'Papers relating to transfer of Middle Eastern Affairs to the Colonial Office and creation of a new Department there, 1920-1921, with Cabinet notes of Milner, Montague, Churchill, self, and others' [‎10v] (20/136)

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considered in any way sufficient to guard Mesopotamia against external invasion.
In the event of a serious invasion from without by the Turks, Russians, or Arabs, or
by any combination of them, reinforcements would have to come from elsewhere.
General Principles in the Scheme.
3. In order to ensure the economy and efficiency possible in view of the radius
of action of aircraft, all available aerial forces musf be grouped into a few localities
which possess good communications and possibilities for defence. These main
stations will be supplemented as required by advanced aerodromes, and military
forces will be employed to guard both main stations and advanced grounds under
the conditions prescribed below.
Details of Air Force Stations, &c.
4. In view of its central position, the excellence of its communications, and the
fact that it is the centre of administration of the country, Baghdad has been
selected as the most favourable position for Air Headquarters, and with these head
quarters will be grouped the greater portion of the strength of the Royal Air Force
in Mesopotamia, together with the various aircraft depots essential to the main
tenance of the squadrons in the country. This station will also be the headquarters
of a group (see below).
It is proposed to divide the country into three main groups, Northern, Central
and Southern, each under a Group Captain, answerable to the Air Officer Command-
ing-in-Chief.
Northern Gravy (Shergat).
Group headquarters, with two squadrons two-seater reconnaissance (D.H.9A)
and one squadron twin-engine three-seater bombers (D.H.10), will be divided between
Shergat and Mosul. From either place a flight of moderate duration will enable
the Kurdish Foot Hills to be reached, at which line our first responsibility may be
presumed to end. The D.H.10 Squadron is selected for this district on account of its
high performance : operating from advanced landing grounds it will be of great
value, should it be necessary to extend our influence into the interior of the Kurdish
mountain country. It is proposed to establish protected landing grounds at Erbil
and Kirkouk with a view to contioiling restless areas, which are at the same time of
considerable commercial value.
Central Group {Baghdad).
Group headquarters with the following squadrons : —
1 corps reconnaissance (Bristol fighters).
I single-seater lighter (Snipe).
1 twin-engine bomber (Vickers-Vimy).
1 lighter-than-air unit (two non-rigid airships).
2 passenger carriers.
The role of this group is the protection of Baghdad from incursions by tribes
lying to the east or west, to safeguard the route to Persia up to the eastern
boundary of Mesopotamia, and to form a central air reserve for the country. The
fighter squadron, with long-range petrol tanks, will be employed chiefly on political
communication work involving landing in confined spaces. It will also be available
for such limited military co-operation as may be required.
The Snipe Squadron will be of value for controlling Baghdad and districts not
requiring a long flight from the base.
The Vickers-Vimy Squadron will perform reconnaissance and bombing work,
and will be able to undertake the transport of small bodies of troops to outlying
districts pending the provision of passenger-carrying squadrons. It may also be
used for transportation of spares and supplies.
The lighter-than-air unit will perform long distance reconnaissance work and
the patrol of main communications.
The two passenger-carrying squadrons will be available as heavy bombers, but
their primary functions will be the transportation of considerable numbers of troops,
to secure landing grounds or strategic points in combined operations and their main
tenance with supplies and ammunition by air. The power to transport and supply