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tiny fireburn
13th Aug 2023, 13:30
I'm currently researching the RAF Lincolns of 49, 100, 61 and 214 Sqns which were detached to RAF Eastleigh, Kenya for operations against the Mau Mau during the period Nov 53 to Feb 55. I would be very interested to hear from anyone who has relevant photos. You can reach me at: [email protected]

Warmtoast
13th Aug 2023, 15:12
Tiny
Not exactly as you requested, but some time ago I posted a piece about ex-Rhodesian Air Training Group Harvards being used against the Mau Mau in Kenya.
Here's what I said at the time:
As the Rhodesian Air Training Group was run down before being closed in late 1953 Harvard IIBs from Thornhill were fitted with bomb racks and a machine gun before being despatched to Kenya to be used in the fight against the Mau Mau.

From Flight Global 17th July 1953.
In ten weeks up to July 9th, Harvards operating against the Mau Mau in Kenya, flew 183 sorties against 85 targets, dropping 1,096 bombs and firing 96,000 rounds of ammunition.

Interrogation of prisoners, it was stated, suggested that the measures had proved effective, particularly on the
morale of gangs in the prohibited areas.

According to Flight Global dated 18th September 1953
THE R.A.F. contingent from Rhodesia attached to the security forces combating the Mau Mau in Kenya are operating from an improvised air-strip 8,000 ft up in the Kenya mountains, at Mercians Farm.
Six Harvards, each fitted with a machine gun and racks for eight 20 lb. bombs, are piloted by officers from the Rhodesian air training schools under the command of W/C. R. Johnstone, D.S.O., D.F.C .

FWIW I was based in Rhodesia 1951 - 1953

tiny fireburn
14th Aug 2023, 12:46
Thank you Warmtoast - all grist to the mill!

Warmtoast
21st Aug 2023, 10:33
Tiny
A little late, but this is one of the Harvard line-ups at RAF Thornhill, 5 FTS, in Rhodesia in 1952-53 showing the type of Harvard that were sent up to Kenya to counter the Mau Mau.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1220x864/f_flight_line_up_67ed10cf06b5d3d1d2d7fe0971f04c204afbfaf1.jp g

WT