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On Sunday the 20th May 1918, 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 display there 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. Diagram of Abeele Aerodrome during WW1 with aircraft hangars and squadron numbers marked

In answering a query from fellow researcher James Offer regarding a 6 Squadron pilot, Frank Neville Hudson (who served in WW1 but later died in Iraq and was buried at Hinaidi RAF Peace Cemetery (name later changed to Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery), James sent me a of an RAF booklet, entitled "Introduction to Iraq", once belonging to his uncle, Wing Commander Aubrey Rickards, who was the commanding officer of 55 Squadron during the 1930s. The booklet gives an excellent insight into the operations and daily life at the RAF Hinaidi cantonment in the nineteen-thirties and also includes brief histories of some of the RAF squadrons that were based at RAF Hinaidi 'between the wars'. With the kind permission of James, I have included some of the pages on my website under the menu heading, "Hinaidi Cantonment Operations 1935". "An Introduction to Iraq" - Booklet for New RAF personnel

Inferno at the 70 Squadron hangar at RAF Hinaidi in June 1928 Location of 70 (LXX) Squadron hangars at RAF Hinaidi, Baghdad c1928 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 inferno at 70 Squadron in RAF Hinaidi 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.

The contents of a photograph album was sent to me by Sian Sumners, grand daughter of Wing Commander Philip Harry Perkins, who served as a pilot in WW1 and after the war as a doctor at RAF Hinaidi. He was a keen photographer in his spare time and took many photos, including the one shown below of the funeral for Brigadier General Sir Gilbert Falkingham Clayton KCMG KBE CB, High Commissioner to Iraq at the time of his death in September 1929. This and the other images shown on the Ma'Asker / Hinaidi Old Burial and Headstone Photos page of Steve Buster Johnson's website are remarkable in that they show the thousands of Iraqis who lined the road leading to the RAF Hinaidi Cemetery (now called the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery), such was the respect they had for Sir Gilbert, a man who was instrumental in putting Iraq on the map. Funeral of Sir Gilbert Clayton at RAF Hinaidi in September 1929

I have recently received several enquiries regarding the various aerodromes occupied by 6 Squadron and 4 Squadron RFC/RAF during their time on the Western Front as well as an enquiry as to the present-day site of what was once the WW1 RAF airfield at Abeele, a village on the Belgian French border (in fact the border runs through the centre of the main street). As Abeele aerodrome was occupied by both 6 Squadron and 4 Squadron between May 1917 and November 1917, I thought it would be useful to post an image that shows aerial photographs of Abeele aerodrome, one taken in 1916 and the other, a Google Maps image c2023. I have also added diagrams which show the layout of the aerodrome in 1917 when 6 and 4 Squadrons were both stationed there. The details on the main diagram shown below were gradually built up after visits to the Public Records Office in Kew, viewing the operational records of 4 and 6 Squadrons and reading several personal diaries kept by men who were stationed at Abeele. and were used by me in the writing of three of Steve Buster Johnson's books, 'For God, England and Ethel', 'Seven Days in April' and 'Over the Western Front'. Abeele RAF Aerodrome, WW1

As a result of a recent query about 6 Squadron's movements from the start of the German Spring Offensive in March 1918 until the end of hostilities in November 1918, I found that the squadron moved eleven (11) times in seven (7) months, on one occasion spending only a single day before being obliged to pack up and move on due to the fluid nature of the front line. To help understand the distances involved, I updated the map of the Western Front that I have included in three of my books and I have attached the image to this past, as well as a table showing details of the eleven moves. Below are the WW1 bases of 6 Squadron Royal Air Force and a map of the Western Front showing each of their locations. 6 Squadron RAF Bases on the Western Front during WW1 Map of the Western Front, showing RAF aerodromes during WW1

This photograph was taken by the then Pilot Officer (later Air Commodore) David W F Bonham-Carter from the cockpit of a 6 Squadron Bristol F2B Fighter, showing a second 6 Squadron F2B flying over the yet to be completed RAF Hinaidi cantonment (taken in late 1922 to early 1923). In the bottom right hand corner can be seen some of the aircraft hangars and the north-western corner of the RAF airfield. The centre of Baghdad is in the middle of the photograph where the River Tigris meets the horizon. The image is reproduced here with the kind permission of Jim Cownie, grandson of the photographer. Bristol F2B Fighter of 6 Squadron flying over the RAF Hinaidi Cantonment, Baghdad, c1922/23

