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Aviation History
1939
1939 - 0536.PDF
190 FLIGHT. FEBRUARY 23, 1930 On the left are fitter armourers of the Indian Air Force at work on a Wapiti. The Wapiti above is receiving the attention of fitters, riggers and wireless operators. By January, 1934, ^e flight had so far completed its training as to be able to carry out an independent detach ment at Hyderabad, Sind, where it provided artillery co operation with the ist Field Brigade, Royal Artillery. Its work was entirely satisfactory and the occasion notable as being the first instance of the Indian Air Force working mdependently. During succeeding years the Force has carried out many such detachments throughout India. By April, 1936, more officers had completed their train ing in England and a further batch of apprentices had qualified as airmen. A second flight was therefore formed at Drigh Road, and this allowed the first flight to move to Peshawar to gain experience in frontier work by attach ment to No. 10 (A.C.) Squadron, Royal Air Force. This attachment has had notable results. It marked the begin ning of a close friendship between all ranks of No. 20 (AC.) Squadron, R.A.F., and No. 1 (A.C.) Squadron, I.A.F., and this ensured valuable liaison in operations the following year. Mountain Warfare During the next two years the flights of No. 1 Squadron were sent on many detachments, even as far south as Bangalore. On one occasion the flight stationed at Peshawar was sent to Chaklala, near Rawalpindi, to take part in experiments with the 2nd Infantry Brigade in moun tain warfare. These experiments were the basis of the system of '' close support'' which is now so frequently used in Waziristan. The outbreak of trouble in 1937 in Waziristan gave the new force its first chance in active operations. At first the pilots were employed in inter-communication and ferrying duties between Peshawar and the operational stations of Miranshah and Manzai, but by September one flight was moved to Miranshah to take part in the actual fighting. It was then that the friendship with No. 20 (A.C.) Squadron, R.A.F., proved so valuable. It was found necessary to employ air gunners who were operators, also VV/T and there had been no time to train airmen in both these trades. A request was therefore sent to No. 20 (A.C.) Squadron, and every suitable wire less operator-air gunner in that Squadron at once volunteered to fly with the Indian Air Force. So high was the prestige of its pilots that several applica tions were received from personnel in other R.A.F. units. King Ghazi I in front of a Savoia Marchetti S.M.79 lately delivered to the Royal Iraq Air Force. On his left is Prince TalsJ.
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