‘File 7/5 Proposal to base R.A.F. squadron in Bahrain’

Content

The file contains correspondence and blueprint plans, related to the acquisition of land at Muharraq for the establishment of a Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Bahrain. The plan to establish an RAF squadron at Bahrain was precipitated by the relocation of Squadron 203 from Basra to Aden, with Bahrain identified as a practical central base for the protection of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . The correspondence discusses: plans to expand the existing aerodrome at Muharraq; questions over whether customs should be paid by the RAF in Bahrain, as charged by the Bahrain Government; the proximity of property owned by Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah to the site proposed for acquisition; the cost of the acquisition of land; and arrangements for the construction of the RAF base. Enclosed in the file are three blueprint maps showing the proposed areas for acquisition and development at Muharraq, in relation to local properties and villages (folios 104a-106).

Extent and format

1 file (109 folios)

It is grouped into

‘Bisaitin Moharraq. Northern Foreshore’

2 images

Ref: IOR/R/15/2/271, f 104A

‘Bisaitin Moharraq. Northern Foreshore. Plan B’

2 images

Ref: IOR/R/15/2/271, f 105

‘R.A.F. Landing Ground and the village of Dair in the Island of Moharaq. Plan A’

2 images

Ref: IOR/R/15/2/271, f 106

Arrangement

The contents of the file have been arranged in approximately chronological order, from the earliest items at the front of the file to the latest at the rear. There is a set of office notes towards the end of the file (folios 87-103), which mirror the chronological arrangement. Three fold-out maps have been placed at the end of the file (folios 104a-06). Circled index numbers in red crayon and ink can be found throughout the file, and refer to the office notes.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: The foliation sequence begins on the front cover and ends on the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. The following foliation anomalies occur: 1 and 1A; 16, 16a, 16b, and 104a.

Written in

English and Arabic in Latin and Arabic script

Type

Archival file

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/R/15/2/271

Former external reference(s)

Confidential Office: File 7/5

History of this record

Date(s)

27 Jun 1935-29 Nov 1943 (CE, Gregorian)

People & organisations

RAF Muharraq, British airbase

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Cite this record in your research

‘File 7/5 Proposal to base R.A.F. squadron in Bahrain’, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/2/271, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000000241.0x00008e> [accessed 4 June 2026]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100000000241.0x00008e

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