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A brief history of 70 Squadron, from its formation in 1916 until 1935 when it was serving in Mesopotamia and based at RAF Hinaidi Anchor 1 70 Squadron (now LXX Squadron) Royal Air Force Page 6 of " An Introduction to Iraq " provides a brief history of LXX (70) Squadron (one of the Royal Air Force squadrons to be based at RAF Hinaidi during the inter-war years). At the time of publication (August 1935) the commanding officer of 70 Squadron was Wing Commander William Sowrey, DFC, AFC. The photograph is a view of the airfield at RAF Hinaidi, looking north-west from the main take-off / landing area towards the hangars used by 70 Squadron and 55 Squadron. Sapper Road runs vertically on the left side of the photograph. Click HERE to see a photograph of a 70 Squadron aircraft involved in an airlift of 500 troops to Kirkuk in 1923. Click HERE to see a photo of a 70 Squadron Hangar in flames. Note that 11 men from 70 Squadron (aka LXX Squadron) lie buried at Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery with four of the headstones still surviving, though knocked over and damaged. The four headstones are are for LAC Kenneth Breach, AC1 Thomas Cemerey , LAC Leslie Milligan and LAC Edward Denham . This photograph was kindly sent me by Pauline Collins, the grand-daughter of Corporal Mark Cyril Osborne of LXX (70) Squadron, who served in Iraq for two years before dying of heat-stroke and Heart failure in July 1935 and buried in the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery, part of RAF Hinaidi. Amongst his possessions was a menu for the farewell dinner at LXX Squadron, when new arrivals came from England and others left their Baghdad posting. Note the captions in the top cartoon, " Here we are again " from the new arrivals as they arrive in Baghdad and " Hard Luck " from the resident Sergeant Major in reply. The menu is signed by the Commanding Officer of LXX Squadron, Wing Commander William Sowrey, DFC, AFC. This photograph was kindly sent me by Mike Green and is part of the Tom Walker collection. It was taken on the 7th June 1928 when an accidental fire destroyed the hangar of 'A' Flight 70 / LXX (Bomber) Squadron. The cause of the accident was an airman forgetting to turn off the petrol cock before disconnecting the petrol pipe and a tool creating a spark. Four Vickers Victorias were destroyed in the blaze (J8226, J8227, J7923 and J7847) as well as 5 Lion engines

This page shows several circuit diagrams of a single valve receiver, as used by the Royal Air Force in 1918, with modifications shown to prevent re-radiation Royal Air Force 1918 Single Valve Receiver (prevents re-radiation) This page shows several circuit diagrams of a single valve receiver, in use by the Royal Air Force in 1918, with design modifications to prevent re-radiation.

Aerial photos of Oaten Wood, one taken by a 6 Squadron RE8 prior to the pre-attack bombardment on Messines and the other 4 days before the 19 mines were detonated 6 Squadron Aerial Photos - Oaten Wood The two photographs on Page 16 were taken by an RE8 of 6 Squadron, part of the squadron's aerial reconnaissance operations over the Western Front during WW1. The photographs were were taken of the same area at Oaten Wood, as defined by mapping coordinates 28. O. 8. B . The first photograph was taken on the 23rd April 1917 and the second on the 3rd June 1917, 4 days before 19 mines were detonated beneath the German lines along the Messines ridge at the start of the Battle of Messines.

