X Flight was designated the task of giving close air support to the
desert army formed and commanded by Lawrence of Arabia. It flew from advanced
desert landing grounds on reconnaissance, liaison, bombing and ground attack
missions. The existence and deeds of the flight were kept secret, so much so
that even the RFC Paymaster was unaware of their existence. George Hynes was an
aircraft mechanic and became responsible for keeping the flight s somewhat
elderly aircraft airworthy whilst working in the most difficult desert
conditions on hastily constructed landing strips and living and working under
canvas in temperatures that froze at night and rose to 100 degrees plus at noon.
His diary gives a clear insight into the conditions endured, the actions that
took place and the many almost insurmountable problems that occurred as they
followed Lawrence s steady advance against the
numerically superior Turkish Army and Air Force. George personally encountered
Lawrence on many
occasions and maintained contact with him after the war. The diary is supported
with the Flights weekly operational records, perspectives of the battle
scenarios and other background information.
