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On this day ninety-three years ago, the 4th March 1933, Able Seaman William G Laurence, at that time serving on HMS Ormonde, died in the General Hospital at RAF Hinaidi from bronchial pneumonia and was buried in the Hinaidi RAF Peace Cemetery (now known as the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery) in Plot 1 Row D Grave 13. Sadly his headstone is not one of the seventy-seven headstones that have survived out of three hundred burials at the long abandoned cemetery, but here is a photograph of the cemetery taken in 1929 when it was still being tended by the Imperial War Graves Commission (named changed to Commonwealth War Graves Commission in 1960). For more information on how the cemetery became abandoned by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visit the Ma'Asker Cemetery Maintenance Timeline  page on Steve Buster Johnson's website, the information taken from every CWGC Annual report from 1937 to 2019, or visit the Ma'Asker section  for greater detail of the cemetery and its history. Plot 3 at the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery (photo c 1929)

On this day ninety years ago, the 3rd March 1936, John WQ Stack, a civilian contractor with the Royal Air Force who was previously a captain in the Hampshire Regiment, died from causes unknown and was buried in the Hinaidi RAF Peace Cemetery (now known as the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery) in Plot 2 Row B Grave 14. Sadly his headstone is not one of the seventy-seven headstones that have survived out of three hundred burials at the long abandoned cemetery, but here is a photograph of the cemetery taken in 1930 when it was still being tended by the Imperial War Graves Commission (named changed to Commonwealth War Graves Commission in 1960). For more information on how the cemetery became abandoned by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visit the Ma'Asker Cemetery Maintenance Timeline  page on Steve Buster Johnson's website, the information taken from every CWGC Annual report from 1937 to 2019. For more background information on the Ma'Asker cemetery visit the Ma'Asker section  of the website. Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery

Headstone for Sqn Ldr Jasper Cruikshank, Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery, Baghdad Headstone for Sqn Ldr Jasper Cruikshank, Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery, c1929 Exactly one hundred and one years ago, on the 20th February 1925, Squadron Leader Jasper Cruikshank OBE, commanding officer of the No 6 RAF Armoured car Company, died of Typhoid and was buried in Plot 3, Row I, Grave 14 at the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery (formerly the Hinaidi RAF Peace Cemetery) in Baghdad, Iraq. Pictured are the remains of his headstone, one of only 77 that exist today, out of the 300 burials at M'asker. May he rest in peace. For more information on the Ma'Asker cemetery visit the Ma'Asker section of Steve Buster Johnson's website.

It is not often that photographs come to light of men who served in Iraq, specifically at the RAF Hinaidi base which was operational between April 1921 and January 1938. Thanks to Tony D'Errico, who sent me a postcard of his maternal grandfather, I can add another face to the thousands of British servicemen who served in Iraq during the nineteen-twenties and nineteen-thirties. Though little is known of service career with the Royal Air Force, at the time the attached photograph was taken, Sergeant Harold Bartlett of the Royal Air Force was assigned to the Aircraft Depot at RAF Hinaidi, albeit in his own words, " Roaming in Iraq again for 2 more years ". Judging by the fact that the term "Aircraft Depot" was not officially in use inj Iraq until 1929 and by guessing his age in the photograph, I would say that the photograph was taken around 1932. For more details of the Aircraft Depot at RAF Hinaidi, see the AIRCRAFT DEPOT HINAIDI page of this website. Sergeant Harold Bartlett, Aircraft Depot, RAF Hinaidi, Baghdad Sgt Harold Bartlett, Aircraft Depot, RAF Hinaidi

On this day ninety-eight years ago, the 28th February 1928, AC1 Bertram Pilcher, a wireless officer on attachment with 6 Squadron Royal Air Force, died from a fractured skull after falling from a horse at Mosul the day before. His body was transported back to RAF Hinaidi and buried in the Hinaidi RAF Peace Cemetery (now known as the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery) in Plot 2 Row D Grave 9. His headstone is one of only two headstones in Plot 2 that have survived over time (out of the total of 300 British Service personnel buried at Ma'Asker) and a photograph of his headstone is attached to this post. To see the other 77 headstones that are still at Ma' Asker, complete or partial, visit the Surviving Headstones page on my website. For more information on how the cemetery became abandoned by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visit the Ma'Asker Cemetery Maintenance Timeline  page on my website, the information taken from every CWGC Annual report from 1937 to 2019. Surviving Headstone for AC1 Bertram Pilcher at Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery, Baghdad

