Palestine Brigade RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Palestine Brigade |
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|---|---|
| Active | 5 October 1917 – |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
The Palestine Brigade was an important air force group. It was part of the Royal Flying Corps and later the Royal Air Force. This brigade was created on October 5, 1917. It was formed because General Allenby needed more air support. He was planning a big attack against the Ottoman Empire in Palestine.
Contents
Why the Palestine Brigade Was Needed
Before General Allenby took command, German and Ottoman planes were stronger. They had better planes like the Rumpler and Fokker. This meant they controlled the skies over the Levant. General Allenby really believed in air power. He asked the British War Office for more and better planes. He wanted to make sure his forces had the best air support.
How the Palestine Brigade Was Formed
With more British planes arriving, the Palestine Brigade was set up. This happened on October 5, 1917. It included all the Royal Flying Corps units in the Middle East. These units were located east of Suez.
Early Leadership of the Brigade
At first, Brigadier-General W G H Salmond led the Palestine Brigade. He also commanded all Royal Flying Corps units in the Middle East. In December 1917, a new leader was chosen. Brigadier-General A E Borton became the Brigade Commander. Salmond, who was now a Major-General, still watched over the brigade's work.
Parts of the Palestine Brigade
The Palestine Brigade had two main parts, called wings:
- 5th (Corps) Wing: This group worked closely with ground troops. They helped Allenby's soldiers directly.
- 40th (Army) Wing: This wing was formed at the same time. Its job was to fight enemy planes. It also attacked Ottoman and German supply bases.
By the summer of 1918, the Brigade grew even more. It added a balloon company and places to fix planes. These included an aircraft park, an aircraft depot, and an engine repair depot. In August, a powerful Handley Page 0/400 bomber joined them. This large plane had flown all the way from England.
Key Actions of the Brigade
The Palestine Brigade was very active during the Palestine Campaign. One of its most famous actions was at the Battle of Megiddo. During this battle, the Ottoman Seventh Army was retreating. The Palestine Brigade attacked them from the air. This aerial attack destroyed the army on the Nablus-Beisan road.
Leaders of the Palestine Brigade
Here are the officers who commanded the Palestine Brigade:
- October 5, 1917: Brigadier-General W G H Salmond
- November 5, 1917: Brigadier-General W S Brancker
- December 14, 1917: Brigadier-General A E Borton
- June 28, 1918: Lieutenant Colonel R Williams
- January 1919: Unknown
- June 18, 1919: Brigadier-General C S Burnett