Photos of the men and aircraft of 6 Squadron Royal Flying Corps, taken during WW1, many from the book, 'Over the Western Front', written by Steve Buster Johnson 6 Squadron Photos (WW1) This page contains photographs taken of or by members of 6 Squadron as well as items belonging to 6 Squadron during WW1, from 1914 to 1919. They come from various sources and I have acknowledged copyright where appropriate. As the collection grows, I will attempt to identify more of the subjects and locations. If you are able to provide more details for any of these photographs or have other photographs of 6 Squadron from the WW1 period that I can reproduce here, I would be very pleased to hear from you via the Contact page. 6 Squadron wireless workshop lorry at Abeele, Belgium during WW1 (Fred Johnstone wearing headphones) 6 Squadron wireless workshop lorry at Abeele, Belgium during WW1 (Fred Johnstone wearing headphones) WW1 Royal Flying Corps papers for Sergeant Ernest Handley WW1 Royal Flying Corps papers for Sergeant Ernest Handley Group photograph of 6 Squadron Officers, taken in Autumn 1918. Copyright Pat Sleightholme (nee Motte Group photograph of 6 Squadron Officers, taken in Autumn 1918. Copyright Pat Sleightholme (nee Mottershaw) Group photograph of 6 Squadron Sergeants, taken in Autumn 1918. Copyright Pat Sleightholme (nee Mott Group photograph of 6 Squadron Sergeants, taken in Autumn 1918. Copyright Pat Sleightholme (nee Mottershaw) 6 Squadron's mobile photographic laboratory during WW1 on the Western Front. Copyright Beccles and B 6 Squadron's mobile photographic laboratory during WW1 on the Western Front. Copyright Beccles and Bungay Museum. Schematic diagram of a WW1 wireless set used in aircraft Schematic diagram of a WW1 wireless set used in aircraft 6 Squadron Royal Flying Corps soccer team (1917) and the men of one of the flights (1918) - most nam 6 Squadron Royal Flying Corps soccer team (1917) and the men of one of the flights (1918) - most names provided My grandfather, Corporal Fred Johnstone 6 Squadron Royal Flying Corps, pouring tea - the event descr My grandfather, Corporal Fred Johnstone 6 Squadron Royal Flying Corps, pouring tea - the event described in 'For God, England and Ethel', a book by Steve Buster Johnson After a total solo flight time of 31 hours 40 minutes, Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover was posted to 6 Squadro After a total solo flight time of 31 hours 40 minutes, Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover was posted to 6 Squadron RFC at Abeele. This is the first page of his pilot's log whilst on active service. Copyright Rob Glover This is the second page of the pilot's log of Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover after being posted to 6 Squadron This is the second page of the pilot's log of Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover after being posted to 6 Squadron RFC in June 1917. Note the mention that Lt Tyler was awarded the Military Cross on 17th July. Copyright Rob Glover This is the third page of the pilot's log of Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover after being posted to 6 Squadron This is the third page of the pilot's log of Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover after being posted to 6 Squadron RFC in June 1917. Note the mention of the deaths of Lts M W Briscoe and O L Burt on the 23rd July - they were shot down during a combat, crashing in flames on the allied side of the lines. Copyright Rob Glover After a total solo flight time of 31 hours 40 minutes, Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover was posted to 6 Squadro After a total solo flight time of 31 hours 40 minutes, Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover was posted to 6 Squadron RFC at Abeele. This is the first page of his personal pilot's log whilst on active service - see also the photo of his official squadron log. Copyright Rob Glover This is the second page of the personal log of Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover after being posted to 6 Squadro This is the second page of the personal log of Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover after being posted to 6 Squadron RFC in June 1917. See also the photo of the official squadron log for this period. Copyright Rob Glover Actual RFC Casualty Report for personnel and machines (whilst flying) - no 6 Issue Section Actual RFC Casualty Report for personnel and machines (whilst flying) - no 6 Issue Section Example of Army Form W 3347 - Royal Flying Corps Report on Casualties to Personnel and Machines (whe Example of Army Form W 3347 - Royal Flying Corps Report on Casualties to Personnel and Machines (when flying). This was for a 6 Squadron Bristol FB2 Fighter that crashed on landing at Sart aerodrome, a few months before 6 Squadron was sent out to Iraq. Note the signature of the OC 6 Squadron, Major G C Pirie Photograph of RE8 A3552 used for training at Wye aerodrome, taken by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover in May 19 Photograph of RE8 A3552 used for training at Wye aerodrome, taken by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover