RAF at Mersa Matruh, Egypt

[tomdocherty72]

Can anyone come up with information on first use of the airfield at Mersa Matruh by either the RFC or RAF pre WW2?

[Kieron Kirk]

RAF Mersah Matruh.

It will take a bit of time but for starters the following Squadrons: 14, 33, 113, 142, 162, 208, 252, 451, 459, 621.
Also there is a connection between Mersah Matruh and LG07 and 08.

14 Squadron with BE.2a to Ismailia 23rd November 1915 with a detachment at Mersah Matruh, returning to Mersah Matruh on 29th January 1916 after a move to Heliopolis on 6th December 1915.

Ciarain.

[Kieron Kirk]

RAF Mersah Matruh.

5 Wing sailed to the Middle East 7th November 1915 in SS. Anchises although it seems that the only squadron that arrived in Egypt was No.14.

LG07/08 were Matruh West/Mersah Matruh. "Landing Ground" numbers only used pre and during WW2?

Ciarain.

[tomdocherty72]

Mersa

Hi Ciarain,

Thanks for the info on WW1 use. Very helpful. Where did you dig that up from?

[Kieron Kirk]

Two very good books; RAF Squadrons/C G Jefford/Airlife and RAF Flying Training and Support Units since 1912/ Ray Sturtivant/John Hamlin/Air Britain.

Ciarain.

[tomdocherty72]

Mersa

Thanks for the pointers.

[tomdocherty72]

Mersa Matruh aircraft photos

Now looking for photos of aircraft of the following squadrons which were based (sometimes for short periods) at Mersa Matruh:

33 SQN - HAWKER HART AND GLOSTER GLDIATOR
142 SQN - HAWKER HART
208 SQN
216 SQN - VICKERS VALENTIA
113 SQN - HAWKER HIND
14 SQN RFC - BE.2A
1 SQN ROYAL EGYPTIAN AF - WESTLAND LYSANDER

ALSO

IMPERIAL AIRWAYS - ARMSTRONG WHITWORTH ARGOSY
VICKERS VELLORE
DH RAPIDE G-ADAO

Any photos or pointer to where I might source them will be much appreciated.

[cpullman80]

Thanks for the info on WW1 use.

[Brian 48nav]

Tom

The South American river could be your friend! They have copies of Winged Promises, 14 Sqn history until 1945.

Have you tried the various squadron associations?