Winged Promises

A history of No.14 Squadron, Royal Air Force

From the book's foreword, by King Hussein of Jordan:
The Winged Crusaders' is indeed an appropriate nickname for No 14 Squadron.The squadron began its distinguished career in the Holy Land at a time of change. Sharif Hussein of Mecca had just launched the Great Arab Revolt to gain Arab independence from Ottoman rule. Operations by No 14 Squadron - in support of General Allenby and Emir Feisal - in Arabia, Transjordan, Palestine and Syria, helped to defeat Turkish opposition and establish the Middle East of today.
Yet. even under the Mandate system, squadrons of the Royal Air Force were called to play a stabilising role in the region following Trenchard's doctrine of "Control from the Air". It was during this period that the Squadron strengthened its bond with the Hashemites in Transjordan by using air power to protect and support the independence, freedom and security of Transjordan from the turmoil of the late 1920s and the 1930s culminating in World War II where No 14 Squadron fought hard throughout the Middle East.
Following World War II, the Middle East and the Holy Land continued to be the centre of turmoil and conflict and air power continued to play a pivotal role in the securitv and defence of regional states. War and conflict took a heavy toll on the region in a time when military might seemed the only way to maintain a sense of security and stability.
During the Gulf War, the Royal Air Force again deployed to the region under the bannner of the United Nations to uphold world peace and international security. It was the tragedy of this war that demonstrated the fallacy of the regional arms race and that real security and stability only comes from peaceful co-existence and co-operation and not from the threat of war. For the first time in decades, the Middle East and the Holy Land look set to enjoy the fruits of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
However, the prospect of peace in the Middle East has not diminished the threat of conflicts and instability affecting the world. We now live in a new order where all nations should work for international peace and stability.This noble task, rich in the sacrifice and tradition exemplified in the history of No 14 Squadron, must be met with courage and determination. This book is a dedication to all the men of No 14 Squadron. those 'Winged Crusaders' who served, fought and died so that this world can enjoy greater peace and prosperity.


By Vincent Orange and Lord Deramore
Published by the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund 1996 1st edition. 310pp illustrated, index, appendices, maps. 17x24 small indentation to rear board otherwise fine, including d/j.






Note:
"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "new edition" "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.

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