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WWII aircraft ID needed

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Any ideas what these 3 aircraft are? :confused: The original photo is 3 inch x 2 inch, black and white. Taken by my Grandad in WWII probably at Habbaniya.

I also have a photo of Habbaniya’s sign (London 3287 miles, and Baghdad 55 miles) and a picture of his regiment (army – unknown unit) stood atop an Iraqi Air force He111…. and finally a poor quality pic of an airbourne assault annotated with ‘They were Germans!’ on the reverse

Any help greatly appreciated. We have no idea exactly what he did during the war, or which regiment he seved with.. so what you see here is what we know about his exploits.

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By: super sioux - 23rd April 2007 at 20:44

Ok, I’ll stick my neck out and say that I think the one on the left is a Potez 29 Sanitaire (White with Red crosses) and the others are standard Potez 25 TOE in Khaki.

John

No need to stick your neck out John you are absolutely right! In my copy of ‘Dust clouds in the Middle East’ by Christopher Shores there is a photo of a Potez 25 TOE and a Potez 29 which has crosses on its wings of EO 596 at Deir ez Zor Syria. Both seem to have five light coloured bands on their upper wings as well.
Ray

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By: John Aeroclub - 23rd April 2007 at 17:51

Potez 29 and 25 TOE

Ok, I’ll stick my neck out and say that I think the one on the left is a Potez 29 Sanitaire (White with Red crosses) and the others are standard Potez 25 TOE in Khaki.

John

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By: Lindy's Lad - 23rd April 2007 at 15:43

Not sure about the crosses, given the quality and original size of the photo, all that is visible are crosses. The middle aircraft appears to have a cabin too, or it could just be a trick of the light. Either way, you guys have given me a great start into the wartime exploits of my grandfather. I hope thie pics were interesting to you too. Cheers guys.

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By: John Aeroclub - 22nd April 2007 at 20:13

Sanitaire?

Are you sure the Potez 25 on the left has “German” crosses and could it be the Sanitaire (ambulance version) with a cabin and white with Red crosses?

John

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By: Lindy's Lad - 22nd April 2007 at 18:27

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=152509&stc=1&d=1177262617

I think you could be right… thats been bugging me for years! Thanks

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=152510&stc=1&d=1177263089

‘They were Germans’…..

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By: Lindy's Lad - 22nd April 2007 at 18:11

Sounds good to me… the aircraft on the left appears to have German crosses on it, but the other two have roundels – must be either french, italian or british… I’ll go have a look at a potez and see if they match….

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By: Alex Crawford - 22nd April 2007 at 17:44

Hi,

My aircraft ID is not too great but they look like French Potez 25TOE to me. During the invasion of Syria in June 1940 Potex 25TOEs were based at Rayak, Damascus-Mezze, Allepo-Nerab, Palmyra and Deir ez Zor.

I don’t know of any Potez 25TOEs being surrendered at Habbaniya so your Grandad may have took part in the Syrian campaign.

Hope this helps.

Alex

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