Blenhiems and there handywork.
By Alex Crawford
By early 1941 the situation in the Middle East did not look promising for the British. The Italians had overrun most of the British Territories in Sudan and northern Kenya, as well as threatening the all-important Red Sea route to the Suez Canal. Aden had been a prime target for the bombers of the Regia Aeronautica, being raided regularly by lone aircraft. The early gains in North Africa were retaken by the newly arrived Afrika Korps, under the command of Erwin Rommel, and the situation in Greece was precarious as the Germans were about to give their Italian Allies a helping hand.
In Baghdad it was decided that the time was ripe for a change of Government, as a result a coup d’etat brought power to a certain Rashid All el Ghailani. Rashid was a previous Prime Minister with pro-Axis sympathies. He was backed by the “Golden Square”, who were four Generals also highly pro-Axis. Learning of this plot the uncle of the young King of Iraq, Emir Abdul Illah, fled to Basra where he and his followers were taken onboard the British warship HMS Cockchafer and taken to Transjordan.
After World War One the Turkish Empire was no more, one of its colonies, Iraq, was placed under British mandate. This lasted until 1927 when Iraq was given its own independence. At the same time a treaty was drawn up between the two nations. The treaty recognised Iraq as an independent nation and in late 1927 it was allowed into the League of Nations. In return Iraq guaranteed assistance to Britain in the event of a war and allowed the passage of troops through the country, Two bases were also set up, one at Shaibah, near the port of Basra, and the other at Habbaniya, situated on the River Euphrates and on the main Baghdad-Haifa highway.
If the Mediterranean should be closed to the British the alternative supply route to the Middle East was around the Cape of Good Hope, up the East Coast of Africa and through the Suez Canal. If, however, this route was also closed, by the Italians in East Africa for instance, an alternative had to be planned. This involved using the Persian Gulf as far as Basra, from Basra by rail to Baghdad, and from Baghdad by road to Haifa. The take-over of power by Raschid had put all this in jeopardy, and so the British Government decided to act. The Government of India, who was responsible for the defence of Iraq, was asked to make troops available for operations in Iraq. A brigade was ready to leave Karachi for Malayabut this was diverted to Iraq were it would not arrive until 18th April. Rashid was informed on the 16th April that the British intended to invoke the treaty rights and land troops at Basra. At Karachi 31 Squadron, equipped with Vickers Valentias transport biplanes and four DC2s airlifted in the first of 400 men of the Kings Own Royal Regiment.
Of the two bases in Iraq, the one at Habbaniya was the more important. It was situated on low ground by the River Euphrates and was overlooked by a plateau 1,000 yards to the south, which rose to around 150 ft at its highest point. Behind the plateau was Lake Habbaniya, which was used by the Empire flying boats of the BOAC on its routes to the Far East. Based at Habbaniya was 4 Service Flying Training School equipped with, Airspeed Oxfords, Hawker Audaxes, Fairey Gordons and three Gladiators. Also at the station were an engineering depot, a communications flight plus all the normal ancillary services.
At the other base at Shaibah was 244 Squadron equipped with Vickers Vincent general-purpose biplanes under the command of Sqn Ldr H V Alloway. On the 15th April three Fairey Gordons arrived at Shaibah from Habbaniya, another four arriving next day. These were to be attached to 244 Sqn in case of any trouble during the arrival of the Fifth brigade from India. On the 17th the first aircraft from 31 Sqn started to arrive with elements from the 1st Kings Own. Over the next few days more troops from the 10th Indian Brigade arrived at Basra to be flown into Habbaniya to reinforce the garrison.
On the 19th April six Gladiators were flown to Habbaniya from stocks held in Egypt. These were added to the three already there, and on the 27th 84 Squadron’s Blenheim bombers were moved to Aqir in Palestine. At Aqir was 250 Squadron, which had been formed around “K” Flight, in the process of being re-equipped with Curtiss Tomahawk fighters, but it would be some time before they could be used to any effect.
The 29th April proved to be the decisive one. The British landed more troops at Basra, against the request by Raschid Ali that no more forces are landed. The Iraqis decided to surround the base at Habbaniya with a large force of men, including artillery, as a show of force. As a precaution to any hostile act being carried out the British Ambassador in Baghdad evacuated all the women and children from the capital and had them flown out to Habbaniya. The next day two BOAC flying boats landed at Lake Habbaniya and took them onboard to be flown to safety. Also on this day the Iraqi forces occupied the plateau, this force consisted of about 9,000 men and 50 guns. Rashid Ali was also counting on help from Germany, and indeed some indication had already been given that this would be forthcoming.
