IOR/L/MIL/7/17399

This file contains correspondence concerning the development of an aviation unit for service with Indian Expeditionary Force ‘D’ in Mesopotamia [Iraq]. Subjects covered in the correspondence include:

• The takeover by the War Office of the aviation unit in Mesopotamia established by the Government of India
• Appointments, pay, and allowances of aviation personnel, including discussions with the Australian Government on pay for Australian servicemen in Mesopotamia
• The Government of India’s request for more powerful aircraft than the Maurice Farman planes currently in service in Mesopotamia
• The supply of Martinsyde Scout and Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c aircraft by the War Office for service in Mesopotamia, and efforts to obtain seaplanes from East Africa
• Gifts of aircraft from the Maharaja of Gwalior and the Mir of Khair [Khairpur]
• The supply of spare parts and stores
• Technical issues concerning the operation of engines in hot climates
• The Government of India’s request for the formation of an aviation unit for service on the North-West Frontier
• The appointment of Air Commodore Tom Webb-Bowen as the first Commander of the newly-formed Royal Air Force (RAF) in India in 1919.

The file also contains a report dated 12 May 1916 on the organisation and despatch of an aviation unit by the Government of India for service with Force ‘D’, with details of personnel, equipment, and expenditure, sent by the Government of India, Army Department, to the Secretary of State for India.

Principal correspondents are: the Secretary of State for India; the India Office, Military Department; the Viceroy and Government of India, Army Department; and the War Office.