Exactly one hundred and two years ago today, on the 26th February 1924, AC1 Charles Bruce of the RAF 5th Armoured Car Company died at Mosul. His body was initially buried at Mosul but was later exhumed and returned to RAF Hinaidi where he was buried in the RAF Cemetery there - now called the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery - in Plot 2 Row C Grave 14. Sadly his headstone is not one of the 77 headstones (of the total 300 burials) that have survived over the years at the long abandoned CWGC cemetery but I have attached to this post a photograph of the cemetery in its better years. For more information on how the cemetery became abandoned by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visit the Ma'Asker Cemetery Maintenance Timeline  page on Steve Buster Johnson's website, the information taken from every CWGC Annual report from 1937 to 2019. For more details on the cemetery, visit the Ma'Asker section  of Steve Buster Johnson's website. Plot 3 of the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery, Baghdad, c1930

On this day ninety-nine years ago on the 27th February 1927, Sergeant Major John Murphy of the Royal Air Force Police force died of pulmonary tuberculosis at the military hospital in RAF Hinaidi and was buried at the cemetery there (now called the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery) in Plot 3 Row L Grave 3. Though his headstone is not one of the 77 headstones that have survived the years out of the original 300 burials at the long abandoned RAF cemetery, I have attached a photo of Plot 3 taken in 1930, not long after AC1 Murphy's burial, with his grave marked in red. RIP. For more information on how the cemetery became abandoned by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visit the Ma'Asker Cemetery Maintenance Timeline  page on Steve Buster Johnson's website, the information taken from every CWGC Annual report from 1937 to 2019. For more general information visit the Ma'Asker section  . Grave of Sergeant Major John Murphy, Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery, Baghdad (photo 1930)

Exactly ninety-six years ago today, the 27th February 1930, Flying Officer Frederick B S Downey of 55 Squadron Royal Air Force died of Typhoid Fever at the Military Hospital at RAF Hinaidi and buried at the RAF Hinaidi Cemetery (now known as the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery) in Plot 1 Row A Grave 4. Before he joined the RAF in 1927 Frederick Downey was a 2nd Lieutenant in trhe 8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. Sadly, his headstone is not one of the 77 (out of 300 burials) that has survived in the long abandoned CWGC cemetery, but I have attached below a photograph of the cemetery as it was in 1930. For more information on how the cemetery became abandoned by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visit the Ma'Asker Cemetery Maintenance Timeline page on Steve Buster Johnson's website, the information taken from every CWGC Annual report from 1937 to 2019. For more background information on the cemetery visit the Ma'Asker section . Plot 3 of the CWGC Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery, c1930

