David Baker to talk on battles in the desert during World War One at Army Flying Museum

The story of aviation, armoured cars and Lawrence of Arabia in the desert in World War One will come alive in an illustrated talk at the Army Flying Museum.

On November 14, Group Captain David Baker, the Grandson of Air Marshal Sir Geoffrey Salmond, the third Chief of Air Staff of the Royal Air Force, will give a talk about the battles during the war in the desert.

The event will be held at the Army Flying Museum, Middle Wallop, Stockbridge, Hampshire.

David will shed light on the challenges of early flying in the Middle East during World War One, the daring operations of armoured cars in the desert, Lawrence’s attacks on the Hejaz railway and the development of the Royal Flying Corps as an effective fighting force.

“I will talk about the incredible bravery of those airman flying over the pitiless desert, the armoured cars in the shimmering heat, give an insight into the charisma and brilliance of Lawrence of Arabia, as well as General Allenby’s victorious campaign in World War One,” he said.  “Throughout the war aviation played a crucial part.

“Sometimes disguising Allenby’s plan of attack by preventing German reconnaissance aircraft overflying Allied forces, also by protecting Lawrence’s Arabs from attack by German aircraft.

“Lawrence loved his Rolls Royce armoured cars.

“He used them to attack the Hejaz railway.

“He even used them to shoot up German aircraft parked in an airfield near Deraa.”

The talk starts at 7pm and a curry supper is also available from the Apache Cafe at 6pm.

Spaces are limited so book in advance to avoid disappointment.

For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.armyflying.com/events or call 01264 781086.