RAF Basra looking north, 31 August 1933

No. 203 Squadron RAF was based in Iraq from 1929 until 1939. It operated a variety of flying boats, including the Supermarine Southampton II, Short Rangoon and Short Singapore III.

This photograph is one of many taken by No. 203 Squadron RAF while based in Iraq. Places covered included Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Trucial States, Muscat and Oman. The cameras were usually hand-held by a member of the crew. This shows RAF Basra flying boat station, with flying boats in the river.