When I first stumbled upon the works of Steve Buster Johnson, I was immediately drawn in by his passion for preserving the history of 6 Squadron RAF and British war cemeteries in Iraq as well as autobiographical and biographical books (oh, and one murder/mystery novel set on the Western Front during WW1). His dedication to researching his material is nothing short of inspiring. If you share an interest in military history, genealogy, or the stories of British service members, you’ll find his work both enlightening and deeply moving. Steve Buster Johnson has carved out a unique space online, becoming a go-to resource for anyone researching British military personnel connected to the Royal Air Force or seeking to understand the significance of war cemeteries in Iraq. His approach is not just academic; it’s personal, warm, and accessible, making complex historical details easy to grasp. The first seven books written by Steve Buster Johnson (to the right of 'Backing into the Limelight' in the photo) Diving Into Historical Books by Steve BusterJohnson One of the things I appreciate most about Steve Buster Johnson’s historical books is how they blend meticulous research with storytelling that feels alive. These aren’t dry, dusty tomes. Instead, they bring to life the men and women of yesteryear and for those who served, the battles they fought and the resting places that honour their sacrifice. Some books focus on the early days of 6 Squadron RAF, a unit with a rich and sometimes overlooked history. Through detailed accounts, personal letters, and official records, Johnson paints a vivid picture of the squadron’s role in various conflicts. This is invaluable for military historians who want to understand the operational context and for genealogists tracing family histories. What sets his work apart is the emphasis on preservation. He doesn’t just recount history; he actively advocates for the restoration of war cemeteries in Iraq. This adds a layer of urgency and relevance to his books, reminding readers that history is not just about the past but about how we honour it today. Front and Rear Cover to 'The Cordwainer's Daughter' by Steve Buster Johnson, published February 2026 The Importance of Preserving British War Cemeteries in Iraq If you’ve ever wondered why preserving war cemeteries matters, Steve Buster Johnson’s work offers a compelling answer. These cemeteries are more than just burial sites; they are sacred spaces that connect us to the sacrifices made by British service members far from home. Johnson’s advocacy shines through in his writing and online presence. He highlights the challenges these cemeteries face (see the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery story), from environmental damage to neglect, and calls for action to restore and maintain them. For families of service members, this is a vital link to their loved ones’ legacy. Steve Buster Johnson was instrumental in the building of a new wall at the Ma'Asker Al Raschid Cemetery, Baghdad How Steve Buster Johnson Supports Research and Families One of the most heartwarming aspects of Steve Buster Johnson’s mission is his commitment to providing free research assistance. If you’re trying to find information about a British service member connected to the early days of the Royal Flying Corps / Rpyal Air Force or buried in Iraq, he’s a fantastic resource. Moreover, Johnson’s personal touch means he often responds to inquiries received through his website, helping families piece together stories that might otherwise be lost. This kind of support is invaluable, especially when dealing with the emotional weight of military history. Why I Recommend Exploring Steve Buster Johnson’s Books If you’re passionate about military history or genealogy, diving into Steve Buster Johnson’s books is a rewarding experience. Here’s why: Detailed yet accessible: His writing balances thorough research with clear, plain language. Focus on preservation: You’ll learn more than just history Personal connection: Johnson’s work feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend. Unique subject matter: Few authors cover the same subjects with such depth. For those interested, you can explore more about his work and find his publications by checking out the Steve Buster Johnson website. Exploring these books is like opening a window into a world that deserves to be remembered and respected. Whether you’re tracing your family tree or simply fascinated by military and civilian history, Johnson’s work offers a meaningful journey.

Ben Soppit visited the Basra Memorial in southern Iraq in 2025 and took photographs of the 69 panels commemorating the 40,633 Commonwealth servicemen (mainly British and Indian) who gave their lives in Mesopotamia during WW1 and were buried with no known grave. He has kindly given me permission to reproduce these photos on my website - click on the link below for a complete set of 69 enhanced images on my website, including a search facility to see which regiments are on which panel or panels VIEW BASRA MEMORIAL PANELS I have copied below images of the first four panels to give you an example of what they look like. Details of the fallen can also be found by clicking on the Commonwealth War Graves website. or if you would like to see a set of 298 digitally-created panels, recently added to the the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website (now including the names of all the Indian Army casualties and not just their numbers by Regiment), you can visit the Digital Basra Memorial page of the CWGC website. If anyone would like assistance in finding a particular serviceman or panel(s) on which a particular regiment appears, please send a message to Steve Buster Johnson via the Contact page on his website. Panel 01 at the Basra Memorial Cemetery Panel 02 at the Basra Memorial Cemetery Panel 03 at the Basra Memorial Cemetery Panel 04 at the Basra Memorial Cemetery

POST UPDATE - 11th June 2026 The project to create high quality images for each of the 64 panels on the Memorial Screen at the Amara War Cemetery has been completed and you will find the photos on the Amara page of Steve Buster Johnson's website. Just scroll down the page until you get to them. I am gradually adding photographs to my website for individual panels of the Amara War Cemetery Screen Memorial Wall. So far there are photographs for seven panels (see attached images), Panel 09, Panel 13, Panel 15, Panel 29, Panel 32, Panel 47 and Panel 49. I will update this post and the Amara section of this website as and when new photos come to hand.

On this day one hundred and nine years ago on the 10th March 1917, 2nd Lieutenant John George Mellish of the Wiltshire Regiment, 5th Battalion, lost his life in Iraq. Though his exact grave is unknown, Lt Mellish's name is included on the Basra Memorial on Panel 30, along with other members of the Wiltshire Regiment who lost their lives whilst serving for Great Britain in Iraq. Note that Panel 64 also holds the names of men from the Wiltshire Regiment. For more information and photos of each of the 69 panels, refer to the Basra Memorial on Steve Buster Johnson's website. Panel 30 of the Basra Memorial, honouring the death of 2nd Lt John George Mellish, Wiltshire Regiment

CWGC Virtual Basra Memorial panel and the damaged panel at the real Basra Memorial in Iraq With the aid of the new Digital Basra Memorial recently introduced by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on its website, I have been able to identify the missing names on Panel No 41 at the actual Basra Memorial in Iraq. In coming days I will investigate the other damaged panels and see if I can retrieve more names from the CWGC database. I will progressively add this information to the Basra Memorial page on my website and hope to complete the exercise by the end of June 2026. EDITED 30th June 2026 - I have completed the exercise for every panel that is damaged or missing.