Forgive me for including this extremely long blog entry suggested by the Wix Artificial Intelligence software. It was not written by me. However, for some reason, allowing AI-suggested blog/news items to be included on my website directly impacts my SEO ranking, so I'm allowing the occasional post to be published. When I first stumbled upon the literary works of Steve Buster Johnson, I was immediately drawn in by the unique blend of meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling. If you have even a passing interest in military history, especially the rich and often overlooked stories of the 6 Squadron RAF, British war cemeteries in Iraq or autobiographies and biographies set in England over the past 150 years, then you’re in for a treat. Non-fiction and fiction, Steve Buster Johnson’s writings are not just books; they are gateways to the past, carefully crafted to preserve memories so that they will not be forgotten. Exploring the Steve Buster Johnson Literary Works Steve Buster Johnson has carved out a niche that is both scholarly and deeply personal. His literary works include the history of the 6 Squadron RAF, a unit with a storied past, and the British war cemeteries scattered across Iraq. What makes his work stand out is the passion behind it - he is not just an author but an advocate for restoration and preservation. His books provide detailed accounts of military operations, personal stories of servicemen, and the ongoing efforts to maintain the dignity of war graves. For anyone researching British military personnel or tracing family histories, these works are invaluable. They offer free research assistance , which is a remarkable resource for genealogists and families alike. One of the things I appreciate most is how accessible his writing is. Despite the depth of information, the language remains clear and engaging. You don’t need to be a military expert to follow along, but you’ll certainly come away with a richer understanding of the sacrifices made. The Heart of the Matter: Advocacy Through Literature What truly sets Steve Buster Johnson apart is his commitment beyond the page. His literary works are part of a larger mission to ensure that the stories of the 6 Squadron RAF, British war cemeteries in Iraq and old-English life are not forgotten. He actively campaigns for the restoration of these sites, which have faced neglect and the ravages of time. This advocacy is woven into his writing. You’ll find chapters dedicated to the history of the cemeteries, the challenges of preservation, and the importance of remembering those who served. It’s a call to action wrapped in compelling narrative. For military historians, this is a goldmine of information. For families, it’s a source of comfort and connection. And for anyone interested in heritage preservation, it’s an inspiring example of how literature can make a real-world impact. The first seven books of Steve Buster Johnson How to Make the Most of Steve Buster Johnson Books If you’re keen to dive into the world Steve Buster Johnson has opened up, here are some tips to get the most out of his works: Start with the historical context - Familiarise yourself with the 6 Squadron RAF’s role in British military history. This background will enrich your reading experience. Use the research assistance - If you’re tracing a family member or a specific serviceman, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The free research support is a fantastic resource. Engage with the preservation efforts - Consider how you might contribute to or support the restoration of war cemeteries. Even small actions can make a difference. Take notes and cross-reference - Stevebusterjohnson books are packed with details. Keeping track of names, dates, and places will help you build a clearer picture. Share the stories - Whether with family, friends, or fellow historians, spreading the word helps keep these histories alive. For those interested, you can explore more about stevebusterjohnson books and discover the full range of his literary contributions. Why These Works Matter Today In a world that often rushes forward, it’s easy to lose sight of the past. Steve Buster Johnson’s literary works serve as a vital reminder of the sacrifices made and the importance of remembrance. They connect us to the human stories behind the history books and the names etched on memorials. For genealogists, these writings offer a bridge to ancestors who served with honour. For military historians, they provide fresh insights and detailed records. And for families, they offer a sense of closure and pride. The preservation of war cemeteries in Iraq is not just about maintaining physical sites; it’s about honouring legacy and ensuring that future generations understand the cost of freedom. A Personal Reflection on Steve Buster Johnson’s Impact Reading through Steve Buster Johnson’s works, I found myself reflecting on the power of storytelling in preserving history. His dedication is a reminder that history is not just dates and battles - it’s people, memories, and respect. If you’re passionate about military history or family heritage, I encourage you to explore his books. They are more than just texts; they are acts of remembrance and advocacy. And who knows? You might find yourself inspired to contribute to this important cause in your own way. So, whether you’re a seasoned historian or just starting your journey into British military history, Steve Buster Johnson’s literary works offer a warm, informative, and deeply respectful window into a world worth remembering.

Exactly ninety-seven years ago today, on the 16th February 1929, Leading Aircraftsman John Prunty who was a wireless operator with 30 Squadron Royal Air Force, died from his injuries after walking into the spinning propeller of a 30 Squadron DH9a. He was buried with full honours in Plot 3 Row N Grave 1 at the Ma'Asker RAF Cemetery, Baghdad. Though his headstone has not survived in the long-abandoned cemetery I have attached below an old photograph (c1930) of the cemetery showing John Prunty's grave in the foreground. For more information on the Ma'Asker cemetery visit the Ma'Asker section  of Steve Buster Johnson's website. Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery c1930 (formerly the RAF Hinaidi Peace Cemetery), Baghdad

Ethel Pocock, my grandmother was a diminutive powerhouse of a woman, born in England to a Kentish cordwainer (bespoke shoemaker) in the middle of Queen Victoria’s reign when women were not permitted to amount to much, no matter how talented they were. Growing up in a close-knit family with seven other siblings, her dream was to build a career as a buyer in the clothing industry and one day have her own family. Fate had other ideas, however, and placed many obstacles in her way. Determined and resolute in reaching her goals in life, she never gave in, though it took almost four decades and the ‘War to end all Wars’ for her to finally succeed. With the aid of tape recordings made in 1965 of my grandmother reminiscing her life as well as letters and photographs I have kept since I was a boy, I have been able to piece together Ethel’s story – with much of it written in her own words. The book, The Cordwainer's Daughter , is illustrated with more than 100 photographs, images and maps. My grandmother grew up in interesting times, with her parents friends of writer Charles Dickens and politician Lloyd George. From an early age she had role models to help her learn how to succeed in life.

Today I received the first copy of my latest book, 'Rigger's Notes for British WW1 Aircraft', from Amazon. The quality of the book is good and the delivery time excellent. For more details, go to the Rigger's Notes page on my website. Rigger's Notes for British WW1 aircraft