in May 1917, just before he was posted overseas to 6 Squadron as a pilot at Abeele. He served with the squadron from June to August 1917 when he was injured in a crash. Copyright Rob Glover. A second photo of an RE8 A3552, taken by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover. Copyright Rob Glover A second photo of an RE8 A3552, taken by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover. Copyright Rob Glover View of the instruments in the pilot's cockpit of a Royal Aircraft Factory RE8 View of the instruments in the pilot's cockpit of a Royal Aircraft Factory RE8 Flight Lieutenant D S 'Jimmy' Glover as Flight Commander in 31 Training Depot Station at Fowlmere, a Flight Lieutenant D S 'Jimmy' Glover as Flight Commander in 31 Training Depot Station at Fowlmere, after being invalided out of 6 Squadron and finishing his time as a Training Instructor at Wyton. Copyright Rob Glover Bristol Scout - identity and location unknown. Photograph taken in 1917 by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover. Co Bristol Scout - identity and location unknown. Photograph taken in 1917 by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover. Copyright Rob Glover The menu and signatures of the Warrant Officers and Sergeants of 6 Squadron RFC on a hand-drawn menu The menu and signatures of the Warrant Officers and Sergeants of 6 Squadron RFC on a hand-drawn menu for the New Year's dinner 31st December 1917. Note that my grandfather Fred Johnstone (see signature 'J' for Johnny Johnstone) attended, even though he was only a corporal. Fred is the main character in 'For God, England & Ethel'. This photograph was taken by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover outside the dugout he shared with Lt O L Burt on This photograph was taken by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover outside the dugout he shared with Lt O L Burt on 21st July 1917 at Abeele, two days before Lt Burt was killed in his RE8 A4197 along with his observer, Lt M W Briscoe. Copyright Rob Glover The Crossley tender of Lt O L Burt breaks down at Fletre in Northern France, 6 1/2 km south of the a The Crossley tender of Lt O L Burt breaks down at Fletre in Northern France, 6 1/2 km south of the aerodrome at Abeele in July 1917. Photo probably taken by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover. Copyright Rob Glover Lt A L Tyler, often the observer who flew with Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover, pilot with 6 Squadron RFC duri Lt A L Tyler, often the observer who flew with Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover, pilot with 6 Squadron RFC during July and August 1917. Copyright Rob Glover This photo was taken in August 1917 of Belgian railway track workers by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover, pilot This photo was taken in August 1917 of Belgian railway track workers by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover, pilot in 6 Squadron RFC View looking north on Abeele aerodrome, home to 6 Squadron RFC, marching soldiers in the distance View looking north on Abeele aerodrome, home to 6 Squadron RFC, marching soldiers in the distance Photo taken in Rouen during 1917 by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover, pilot with 6 Squadron RFC. The SS Britann Photo taken in Rouen during 1917 by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover, pilot with 6 Squadron RFC. The SS Britannic was later hit by a mine in the Mediterranean and sunk. This photo was taken in July 1917 of Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover, newly posted to 6 Squadron RFC. Copyrigh This photo was taken in July 1917 of Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover, newly posted to 6 Squadron RFC. Copyright Rob Glover This Be2c "Hawkes Bay New Zealand" was presented to 6 Squadron on the 18th October 1915 This Be2c "Hawkes Bay New Zealand" was presented to 6 Squadron on the 18th October 1915 A photo of the DH2 scouts of 29 Squadron, which shared Abeele aerodrome with 6 Squadron from 15/04/1 A photo of the DH2 scouts of 29 Squadron, which shared Abeele aerodrome with 6 Squadron from 15/04/16 to 23/10/16 Air Mechanic George Charles Bradbury of 6 Squadron sitting in the pilot's cockpit of an RE8. The pho Air Mechanic George Charles Bradbury of 6 Squadron sitting in the pilot's cockpit of an RE8. The photo was taken at Abeele some time in 1917. He was killed in a bombing raid on Abeele aerodrome on 31st October 1917. This is an FE8 scout of 41 Squadron Royal Flying Corps coming in to land at Abeele, an aerodrome it This is an FE8 scout of 41 Squadron Royal Flying Corps coming in to land at Abeele, an aerodrome it shared with 6 Squadron. The photo was taken in the first half of 1917 A group photo of 6 Squadron air mechanics, take at Abeele in 1917 (including Fred from my book 'For A group photo of 6 Squadron air mechanics, take at Abeele in 1917 (including Fred from my book 'For God, England & Ethel') Train at Hazebrouck station, photograph taken by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover of 6 Squadron RFC in August 1 Train at Hazebrouck