German Airfield in Palestine

[duvdev51]

Hello,

Starting October 1917 the Germans brought to Palestine 4 squadrons, FA 301-2-3-4 that were placed in few airfields in South Palestine and supported the Ottoman operations in Sinai

I'm specifically interested in one airfield near 3 local villages, all named Sawafir (North, West and East or A-Shimali, A Shark, Al R'arbi).

I'll appreciate any maps, pictures stories or relevant links regarding this airfield.

Thanks

[michaeldr]

Duvdev,

Welcome to the Great War Forum

Try to get a look at Benjamin Z. Kedar's book 'The Changing Land Between the Jordan & the Sea', published in 1999 by Yad Ben-Zvi & the MoD (Israel)

Pages 62/3 cover Sawafir and include a Bavarian aerial photograph taken from 4,000 m, at 1415 hrs on 21st Jan 1918

regards

Michael

ps: although this photograph was taken after the area passed into British hands, the German airfield used by their 302 squadron in October 1917 is identified by Kedar

Edited 19 June , 2009 by michaeldr

[duvdev51]

Duvdev,

Welcome to the Great War Forum

Try to get a look at Benjamin Z. Kedar's book 'The Changing Land Between the Jordan & the Sea', published in 1999 by Yad Ben-Zvi & the MoD (Israel)

Pages 62/3 cover Sawafir and include a Bavarian aerial photograph taken from 4,000 m, at 1415 hrs on 21st Jan 1918

regards

Michael

ps: although this photograph was taken after the area passed into British hands, the German airfield used by their 302 squadron in October 1917 is identified by Kedar

Thanks Michael

This book and specific picture are the baseline of my further research, I have it and now I'm trying to get more. I'm part of a group that tries to restore the history and historical sitesof the region

Regards

Yehuda (duvdev)

[michaeldr]

quote: I'm part of a group that tries to restore the history and historical sitesof the region

Yehuda,

Good luck with your project

I wonder if you have already been in contact with Dr. Norbert Schwake of Nazareth

See http://www.ynet.co.il/english/articles/0,7...3579828,00.html

It may well be that he has some information on this German airstrip

regards

Michael