The Big Little War: A World War II epic

Churchill, Wavell and the incredible story of how an RAF flying school in ancient biplanes beat overwhelming odds to keep Iraqi oil from Hitler – and save Britain’s Middle Eastern empire. Some reader reviews: “”Brilliantly documented chapter of the war.”” “”Excellent story about an incredible episode.”” “”Excellent account of a little known heroic battle against all odds.”” “”Very detailed from original sources, I highly recommend this book.”” “”This story is just as exciting as any Biggles adventure: and it really happened.”” “”Very readable, almost ‘boys-own’ in nature – fascinating – compelling prose – a highly recommended read.”” There are very few WW2 epics still to be uncovered. This is one: based on newly discovered war diaries, The Big Little War tells the story of how an RAF training school in ancient biplanes defeated the Iraqi army and the Luftwaffe – and why they were overlooked by history. In early 1941 RAF Habbaniya in Iraq was a quiet flying school far from the front line. This all changed when, following a German supported Iraqi coup, 9,000 Iraqi troops marched on the camp to demand its surrender. Habbaniya was virtually defenceless, with reinforcements weeks away across the desert. Left to fend for themselves and faced with the imminent arrival of the Luftwaffe, the camp commandant ordered a pre-emptive strike in their antiquated machines… Of all the battles of WW2, there has never been a more underreported campaign with such strategic significance. Had the school failed, Britain’s power in the Middle East would be crippled, the oil fields lost to the Germans, and the course of the war, very different. — ISBN13: 9781739266806