station, photograph taken by Lt D S 'Jimmy' Glover of 6 Squadron RFC in August 1917, only a matter of days before he crashed and spent three months in hospital before returning to Wyton as a Training Schools Instructor The pilots and observers from one of 6 Squadron flights (plus Sergeant Major Lye - middle row 2nd fr The pilots and observers from one of 6 Squadron flights (plus Sergeant Major Lye - middle row 2nd from right and OC Major Archibald James - middle row 6th from right) Visit to Wytschaete Ridge (battery line) by Lt D S Glover 6 Squadron RFC in July 1917. Copyright Rob Visit to Wytschaete Ridge (battery line) by Lt D S Glover 6 Squadron RFC in July 1917. Copyright Rob Glover Visit to Wytschaete Ridge (battery line) by Lt D S Glover 6 Squadron RFC in July 1917. Copyright Rob Visit to Wytschaete Ridge (battery line) by Lt D S Glover 6 Squadron RFC in July 1917. Copyright Rob Glover The squadron's commanding officer at the time, Major Archibald James, is sitting third from the left The squadron's commanding officer at the time, Major Archibald James, is sitting third from the left in this photo of 6 Squadron football team 1917 6 Squadron soccer team 1917. This official photo was taken at Abeele. Note that it is the same locat 6 Squadron soccer team 1917. This official photo was taken at Abeele. Note that it is the same location (and background scenic cloth) used for the photo of the Wireless flight, taken two years later! A youthful Flt Sgt Pennock is sitting cross-legged on the left Group photo of 6 Squadron officers, taken in Iraq mid 1919. Copyright F T Russell Group photo of 6 Squadron officers, taken in Iraq mid 1919. Copyright F T Russell Group photo of all 6 Squadron officers, taken in France 1918. Copyright Flight Magazine Group photo of all 6 Squadron officers, taken in France 1918. Copyright Flight Magazine This photo of the 6 Squadron Wireless Flight is one of several official photos taken at Abeele on 25 This photo of the 6 Squadron Wireless Flight is one of several official photos taken at Abeele on 25th July 1916. My grandfather, Corporal Fred Johnstone is circled. The date of this photograph of 6 Squadron Sergeants is unknown, though most likely around 1916 The date of this photograph of 6 Squadron Sergeants is unknown, though most likely around 1916 6 Squadron ground crew c1917. This photo was taken on the aerodrome at Abeele. George Bradbury is st 6 Squadron ground crew c1917. This photo was taken on the aerodrome at Abeele. George Bradbury is standing second from the left. This photo of a RE8 engine being tested was taken at Abeele in 1917. Note that three of the men here This photo of a RE8 engine being tested was taken at Abeele in 1917. Note that three of the men here were identified in the soccer team photo. They are: On Propeller - L Hobson Hughes, Leaning Against Engine - Flt Sgt Pennock, 2nd and 3rd from left, standing - A/M Cresswick, Sgt Growdy This is the official photo used by Lieutenant D S Glover on his first artillery 'shoot' near Hollebe This is the official photo used by Lieutenant D S Glover on his first artillery 'shoot' near Hollebeke (Ypres) in June 1917. Copyright Rob Glover Photograph taken by the pilot of an RE8, Captain D S Glover, off the starboard bow, with Ypres circl Photograph taken by the pilot of an RE8, Captain D S Glover, off the starboard bow, with Ypres circled (6,000 feet below) in July 1917. Copyright Rob Glover Bristol Scout photo taken by Captain D S Glover. Copyright Rob Glover Bristol Scout photo taken by Captain D S Glover. Copyright Rob Glover Photo taken from the top of a bus in the Strand after a Zeppelin bombing raid by Captain D S Glover. Photo taken from the top of a bus in the Strand after a Zeppelin bombing raid by Captain D S Glover. Copyright Rob Glover Photo of Zeppelin bomb damage taken by Captain D S Glover from the top of a bus in the Strand (near Photo of Zeppelin bomb damage taken by Captain D S Glover from the top of a bus in the Strand (near Charing Cross Hospital) CLICK FOR MORE

This page shows photographs of every headstone in Plot 1 of the Habbaniya Military Cemetery Plot 1 Headstones - Habbaniyah War Cemetery Shown below are photographs of every headstone in Plot 1 of the Habbaniyah War Cemetery. They appear in Row and Grave sequence but can also be accessed directly by clicking on the name of the fallen on the cemetery diagram . The background image for this page (visible on all devices except mobile 'phones) is a wide-angle photograph of Plot 1. For those using a smart phone, click HERE to view a copy of this image. There is an interesting story dated in the NEWS section of this website ("The Siege of Habbaniyah 1941") which details the events surrounding the death of Flt Sgt Harold Brattan, who lies buried in Plot 1 Row G Grave 8. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 Anchor 3 Anchor 4 Anchor 5 Anchor 6 Anchor 7 Anchor 8 Anchor 9 Anchor 10 PLOT 2 HEADSTONES Anchor 11 A

