RAF Habbaniyah May 1941

[Bombardier]

The RAF airbase at Habbaniyah defended itself successfully with a collection of obsolete training aircraft against constant attacks by aircraft of which air force in May 1941?


:?:

For an additional bonus , what were the aircraft used by RAF Habbaniyah?

No prize, just my un-wavering admiration LOL

[HighlandSniper58]

Habbaniyah was attacked by the Luftwaffe.

It was defended by One Gladiator Squadron, One Oxford and Gordon composite Squadron, Two Audax trainer Squadrons, together with detachments from the two Wellington Squadrons based at Shaibah, a total of 96 aircraft.

[Bombardier]

You are right that the Luftwaffe had some aircraft involved and flown by german pilots, but they had the markings of this particular airforce.

You are also correct when you mention the Gordon aircraft, I am assuming you meant the Fairey Gordon Aircraft, and the Audaxe aircraft (hawker) also the Airspeed Oxford.

You have done well skywalker, the force is strong in you.

But...................what countrys airforce am I refering to?

[HighlandSniper58]

The Iraqi airforce was supported by the luftwaffe............

Oh, it's Friday, must get new batteries for my light sabre. ;)

[Bombardier]

Thats correct, your too good for me guvna;

In May 1941 the Iraqi government's forces rose up against the continued presence of the British forces in its territory. The small Iraqi air force was pitted against the main RAF base at Habbaniyah. The British adapted Hawker Audaxes, Fairey Gordons and Airspeed Oxfords to defend the base. The Iraqis did get some help from the Germans, who provided Luftwaffe-manned Me.110s and He.111s in Iraqi markings.


Oh, it's Friday, must get new batteries for my light sabre

LOL :D

[Hugh]

There was also a Bombay bomber, a Harrow transport, a Sparrow transport and 2 Valentia bombers. The latter were used to bomb rebel positions with improvised bombs launched by hand through the open doors. The Valentia was identical with the Vimy that Alcock and Brown flew the Atlantic in, in 1919, but with radial engines in place of the inline engines of the Vimy. There was also a squadron of RAF Armoured Cars -- Rolls Royce Silver Ghosts dating from WW1.

(I was posted to RAF Habbaniyah in October 1941, just after the end of the rebellion).

[Bombardier]

I was posted to RAF Habbaniyah in October 1941, just after the end of the rebellion).

Dont know how I missed this, tell us more Hugh ...please (Y)

[Unregistered]

Read that you were at Habbaniyah (US army). Lived there in 2006. Tin-roofed buildings near cemetary. Still hot.