A fascinating book
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Rob Lyman is an expert in this period, on which he has written a full length book called First Victory, which covers Iraq, Syria and then some in this period. You might prefer to buy that and get the full bit, but this book which is derived from the same research (and acknowledges the use of the same text) is a fine volume in its own right. Original research, truly interesting photos, and informative artwork (if you can see past the boy's own element). Osprey books are sometimes said to be uneven and overpriced. This one is top notch, the account of Habbaniya is very interesting and involving, and the whole package is worth the outlay.
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Excellent summary of the 1941 Iraq campaign
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This was a Osprey campaign book well worth publishing - if only to make this episode of WWII better known, and with it some of its players like the RAF Assyrian Levies who fought loyally and tenaciously. The two feature illustrations, of the German "Iraqi Legion" Bf 100 attacks on Habforce crossing the desert on their trek to relieve Habbaniyah and the lone Arab Legion Lewis gunner who returned fire, and the charge of the RAF Assyrian Levies across the bridge at Fallujah, are magnificent. I would however like to know what Robert Layman's sources are for his statement that Air Vice Marshall Smart at Habbnaiyah issued a 2.45 am ultimatum to the investing Iraqi Nationalist troops before commencing his air attack by the mueum peices of No.4 Flying Ttaining School at 5.00 am on 2nd May 1941. In his memoirs Tedder, Smart's new immediate superior at RAF Middle East Command, says that on 1st May he told Smart to issue an ultimatum or continue flying training. However virtually all the other sources on this campaign say the RAF attack was "pre-emptive", without the ultimatum that Smart and his officers feared would provoke an attack on the airbase before they could get their machines off the ground.
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Iraq 1941
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The campaign in Iraq in 1941 has obvious relevance to contempory events, with many place names familiar through news reports. But this little known war is well worth reading about in its' own right. A scratch force of British, Arab, Indian and Iraqi troops was faced by pro-German Iraqi forces that were not only considerably larger, but much better equipped. The story of what happens next is told with considerable verve by Robert Lyman, making this one of the best of the Osprey Campaign series.
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