Six 6 Squadron aerial photos taken of Klein-Zillebeke, prior to the Battle of Messines and also after the mines were exploded at Messines 6 Squadron Aerial Photos - Klein Zillebeke / Battle Wood (3) The two photographs on Page 3 were taken by an RE8 of 6 Squadron, part of its aerial reconnaissance operations over the Western Front during WW1. Both photographs were taken by an RE8 of 6 Squadron over Klein-Zillebeke, as defined by the mapping coordinates 28. I. 36. B and - 28. I. 36. A. This is an area measuring 1000 yards east/west and 500 yards north/south. The first photograph was taken on the 24th March 1917 and the second on the 12th June 1917, five days after the 19 mines were detonated beneath the German lines along the Messines ridge. The two photographs on Page 6 were taken by an RE8 of 6 Squadron, part of the squadron's aerial reconnaissance operations over the Western Front during WW1. Both photographs were taken by an RE8 of 6 Squadron over a section east of Battle Wood (Kleine-Zillebeke), as defined by the mapping coordinates 28. J. 31. C , an area measuring 500 yards square. The first photograph was taken on the 24th March 1917 and the second on the 13th June 1917, 6 days after the 19 mines were detonated beneath the German lines along the Messines ridge. 6 Squadron Aerial Photos - Destructive Shoot at Klein-Zillebeke The two photographs on Page 35 were taken by an RE8 of 6 Squadron, part of the squadron's aerial reconnaissance operations over the Western Front during WW1. The photographs were taken to demonstrate the effect of the pre-bombardment allied barrage on a German battery between Klein-Zillebeke and Hollebeke (present day location 50°48'56.0"N 2°57'01.2"E - in the middle of a field 100 metres north-east of Klijtgatstraat 9). The photographs were taken immediately prior to the Battle of Messines, over map coordinates 28. O. 6. B . The lower photograph was taken on the 3rd May 1917 but the date of the upper photograph is unknown.

1918 Map of Proven, showing the size and location of the four Poperinge aerodromes in WW1 at Abeele, Proven, Poperinge and la Lovie. The Four WW1 Aerodromes at Poperinge Abeele, Proven, la Lovie and Poperinge There has been a lot of controversy regarding the exact locations of the four allied aerodromes in the region of the Western Front near the Belgian town of Poperinge. As part of my research, Annemie Morrise - a researcher working for the Poperinge town council - provided me with a copy of a 1918 map of Proven which clearly identifies the exact location of the four airfields - Proven, la Lovie, Poperinghe and Abeele) as well as the dimensions and the buildings extant at that time. It is of especial interest to me as it is evident that the aerodrome at Abeele was extended to the west sometime between 1917 and 12th April 1918 (see early diagram of Abeele aerodrome and aerial photographs of Abeele aerodrome (home to 6 Squadron RAF for much of WW1) taken in 1916 and 2008 ).

This page contains photographs depicting the day to day lives of British servicemen at RAF Hinaidi during the nineteen-thirties. RAF Hinaidi - Photos of the 1930s This page is a 'work-in-progress' pictorial account depicting day-to-day life at RAF Hinaidi during the nineteen-thirties using photographs taken at that time. With the kind permission of Mike Greene, whose grandfather was stationed at RAF Hinaidi for several years, I have reproduced below a selection of old photographs taken at RAF Hinaidi during its heyday. Though I am as yet unable to provide names to any of the men shown in the photographs, I have been able to identify some of the events and places, which I will eventually identify on the map below. Load More

Statistics for the 197 RAF burials at the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery by RAF Unit, service details and honours and a diagram showing grave usage sequence Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery - Burial Statistics / Honours Shown below is a breakdown of the 300 burials at the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery (Hinaidi RAF Peace Cemetery), comprising 197 for Royal Air Force personnel, 72 for British Army personnel, 2 for Royal Navy men, 28 civilian RAF contractors who died whilst working in Baghdad and an 8-month-old baby girl. The searchable database also provides the number of deaths by RAF Unit, war-time service summary and honours bestowed on the men who were buried at the Hinaidi RAF Peace Cemetery. Living conditions were extreme in Baghdad during the nineteen-twenties, evidenced by the fact that 20 men died of heatstroke and at least 9 men committed suicide. To mention but a few of the statistics contained in the table below, 46 Royal Air Force pilots were buried at Hinaidi, 20 of whom had served with the Royal Flying Corps / Royal Air Force during WW1 and 19 who had already seen service with the British Army or Royal Navy prior to transferring into the air force. Of the 46 pilots, 4 had already been officially recognised as WW1 fighter 'Aces', 3 as aviation pioneers and between them had received 42 decorations during or immediately after WW1. The Squadrons most represented in the number of burials at Ma' Asker Al Raschid were 55 Squadron with 26 graves, 30 Squadron with 20 graves, 6 Squadron with 17 graves and 70 (LXX) Squadron with 11 graves.

