Farewell Dinner for LXX (70) Squadron RAF Hinaidi October 1934

This photograph was kindly sent me by Pauline Collins, the grand-daughter of Corporal Mark Cyril Osborne of 70 Squadron (LXX) RAF Hinaidi 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 and "Hard Luck" from the resident Sergeant Major in reply. The menu is signed by the Commanding Officer of 70 (LXX) Squadron RAF Hinaidi, Wing Commander William Sowrey, DFC, AFC.

Note that eleven men serving with 70 (LXX) Squadron were buried at the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery in Baghdad.