1/5/41
The forces at Habbaniya were as ready as they would ever be, the main problem was the lack of pilots, a total of 39 pilots were available to fly the 65 aircraft present. The polo ground and golf course had been flattened to provide a landing ground just inside the boundary fence; this was in case the main airfield outside the fence proved to be too dangerous to operate from. The various aircraft were formed into the Habbaniya Strike Force comprising of five Squadrons, which were as follows-:
“A” Squadron Wg Cdr G. Silyn-Roberts 10 Audaxes Main Field
“B” Squadron Sqn Ldr A.G. Dudgeon 26 Oxfords, 8 Gordons Main Field
“C” Squadron Wg Cdr C.W.M. Wing 10 Audaxes Polo Field
“D” Squadron Wg Cdr J.G. Hawtrey 10 Audaxes Main Field
Fighter Flight Flt Lt R S May 9 Gladiators Polo Filed
It was later decided to use the most advanced pupil pilots to make up the numbers to full strength so that all aircraft could be committed to the battle if need be. Bomb aimers and rear gunners would be taken from the remaining pupils and any spare ground members who were prepared to go along. All the Audaxes and Oxfords had been modified to carry bombs, the Audaxes either two 250kg bombs or eight 20lb bombs, while the Oxfords carried eight 20lb bombs on modified shackles.
At Basra the British forces took over the airport, docks and power station, in retaliation for the Iraqi occupation of the plateau. Efforts were still being made to send more reinforcements to the area. Nine Wellingtons from 70 Squadron were sent to Shaibah, but one had to make an emergency landing on the way due to engine failure. Eight more Wellingtons, this time from 37 Squadron flew to Aqir, and four Blenheim MkIV fighters from 203 Squadron were sent to Lydda. In Egypt 94 Squadron was in the process of being re-equipped with Hurricanes when Wg Cdr Wightman was ordered to collect five Gladiators from a Maintenance Unit and together with four other pilots proceed to Habbaniya.
Against this motley collection of aircraft the Royal Iraqi Air Force, RIAF, possessed a force, which on paper at least, appeared to be a more potent and formidable force. The organisation was as follows-:
I (Army Co-operation) Squadron at Mosul with 25 Nisrs
4 (Fighter) Squadron at Kirkuk with 9 Gladiators
5 (Fighter) Squadron at Rashid, Baghdad with 15 Breda Ba65s
7 (Fighter-Bomber) Squadron at Rashid with 15 Douglas-Northrop 8A-4s
The Nisrs were Pegasus engined Audaxes.
In addition to the above their were also four Savoia SM79B twin-engined bombers, also at Rashid. There were also de Haviland Dragons, Dragon Rapides,Dragonflies,Avro Ansons and Tiger Moths.
2/5/41
In the early hours of the 2nd Wellingtons from 70 and 37 Squadrons took off to bomb Iraqi positions on the plateau. Anti-aircraft fire was encountered and two aircraft were hit, one of them, piloted by Fly Off Anstey, was badly hit and landed on the main airfield at Habbaniya. A mechanic drove out in a tractor in order to tow in the damaged aircraft; unfortunately the Wellington was hit by an artillery shell and set on fire. After the Wellingtons had departed a mixed force of Audaxes, Oxfords and Gordons took off to attack the same positions. Aircraft using the main airfield had to take off in full view of the enemy gunners, so a take-off procedure had to be evolved. This took the form of taxing through the gates at 30mph straight onto the runway, then take off in a steep climbing turn away from the plateau. Trees and the hanger screened pilots using the polo pitch. Iraqi anti-aircraft fire was rather heavy at times and as a result an Oxford and a biplane were destroyed.
By mid-morning the RIAF were starting to appear over the base at regular intervals, Three aircraft were destroyed during strafing runs by a formation of six Iraqi Gladiators. The Fighter Flight was also active during the day. Fly Off R B Cleaver intercepted one of the SM 79Bs over the base but his guns jammed after a couple of passes. Fly Off J M Craigie saw a Ba65 about to start its attack run, he attacked it and caused it to break off.
In the late afternoon the Wellingtons of 70 Squadron were engaged in bombing Aqir, when they were intercepted by Northrop 8As and Gladiators, no damage was suffered by either side. By the end of the day 4 SFTS had made about 193 sorties over the plateau, either bombing or strafing. Five aircraft had been lost, two in the air and three on the ground, as well as another 20 or so, which had been damaged in one way or another.
In view of the situation it was decided to organise a relief force to go to the aid of Habbaniya. This force, known as Habforce, consisted of the 1st Cavalry Regiment along with one field regiment Royal Artillery. One lorry borne infantry battalion and three mechanised squadrons of the Transjordan Frontier Force. This force was short of equipment and would have to travel a total of 535 miles to reach Habbaniya. It would not be ready to leave until the 10th of May.
