British Military Aviation in 1923

February-May
Following the effective termination of British administration in Sulaimaniya, Sheikh Mahmud, the most influential tribal leader in southern Kurdistan and Governor of Sulaimaniya under the earlier Turkish administration, is reinstated as the Governor of Southern Kurdistan. Although Mahmud had been removed from his post and for a time held prisoner having openly lead an armed insurrection in May 1919, it is believed that he offered the only opportunity for the administration to regain control over the area.

However, Sheikh Mahmud's marked anti-British stance, together with information that he is formulating plans for a general insurrection in Iraq, leads to his recall to Baghdad in February 1923. Mahmud ignores this summons and an ultimatum is dropped to him. The Royal air Force (RAF) also drops delayed-action bombs outside Sulaimaniya as a demonstration of intent. Although Mahmud then sends a delegation to parlay, his protestations are judged insincere and his quarters attacked. He then fleas Sulaimaniya, but continues to frustrate British attempts to establish a new administration. In an effort to restore Government control, a column occupies Sulaimaniya on 17 May. Mahmud fleas to Persia and the column then withdraws.

18 February
The Canadian Air Force is granted the prefix 'Royal'.

March
A Committee is established, under the chairmanship of the Marquess of Salisbury, to examine the manner in which Royal Air Force (RAF) operations should be integrated with those of the Army and the Royal Navy. A Sub-Committee under the chairmanship of Lord Balfour is also established to consider the optimum strength of the Royal Air Force, to safeguard British security at home and overseas.

14 March
The Secretary of State for Air, Sir Samual Hoare, says of the Royal Air Force, "We must keep it a corps d'elite, highly trained, well equipped and capable, so far as possible, of quick expansion".

March-April
Following the interception of a Turkish despatch disclosing plans for a Turkish attack into Kurdistan, linked to a rising of local tribes associated with Sheikh Mahmud, two columns of Imperial troops and levies supported by Royal Air Force units occupy Rowanduz and drive Turkish troops into Persia.

April
The first air trooping takes place during the Kurdish uprising when 280 Sikh troops are flown, by the Royal Air Force, from Kingarban to Kirkuk in Iraq in 12-seat Vickers Vernon transports. Each soldier carries his rifle and 15 pounds of equipment. In addition each aircraft carries 30,000 rounds of ammunition.

1 April
Existing Royal Air Force squadrons with a naval role are disbanded and replaced by flights and each flight, normally comprising six aircraft, is given a number in the 400 series.

May
The Secretary of State for Air is given a seat in the Cabinet for first time.

June
The Royal Air Force Nursing Service is renamed Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service.

14 June
The New Zealand Permanent Air Force (NZPAF) is formed as part of the New Zealand Military Forces and also in this year, the New Zealand Air Force (NZAF) is constituted as part of the territorial forces. Both are controlled by the New Zealand Army.

The New Zealand Permanent Air Force is renamed the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in 1934. However, the Royal New Zealand Air Force is not established as a separate Service until 1 April 1937.

20 June
Following the release of the Interim Report of the Salisbury Committee, set up in March, Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin announces in the House of Commons that:

"British Air Power must include a Home Defence Air Force of sufficient strength adequately to protect us against air attack by the strongest air force within striking distance of this country.... In the first instance the Home Defence Force should consist of 52 squadrons to be created with as little delay as possible".

Of the projected 52 squadrons, 35 are to be equipped with bombers and 17 with fighters.

25 December
During the summer of 1923, Sheikh Mahmud, who had fled to Persia following the arrival of a British column in May, returns to Sulaimaniya and proclaims himself King of Kurdistan. Although he is informed that he will remain unmolested as long as he limits his activities to a defined area, Sheikh Mahmud is not restrained by this concession. In response, the Royal Air Force (RAF) bombs his house in Sulaimaniya and subsequently, he once again 'retires'.

December 1923 - January 1924
The Royal Air Force (RAF) carries out two major air actions against Akhwan raiding forces from the Najd territory which are menacing the tribes of southern Iraq. Further air action later in the year results in the conclusion of a treaty between the Nadj and Iraq Governments, aimed at ending the Akhwan raids.