This page provides a brief biography of Flying Officer Edwin Ffoulkes-Jones, 6 Squadron Royal Air Force, who served with the squadron in Iraq during the nineteen-twenties Flying Officer Edwin Ffoulkes-Jones - 6 Squadron Royal Air Force In researching the service history of Edwin Ffoulkes-Jones for one of his great nephews, I discovered that Ffoulkes-Jones was a member of a very small band of air force pilots who served in both the Royal Flying Corps and later the Royal Air Force. He flew on active service in Northern Italy (Grossa and Sarcedo) during WW1 flying a Sopwith Camel at 28 Squadron, immediately after WW1 in the Middle East with 6 Squadron, posted to Home Establishment and India during the inter-war years and finally with the No:1 Flying Training School, Leuchars during WW2, retiring from the Royal Air Force in October 1945 holding the rank of Wing Commander. In the course of my investigation, I discovered Edwin Ffoulkes-Jones was a pilot with 6 Squadron for almost three years. Almost by chance, I came across an interesting incident that took place early in his career. On the 19th October 1920, whilst flying alone in a Bristol Fighter (F2b) Serial No: D8051 on an operation over Kufa, 170 km south of Baghdad, Flying Officer Ffoulkes-Jones was caught in a sandstorm and forced to crash-land in the desert. Though he was not injured in the accident, the aircraft was so badly damaged it was never recovered. The following day, when the sandstorm had cleared, Flying Officer (and acting Captain) Arthur Harold Beach, MiD and ex Canadian Infantry, left 6 Squadron's base at Hinaidi (near Baghdad) in another F2b, Serial No: D7844, and searched for the crash site with the intent of rescuing Ffoulkes-Jones from the desert before he was captured by the hostile locals. All went according to plan and the two men were soon heading north with Ffoulkes-Jones sitting in the observer’s cockpit. Just before they reached the half-way mark (53 km north of Kufa abeam the village of Hillah), the engine of the ‘Brisfit’ cut out and Beach was obliged to carry out an emergency landing. Beach emerged from the landing unscathed but Ffoulkes-Jones received a deep laceration to his left knee. It is not recorded how the two men made it back to the squadron but it is most likely a repair crew was sent out in one of the squadron’s lorries to fix the aircraft’s engine in situ. Ffoulkes-Jones and Beach remained with 6 Squadron until November 1923 when they were both transferred to Home Establishment, but the service life of ‘Brisfit’ D7844 came abruptly to an end on the morning of the 31st May 1922 when it crashed on landing at Sulermanejeh, 144 km from the railhead at Kyri and 288 km NNE Baghdad. Though the cause of the crash was never determined, the aircraft was destroyed with both pilot and observer suffering serious head injuries. The pilot, Flt Lt Frank Neville Hudson, died a week later from a fractured skull but his observer Flt Lt Ernest Drudge MBE eventually recovered from a serious concussion. To further demonstrate how hazadous it was to fly in Iraq in those days, this accident took place only two weeks after another 6 Squadron F2b Serial No: D7845 suffered engine failure whilst taking off on the 10th May 1922 for an engine test flight and stalled into the ground after the pilot attempted to turn back at 100 feet. The aircraft burst into flames with its pilot, Flying Officer Lionel Conrad Hooton MC (and bar) and his passenger Air Mechanic 2nd Class George William Butler killed in the subsequent inferno. Lionel Hooton was buried at R.A.F. Cemetery Hindi (now known as Ma'asker Al Rashid) Ref. plot 3 Row A Grave 9 and George Butler was buried there also, at 1800 hrs on the 19th May 1922, after an application by Butler's relatives to have his body returned to England for burial was rejected by the authorities. Lionel Hooton had already survived two crashes in his service with the Royal Flying Corps / Royal Air Force. The first was in April 1918 whilst serving with 8 Squadron when his aircraft was struck in the fuel tank by anti-aircraft fire. In a bid to save the aircraft, his observer, 2nd Lt E I Wells, climbed out on to the wing and for his actions that day was awarded a MC. The second crash occurred in August 1920 when the engine of Hooton's ‘Brisfit’ failed. Hooton's double MC honours were awarded to both himself and his observer, 2nd Lt H Wisnekowitz, whilst they were serving with 8 Squadron, the first in FK8 Serial C8430 on the 23rd March 1918 during a contact patrol at low altitude in thick mist when they attacked a german machine gun post and the second only four days later whilst on another contact patrol in FK8 Serial C3611 when they flew low in the dark to draw