70 Squadron Airlift Troops to Kirkuk

In February 1923, Vickers Vernon aircraft from 70 Squadron took part in transporting 500 troops to Kirkuk, for them to drive away Kurdish forces that had taken over the outskirts of Kirkuk. Pictured here is Vickers Vernon Mk I, J6883 in the process of loading troops. This mission was the first of its kind in airlifting soldiers in a conflict. This photograph was taken by the then Pilot Officer (later Air Commodore) David W F Bonham-Carter and is reproduced here with the kind permission of Jim Cownie, his grandson. For more on 70 Squadron's operations at RAF Hinaidi, click HERE.

70 Squadron Vickers Vernon Mk I Serial J68883 airlifting troops to Kirkuk in February 1923