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Steve Buster Johnson at Murwillumbah

6 Squadron RAF, Ma'Asker & Habbaniya Cemeteries

RAF Hinaidi - Photos of the 1930s

This page is a 'work-in-progress' pictorial account depicting day-to-day life at RAF Hinaidi during the nineteen-thirties using photographs taken at that time. With the kind permission of Mike Greene, whose grandfather was stationed at RAF Hinaidi for several years, I have reproduced below a selection of old photographs taken at RAF Hinaidi during its heyday. Though I am as yet unable to provide names to any of the men shown in the photographs, I have been able to identify some of the events and places, which I will eventually identify on the map below.

This is the provisional (secret) plan of the proposed RAF Hinaidi Cantonment, dated 1932

This photo was taken of an airman at RAF Hinaidi sitting on a bench by the side of the swimming pool

Two airmen at RAF Hinaidi wearing pith helmets and ready for a swim in the River Tigris

Two airmen at RAF Hinaidi wearing pith helmets and ready for a swim in the River Tigris

On the 7th June 1928 at RAF Hinaidi, the hangar containing 70 Squadron’s ‘A’ Flight bombers caught fire, four Vickers Victorias (Serials J8226, J8227, J7923 and J7847). The aircraft were destroyed in the blaze as were five Lion replacement engines, but I’ve not found any record of injuries or death. The cause of the fire 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.

A group photo of C Squadron Royal Air Force, taken on the 4th November 1933 at RAF Hinaidi

An airman serving at RAF Hinaidi during the nineteen-thirties washing his horse in the River Tigris

An airman tending sheep at RAF Hinaidi, the photo taken in the nineteen-thirties

An airmen on guard duty on the perimeter bund at RAF Hinaidi, looking out across the River Tigris

One of the parade grounds at RAF Hinaidi 'out of bounds' due to flooding after heavy rains

Airman with the stationmaster at the RAF Hinaidi railway station

The winning side takes to the field during a cricket competition at RAF Hinaidi c. 1932 competition at RAF Hinaidi c. 1932

A dismissed batsman returns to the spectator area at RAF Hinaidi. c 1932

Cricketer with Cap (star bowler from the winning team) after the cricket final at RAF Hinaidi c1932. The aircraft hangars are in the background

The handing out of the cricket trophy to the captain of the winning team (striped caps) at RAF Hinaidi c1932

The captain of the winning team being awarded the cricket trophy at RAF Hinaidi c 1932

The winning team at the RAF Hinaidi Cricket Championship c1932, sitting with Group Captain J McRae, Officer Commanding RAF Aircraft Depot

Hinaidi - Hunting Party Boar and Hunter.jpg

Airman at RAF Hinaidi playing with his dog on the banks of the River Tigris c 1932

Three airmen from RAF Hinaidi on a hunting trip looking for wild boar. c 1932

RAF Hinaidi Christmas 1932 when a sleeping quarters bungalow was converted into a Christmas grottoDepot Hinaidi Iraq.jpg

A 70 Squadron Vickers Victoria after it landed heavily at RAF Hinaidi and the undercarriage collapsed and was pushed through the lower wings. c 1934

Hunting expedition outside Baghdad, perhaps for wild boar - March 1934

Fancy dress for the 1932 Christmas party at the Aircraft Depot, RAF Hinaidi

Iraqi dwellings outside Baghdad, near RAF Hinaidi.

Inside the cantonment at RAF Hinaidi, the photo taken during the rainy season and showing the muddy tracks near the railway line that ran through the camp

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