The 55 Squadron ORB (TNA AIR 27/521) gives some details about the circumstances surrounding the crash of the KLM liner. The squadron was based at RAF Hinaidi.
Period 1/12/34 to 31/12/34:
SEARCH FOR MISSING K.L.M. LINER: On 21st a Flight of 5 aircraft led by F/L. Hawkings took part in a search for the K.L.M. Douglas of which no news had been received for 36 hours. The last Position Signal sent outby the Douglas was H.3 and at the same time the D.F. Station at Rutbah was requested for Bearing. The latter was not forthcoming immediately and when Rutbah attempted to get into communications with the Linber there was no reply. It was assumed therefore that the Liner had ben forced down in the vicinity of Rutbah. No. 14 Squadron was detailed to search the area between Amman and Rutbah and the 5 aircraft from No. 55 Squadron to search the area north of the track between Baghdad and Rutbah. The flight was airborne at Hinaidi at 0700 hours (LT) and arrived at Rutbah at 1000 hours (LT).
The flight landed at Rutbah and refuelled. A signal was then received from an aircraft of No. 14 Squadron stating that the air liner had been located 10 miles south west of Rutbah on the north bank of the Wadi Haran. The flight proceeded to the scene of the crash and landed alongside. A detachment of Iraqi police had arrived, so the Flight took off and returned to Hinaidi and landed at 1500 hours. The aircraft taking part in the search were fitted with low pressure tyres. Heavy rain had fallen all the previous day and the aerodromes were unserviceable to all aircraft except those fitted with low pressure tyres. The aircraft took off - and landed on the ‘all weather track.
Nick Livingstone