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Re: FAA losses in May 1941, Iraq
Hello,
Have only positively identified one of the 814 Squadron Swordfish involved in the Iraqi affair (the Swordfish bombers were from HMS "Hermes", and were using Shaibah as a land base).
Thursday, 15 May 1941. In the south 814 Squadron remained very active, and during the eighth of a series of attacks on barracks in the Basra area, three Swordfish attacked those at Samawa. Here one of the bombers was hit and made a very heavy forced-landing. The aircraft was surrounded by Arabs, but fell back when the pilot offered them a one dinar note. Another Swordfish, piloted by Lt J.H. Dundas, landed alongside and picked up the downed crew just as Iraqi troops advanced on them and opened fire, holing the fuel tank. Despite this, Dundas got the aircraft off again, Leading Air Mechanic Latham engaging the Iraqis with his Lewis gun; Dundas was later awarded the DSC.
See:
Dust Clouds in the Middle East.
Shores,Christopher.
London:Grub Street,1996.
pp.183-4. (see also: pp.172, 174, 178-9, 187 & 192).
From, The Swordfish Story (Ray Sturtivant):
Swordfish Losses:
15.5.41. - P4036.
814 Sqn Shaibah. Dive-bombing attack Sumawar barracks, crashed (Sub-Lt G. R. Coy (MID) and TAG L. E. Lasson (MID) rescued by Lt J. H. Dundas who was awarded DSC).
See:
The Swordfish Story.
Sturtivant,Ray.
London:Arms and Armour Press,1993.
pp.179 & 198.
See also: FAA Aircraft 1939-1945/Sturtivant/A-B/p.80.
Col.
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