fire in order to locate the enemy. On both occasions the aircraft was damaged but Hooton succeeded in bringing each one back to the squadron's base, the first time at Chipilly and the second at Poulainville. Though the effectiveness of the Bristol Fighter has never been questioned after pilots were trained to fly the aircraft aggressively as if it were a single seat fighter, the type has received a fair amount of criticism over the years regarding the high number of engine failures, especially when fitted with an engine other than the originally designated Rolls Royce Falcon III. Taking the opportunity to investigate how successful the ‘Brisfit’ was in the desert when it was on charge with 6 Squadron, I examined every crash and casualty for the first two years that 6 Squadron operated in the Middle East (viz. mid 1919 to mid 1922) and the results were surprising. Other than the day-to-day aircraft movements in and out of the squadron, a total of eighteen aircraft – all F2b Bristol Fighters – were struck off charge arising from accidents or hostile involvement, resulting in the deaths of five men and injuries to three men. Of these eighteen aircraft, an unexpectedly high number of nine accidents were due entirely to engine failure. Shown below is a 6 Squadron line-up of Bristol F2b fighters, the photograph taken most likely at Hinaidi in early October 1920. The third F2b from the left is D8051, the aircraft that FO Ffoulkes-Jones crashed whilst flying an a sandstorm.

Detailed instructions, dimensions and drawings created in 1916 and used in courses by the chief Royal Flying Corps rigging instructor at Thetford, UK. Rigger's Notes - British WW1 Aircraft This book is a photographic facsimile of the notebook compiled by Flt Sgt G Slater in 1916 and used in educating Royal Flying Corps air mechanics at Thetford, Norfolk (later called RAF Thetford / Snarehill) the subtle art of aircraft rigging. The nine types described in detail (drawings and text) are the MF Long Horn & Short Horn, FE2b, BE2c, DH1, DH2, Avro 504, Bristol Scout and Vickers FB5. Thanks to Ian Brotherston who has permitted me to digitise a WW1 rigging notebook that has been in his possession for many years, I have constructed an electronic version of the notebook by photographing every page as well as publishing the contents of the notebook in paperback and Ebook format with Amazon / KDP. You may view the .pdf file for free by using the pdf viewer below or you can purchase your own copy of the notebook's contents in paperback or Ebook format from the Amazon on-line book store. The book can be printed in most countries so the postage is reasonable. Note: Though it will work on a smart phone, for best performance it is recommended that you view the pdf file below on a computer or laptop / notebook. Air Mechanic 2nd Class (Rigger) G Slater was posted to the No 12 Reserve Aeroplane Squadron 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'. © 2026 Steve Buster Johnson. Proudly made by Wix.com

Literary reviews for the books of Steve Buster Johnson Steve Buster Johnson Reviews - Trade For God, England & Ethel "They also serve who only repair equipment, in this absorbing World War 1 saga. When his sweetheart Ethel puts off marrying him because of the uncertain times, young British watchmaker Fred Johnstone signs up for the Royal Flying Corps rather than wait to be drafted into the infantry and consigned to the trenches. He's assigned to a squadron of artillery observation aircraft in Belgium, a seemingly humdrum unit that sees more than its share of danger and drama. Flying low over the German lines in their cumbersome two-seaters to assess the accuracy of British artillery fire, the airmen confront death in many guises, including enemy anti-aircraft guns, errant British shells, mid-air collisions with comrades and fearsome German fighter planes. In one dogfight, an observer who doesn't know how to fly clambers into the front seat over the bullet-riddled corpse of the pilot and tries to pull the plane out of its death spiral, all while firing his machine gun at a pursuing German ace. Fred has a relatively cushy spot on the ground crew repairing radios, but he also experiences his quota of anguish when buddies are lost and he faces real peril from German bombing raids and crash landings by British planes. Basing his account on his grandfather's diaries and his meticulous historical research, Johnson immerses readers in period detail. He captures the material trappings and the subjective feel of one of the more genteel corners of Army life, with its barracks camaraderie, picnics and music-hall outings, and delicate tensions between military rank and civilian social status. Anyone who loves ancient