneth Harry Handley of the Indian Army Ordnance Corps (Service No: 146340) was killed at RAF Habbaniya in Iraq and buried in the cemetery there with full honours. May he rest in peace. Here is a link to images of the burials close to the grave of Captain Handley - https://www.stevebusterjohnson.com/habbaniya-cemetery-restoration/habbaniya-burial-locations/plot-5-photos Note that my website is the only place where you will find headstone photographs for all of the 290 burials at the Habbaniyah War Cemetery, including a photograph for the grave which currently does not have a headstone, that of First Officer Oskar Kristiansen of the Norwegian Navy who died on the 26th March 1945. I have informed the CWGC and it has been agreed that the CWGC will manufacture a new headstone on behalf of the Norwegian Government and will erect it in the correct position when cemetery maintenance is next carried out. Plot 5 of Habbaniyah War Cemetery, Iraq

This month, seventy-one years ago on the 13th February 1955, Mrs Joyce Hall Hawkhead, the wife of Squadron Leader Hawkhead of the Royal Air Force and the mother of two children Julia and Carol, died in the hospital at RAF Habbaniya from peripheral circulation failure following an ectopic pregnancy and was buried in the cemetery at Habbaniyah in Plot 4 Row B Grave 1. She was forty years old. May she rest in peace. The headstone of Mrs Joyce Hawkhead, buried at the CWGC Habbaniyah War Cemetery, Iraq Note that my website is the only place where you will find headstone photographs for all of the 290 burials at the Habbaniyah War Cemetery, including a photograph for the grave which currently does not have a headstone, that of First Officer Oskar Kristiansen of the Norwegian Navy who died on the 26th March 1945. Plot 4 at the Habbaniyah War Cemetery, Iraq

On the morning of the 17th April 1957, a Royal Air Force transport Vickers Valetta of 114 Squadron (Serial No: VW832) took off from Aqaba in South Jordan with 3 crew members and 24 military personnel on board (18 from the 10th Hussars, 5 from the REMEs and 1 from the Army Catering Corps). Its destination was RAF Habbaniya. What was later determined as being structural failure due to extreme turbulence, after five minutes airborne, its left wing separated from the fuselage and the aircraft fell from the sky, crashing in a fireball, with everyone on board killed. The twenty-seven bodies were transported to RAF Habbaniya where they were buried in a mass grave side by side in surname alphabetic order, occupying an area previously allocated for seven graves (Grave 1 to Grave 7) in Row B of Plot 5. As can be seen from the photographs of Plot 5, the twenty-seven headstones are erected in a straight line, almost touching. The names of the twenty-seven men who died are listed on this page of my website , with links to individual headstone photographs.

The recent photographs taken by Ben Soppitt on the 21st October 2025 and by the UK Defence Attaché Graeme Wearmouth on the 2nd November 2025 at the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery (formerly named the Hinaidi RAF Peace Cemetery) has enabled me to compare these photographs with those taken by Brigadier Adam McRae in 2021, resulting in the confirmation of another five headstones, in fragmented but identifiable condition. This brings the total number of identifiable headstones to 77 (seventy-seven), greater than one quarter of all 300 graves at Ma'Asker. I have updated my website to reflect the latest finding and have attached below a summary table showing the location of the graves matching every surviving headstone, with an indication as to whether the headstone is complete or damaged. As a matter of interest I have also highlighted every grave for which the serviceman buried there had received official recognition during his lifetime, ranging from Military Cross to a knighthood. Note: As at 13th November 2025, after another headstone fragment was identified, there are now 77 headstones identified at Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery. To view all seventy-seven headstone images visit   this page on this website .

