PACIFYING THE DESERT

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 135, 4 December 1929, Page 5

PACIFYING THE DESERT

TROOP-CARRYING 'PLANES

It wus appropriately from Bagdad, whence came the magic carpets of "The Arabian Nights," that licl[j was sent to the beleaguered civilians in Kabul during the recent revolution, writes "Breech Screw" in the August number of "Cliambcra'a Journal" in describing the work of the troop-carrying aeroplanes. Peshawar then became their base for operations, and the Afghan Government allowed the use of its landing grounds near Kabul. In the earlier stages of the operations these troop-carriers and their escorts were constantly fired at from the ground. One machine was actually brought down, but the British pilots continued to fly unarmed. The journey from Peshawar to Kabul was one hour and a half's flying—about 160 miles. The pilots made in all 80 outward and homeward flights, and they flew at an average height of 10,000 feet, over one of the most inhospitable stretches of country in the world. The route lay over snowcapped ridges, and the dreadful Kabul River gorge. In the event of accident there was no possible landing places, and no hope of rescue. The troop-carriers used are known in the Royal Air Force as Viekers "Victorias." They are fitted with two Napier "Lion" engines, each of 450: horsepower. Their best speed is 110 miles an hour. Fully loaded they weigh about eight tons. The enclosed cabins carry 23 people in addition to two pilots. They are fitted with folding seats, lockers, water tanks, medical stores, and a wireless plant. The machine will also, if necessary, accommodate stretchers. These aeroplanes were built specially for use in Irak, when the Royal Air Force assumed control of that country in 1922. Their value has been proved by results. After Groat Britain took control of Irak the maintenance of a defence force was necessary. In 1921 this force cost the British Government £21,000,000. Now the garrison is controlled by an Air Force officer, who has eight squadrons of aircraft under his command, and the garrison is reduced to four infantry battalions, four armoured car companies, a pack battery, and some irregulars, the whole costing only £4--000,000 annually. Yet the country is more peaceful than it has ever been before.