3/5/41
On the 3rd it was decided to launch a series of attacks on the Iraqi airfields in order to prevent the Iraqi air arm from carrying out attacks on Habbaniya. Three Wellingtons from 37 Squadron took off at dawn to attack Rashid, while a fourth attacked Iraqi positions near Habbaniya. Several Iraqi fighters tried to intercept the raid on Raschid, but the gunners on board the Wellingtons shot down one Nisr and damaged a second. One Wellington was slightly damaged. The Wellingtons and the Air Striking Force kept up repeated attacks on the Iraqi positions around Habbaniya, bombing and strafing anything that moved. Iraqi bombers were again caught over the base by the defending fighters, Fly Off Cleaver made several passes at a SM79B, the bomber departed the area with black smoke streaming from the port engine and diving steeply for the ground. Fly Off May attacked a formation of Northrops, and damaged one of them. It was later discovered that the SM79 and the Northrop had both force-landed in the desert, subsequently both the pilots had their claims upgraded to confirmed victories. During the day four of 203 Squadrons fighter Blenheims landed at Habbaniya to help out the Gladiator pilots on defensive patrols over the base.
4/5/41
Raschid was the target for a dawn raid by eight Wellingtons of 37 Squadron,buildings being bombed and aircraft strafed. Defending fighters rose up from the base and attacked several of the Wellingtons. Sqn Ldr Rivett-Carnacs aircraft was attacked by a Northrop, but this was hit by the rear gunner and was last seen diving away with smoke and flames pouring from the engine. Another Northrop was hit by the gunners aboard Sgt Noden Wellington and this broke away in a spiral dive with smoke coming from the engine. One Wellington, flown by Plt Off Rash was shot down by the combined fire from AA and a Gladiator. The pilot made a force landing in enemy territory and the crew was captured.
The Iraqi gunners on the plateau resumed their bombardment of Habbaniya, but this soon stopped once the aircraft from the camp appeared overhead. Blenheims of 203 Squadron were also active during the early morning; two aircraft strafed Rashid and Baghdad airport. At Rashid an SM79B, a Breda or Northrop and a Nisr were attacked leaving the Nisr in flames. At Baghdad a Gladiator and three Nisrs were hit and damaged,
5/5/41
Rashid and Baghdad were again the targets for 203 Squadron Blenheims, at the latter two SM79Bs and a Gladiator were attacked. The Wellingtons and the Air Striking Force flew up to 80 sorties against the Iraqi positions around Habbaniya. Later that night the Iraqis, demoralised by the constant bombing and strafing, abandoned their positions on the plateau
6/5/41
A dawn reconnaissance of the plateau showed the Iraqi forces in full retreat towards Fallujah. The Air Striking Force kept up the assault on the retreating Iraqis, inflicting heavy casualties. The Wellingtons of 37 Squadron raided Rashid destroying a hanger and a twin engined aircraft. In the afternoon a column of Iraqi infantry and artillery was seen approaching from Fallujah. A force of some forty aircraft were sent to attack it, causing considerable damage. Over Habbaniya a Northrop was intercepted by a Gladiator and was damaged in the process, However on the ground two of the Gladiator pilots were injured by flying splinters. During two Iraqi raids on Habbaniya the RAF lost two Oxfords, one Gladiator and one Audax.
7/5/41
On the 7th a Blenheim of 203 Squadron, flown by Sgt Hemsted gave chase to a lone Iraqi Nisr, which attacked Habbaniya. A low level chase developed and eventually the Nisr was shot down into the Euphrates, the Blenheim was so close that it was covered in muddy water thrown up by the Nisr hitting the water. Two more Blenheims from this unit made a reconnaissance over Baquba, seeing a mixed number of Northrops, Bredas and Nisrs the pilots made a strafing run claiming several damaged. Later in the day the same two pilots lead a formation of Oxfords and Audaxes from the Air Striking Force back to Baquba for a repeat attack. The aircraft from Habbaniya destroyed three aircraft on the ground and damaged others, while the Blenheims set fire to another three. One of the escorting Gladiators, flown by Plt Off Watson, attacked an Iraqi Gladiator from the rear at point blank range, and the aircraft crashed into the ground not far from Baquba.
In Egypt Wg Cdr Wightman was ready with his detachment to fly down to Habbaniya. The aircraft, two Mk Is and three Mk IIs, arrived at Habbaniya next day, The pilots involved were, Wg Cdr Wightman, Flt Lt Sir R A MacRobert, Fly Off G D F Herttage and Sgts E L Smith and W H Dunwoodie.