A Long Journey It has been a long process. Almost three years ago, I first came across the name of John Maxton Ramsay. I was captivated by his story and felt compelled to learn more. After much research and persistence, I’m thrilled to share that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has finally updated its records. They have marked the 300th burial at the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery (formerly the Hinaidi RAF Peace Cemetery) in Baghdad. Even more exciting, they have added Ramsay's name to the Iraq Honour Roll! Here is the relevant page of the Honour Roll that includes Ramsay's name. For more information about Ramsay's story, I have dedicated a page to the process I went through. This journey allowed the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) to investigate my claim and ultimately accept that John Ramsay was indeed buried at Ma'Asker, specifically at the grave I identified. You can read more about it here . The Importance of Remembering Remembering individuals like John Maxton Ramsay is crucial. Each name on the Honour Roll represents a life dedicated to service. It’s easy to overlook the stories behind these names, but they deserve our attention. Ramsay's journey is a testament to the sacrifices made by countless service members. The Process of Recognition The process of getting Ramsay recognized was not straightforward. It involved extensive research and communication with various organizations. I gathered documents, cross-referenced records, and even reached out to historians. Each step brought me closer to the truth about Ramsay’s final resting place. I learned that the JCCC plays a vital role in ensuring that the sacrifices of service members are acknowledged. Their dedication to accuracy and respect for the fallen is commendable. It’s a reminder that behind every name, there’s a story waiting to be told. The Legacy of Service Members Service members like Ramsay have left a lasting legacy. Their contributions to our history are invaluable. As I delved deeper into Ramsay's life, I discovered not just a soldier, but a person with dreams, aspirations, and loved ones. This human connection makes the history of military service even more poignant. The Role of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) plays a crucial role in preserving the memory of those who served. Their efforts ensure that the graves of service members are maintained and that their stories are not forgotten. The recent update to the records at Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery is a testament to their commitment. I encourage everyone to explore the work of the CWGC. They provide a wealth of information and resources for those interested in military history. Their dedication to honoring the fallen is truly inspiring. A Call to Action As we celebrate this milestone, I invite you to reflect on the stories of service members like John Maxton Ramsay. Consider visiting war cemeteries, learning about their histories, and sharing these stories with others. Together, we can ensure that their sacrifices are remembered and honored. Conclusion In closing, the recognition of John Maxton Ramsay at the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery is a significant achievement. It highlights the importance of remembering our service members and the stories they leave behind. I am grateful for the opportunity to share Ramsay's journey and hope it inspires others to delve into the rich history of military service. Let’s continue to advocate for the restoration and preservation of these sites. Together, we can keep the memories alive and provide free research assistance to those seeking information about British military personnel. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Thanks to John Brotherston who has permitted me to digitise a WW1 rigging notebook that has been in his possession for many years. Air Mechanic 2nd Class (Rigger) G Slater was posted to the No 12  R eserve  A eroplane  S quadron based at Thetford Aerodome in November 1915. Thetford was used for basic flight training for pilots and observers, including night flying. Slater's role as a rigger included the training of junior riggers and he compiled a comprehensive notebook detailing the rigging for nine (9) specific types of British aircraft, The Maurice Farman Longhorn and Shorthorn, the Royal Air Force Factory FE2, the Royal Air Force Factory BE2c, the De Havilland DH1 and DH2, the Avro 504, the Bristol Scout Type C and the Vickers FB5 'Gunbus'. It will take me some time to digitise the 100 pages which will eventually be included on my website (and also in book format for those who have not become aware of the notebook via this website). In the meantime I have attached a couple of photos to this News item (rigging diagrams for the Royal Aircraft Factory FE2), so if anyone wants to view the rigging pages for specific aircraft you can send me a message via my Contact page. UPDATE Friday 13th February 2026 My book, Rigger's Notes - British WW1 Aircraft , was published today by Amazon / KDP and can be purchased in paperback format or eBook in most countries from the appropriate Amazon website. You can also download the pdf file for free by visiting the Rigger's Notes page on my website. Rigging diagram for the Royal Aircraft Factory FE2 (top elevation) Rigging diagram for the Royal Aircraft Factory FE2 (side elevation) Rigging Notes for a Royal Aircraft Factory FE2

I have just received the advanced copy of my latest book The Cordwainer's Daughter from the publisher and it looks to be exactly what I'd hoped for. The book is now able to be purchased through Amazon in most countries and will eventually be available from the major on-line book stores. Front Cover of The Cordwainer's Daughter

On the 7th June 1928 at RAF Hinaidi, the hangar containing 70 Squadron’s ‘A’ Flight bombers caught fire, with four Vickers Victorias (Serials J8226, J8227, J7923 and J7847) destroyed in the blaze as well as equipment and five Lion replacement engines. Amazingly I have found no record of injuries or death. The cause of the fire was eventually put down to a mechanic forgetting to turn off the petrol cock on one of the bombers before disconnecting the petrol pipe and the spilt petrol was ignited from a spark generated off a tool being used by another airman in the hangar. The main part of the airfield is behind and to the right of the burning hangar in the photo and the smoke would have severely hampered flying operations at Hinaidi until the fire was extinguished. Permission to reproduce this photograph was kindly given by Mike Greene.

Here is a recent satellite photo of the Hinaidi RAF Cemetery, taken earlier this year (2019). I have superimposed a box that shows the approximate perimeter of the cemetery as well as yellow circles around five Iraqi trucks that, at the time the photograph was taken, were using the cemetery grounds as a short cut from the military air base to the main highway, in the southern suburbs of Baghdad. For more details on the Hinaidi RAF Cemetery and the Royal Air Force officers and 'other ranks' who were buried there "between the World Wars", refer to the appropriate pages on my website.