biplanes will be entranced by the author's Proustian recreation of their looks and idiosyncrasies and the fiendish complexities of flying them. In his nerve-wracking combat scenes, it seems miraculous when these wood-and-cloth contraptions stand up to the shock of battle. A richly textured, nail-biting evocation of the Western Front." - KIRKUS DISCOVERIES - New York (April 16, 2010) "This book is something rather different. Cross & Cockade member Steve Johnson, now living in Australia, has written a 'novelised' account of his grandfather's service as a wireless mechanic in 6 Squadron RFC, the 'forgotten heroes' of the title being the personnel of the Corps Squadrons. It is not a transformation of biography in the manner of Winged Victory, but a closely fact-based account, using the characters' real names, incorporating extensive research and having the historian's apparatus of notes, diagrams and photographic illustrations as well as the novelist's imaginative dialogue and scene-setting. It is aimed at a general readership rather than specialists - but see the Readers' Feedback section on the book website for evidence of its wide appeal. Steve's grandfather was Fred Johnstone (no mistake in the names - Steve is the son of Fred's only daughter), a wonderfully representative man of his times, with his technical skills, patriotism, Christian faith and devotion to family - attributes that could equally well describe, for instance, Thomas Mottershead, recipient of a posthumous VC. But fate was somewhat kinder to Fred Johnstone, who kept a careful diary, the foundation of this book, during the two years or so of service in France before he got a real 'plane in the neck' - a damaged RE8 which landed on him when returning to Abeele in the dark. He was given a piece of the propeller as a souvenir when he recovered from his injuries and returned home to marry his 'Starlight', the Ethel of the title. Another part of the inspiration for the book was the collection of documents and souvenirs that Fred also preserved, photographs of which can be seen on the very well made website which the author has created to publicise and accompany his book. The site also has a Readers' Feedback section, where the comments from a 78-year old former member of 6 Squadron, who professes never to have read a 'story book' before in his life, give this story an approval that has to be respected." - CROSS & COCKADE INTERNATIONAL - Winter Journal 2009 Vol 40/4 (London) "A very well-researched and properly edited historical novel based on the diaries of a man who served in the Royal Air Corps in WWI. This book could definitely appeal to readers interested in a good fictional story packed with factual, historical detail." - Sarah Moore (TRAFFORD PUBLISHING - Canada) "I have now had a chance to sit down and read my advanced copy of this book. I'm not normally a book reader, in fact I have to admit it's worse than that - I have never read a book in all my seventy eight years! I never seem to get the time. Nevertheless I can highly recommend that you get hold of a copy and find a couple of hours a day to read it. I polished it off on my latest caravan holiday. If you know anything at all about 6 Squadron in WW1 you will be thrilled with the amazing detail that Steve has grabbed from his grandfather's diary. If your knowledge is sketchy, this will put you right. Steve has also undertaken much research over several years to be sure of the factual details of this period. Life in the Western Front; not in the trenches but over them. Find out what 'Army Cooperation' was all about as well as spotting for the 'Big Guns'. All this plus the human story of the mechanics and aircrew at a WW1 aerodrome just a few miles from the front line at Abeele and Poperinghe. Life for those billeted on the camp and those billeted in the nearby villages. The more I read, the more I felt I was there." - Ken Hopper, No 6 Squadron (RAF) Association Newsletter - December 2009 "I just wanted you to know I finished your very readable and informative book - really well done - and would recommend it to anyone who is interested not only in the work of the RFC but in the human side of dealing with being young and being at war. It definitely placed some new slants about the actual experience of war flying in my mind - it is your own experience as a pilot that comes to the fore here. With my historian's cap on, and if you asked me, I would probably find two or maybe three things you mention in the background as something you and I could discuss! But they're very minor. The whole thing has such a feeling of truth about it that it really does come off as a story." - Trevor Henshaw (WW1 Aviation Historian and Author, London UK)