8/5/41
With the arrival of the ex-94 Sqn Gladiators the Fighter Flight was disbanded and “A” Squadron was re-formed into a fighter unit comprising two flights. 1 Flight used the main airfield and had operated the five reinforcement Gladiators, and 2 Flight used the polo field with the remains of the Fighter Flight. During the day the Air Striking Force flew up to fifty sorties against the retreating Iraqis on the Fallujah Plain. By the end of the day the RIAF had virtually ceased to exist as a fighting force thanks to the attention of the RAF. Over thirty Iraqi aircraft had been destroyed, mainly on the ground, and numerous others damaged.
9/5/41
Early in the morning two 203 Squadron Blenheims took off to attack Mosul. One turned back early but the other one carried on and destroyed four aircraft during its attack. The Air Striking Force continued to harass the retreating Iraqis making some 53 sorties during the day. An aircraft, possible a Blenheim from 203 Squadron carried out a reconnaissance of Raschid and strafed an SM79B, three Bredas, a Nisr and a Moth, the 5M79B was claimed as destroyed. Blenheims from 84 and 203 Squadrons made several attacks on a fort at Rutbah, severe ground fire was encountered and one Blenheim was lost, the crew were picked up by another Blenheim which landed alongside.
The Wellingtons of 37 Squadron were also active attacking Iraqi airfields at Mosul and Kirkuk
12/5/41
The 12th saw the arrival of the first of the German aircraft that had been promised to the Iraqis. The German force comprised of 12 Bf110Cs from 4/ZG76, two from ZG26 and 7 HeI11H-6 bombers from 4/KG4. There were also 20 Ju52/3ms and two or three Ju9O transports.
13/5/41
The Bf110s were out in force on the 13th but they did not inflict much damage to the defenders at Habbaniya.
16/5/41
Six Messerschmitt Bf110s carried out strafing runs over Habbaniya causing slight damage. An Audaxe was shot down by ground fire whilst carrying out patrol over the rebel forces which were encamped on a plateau overlooking Habbaniya. Later in the day three Heinkel He111s came over at 6,000ft and made two passes, they were intercepted by a Gladiator of 94 Squadron. Fly Of f Herrtage succeeded in shooting down one of the bombers but was himself shot down and killed by the cross fire from the rear gunners. The Gladiator crashed into the ground outside the airfield perimeter,
17/5/41
Four more of 94 Squadrons aircraft arrived. During a patrol over Raschid airfield near Baghdad Sgts Smith, K7899, and Dunwoodie, N5857, surprise two Bf110s taking off. Instead of avoiding a fight the Bf110s turn in towards the Gladiators and accepted the challenge. Being the more manoeuvrable the Gladiators soon gained the upper hand and both Bf110s were shot down. On their return to base both pilots stated that the Messerschmitts did not carry any rear gunners. Later in the day six Gladiators escorted six Blenheims on a raid to Rashid. The 17th marked the arrival to Habbaniya of the first Hurricane to help relieve the hard-pressed Gladiators.
20/5/41
Early in the morning three Gladiators drove off a Bf110 that was attacking troops near Fallujah. Later on four Gladiators were flying top cover for an Audaxe that had force-landed. One of these, flown by Sgt Smith was attacked several times by five of the Messerschmitts and only managed to escape after his aircraft was damaged. The Gladiator was claimed as destroyed by Lt Martin Drewes. A further raid was carried out on Raschid by six Blenheims, escorted by three Gladiators and two Hurricanes.
2115/41
A mixed bag of aircraft from 4 FTS and 94 Squadron carry out a raid on Raschid airfield. Thirteen Gladiators provided escort. No enemy aircraft were encountered.
23/5/41
The fighter force suffered a loss on the 23rd when Fly Off Sandison flew a reconnaissance over Fallujah. His Gladiator was hit by ground fire, although he was able to carry out a forced landing. He was able to evade capture and made his way back on foot. His Gladiator was later destroyed by a roving Bf110.
The Iraqis received more support in the form of 12 Fiat CR42s from Italy.
29/5/41
At l000hrs three Audaxes, with two Gladiators as escort, attacked the Iraqi stronghold at Khan Nuquta. Here they were intercepted by two of the CR42s;one of the Audaxes was damaged in the attack. Sqn Ldr Wightman, in N5777, dived into to attack one of the Fiats and was able to shot it down.
30/5/41
Gladiators and Hurricanes escorted bombers to Khadiman without any interference from the Iraqis. In Baghdad Rashid Ali requested a truce which was agreed almost immediately.
31/5/41
Most of the personnel from 94 Squadron left for Egypt, leaving behind the Gladiators and the Hurricanes. The Italians were able to extricate themselves from the country better than the Germans who lost all 14 Bf110s and five of their He111s.
References:
The War That Never Was- Air Vice-Marshall A G Dudgeon, Airlife, England.
Dust Clouds in The Middle East- Chris Shores, Grub Street, London.
Aeroplane Monthly- September, October and November 1981.
