[1] The evacuation was conducted after forces of a bandit, Habibullah Kalakani, attacked Kabul in opposition to the Afghan king, Amanullah, leading to British fears that its legation would be isolated and cut off.

[2] The airlift was challenging as it required aircraft to fly over and in-between the Hindu Kush mountains that peaked 10,000 feet, and it also occurred during the bitterly cold winter, but the operation was ultimately successful.

[6] With increasing rumours of civil war, the British Minister at Kabul and former RAF pilot, Sir Francis Humphrys, became concerned about the safety and lines of communication to the Legation.

[6] Salmond agreed with Humphrys assessment but he lacked suitable aircraft for transporting large numbers within his command, although he did have 24 two-seater World War I vintage Airco DH.9As and two Westland Wapitis.

[6] Salmond's only appropriate aircraft, a Handley Page Hinaidi, was in Baghdad as it had temporarily been assigned to transporting Sir Denys Bray, the Indian Foreign Secretary.

27 Squadron piloted by Flying Officer C. W. L. Trusk and accompanied by Leading Aircraftman G. Donaldson flew a reconnaissance mission from Kohat to the Legation with the intention of dropping a Popham panel which would enable ground-to-air signalling.

[6] Trusk and Donaldson decided to attempt to get to the Legation on foot and they ran between the opposing armies (who were exchanging fire) carrying a generator with them.

[citation needed] Situation deteriorated on January 14 when Habibullah entered Kabul city, and a decision was made to evacuate the remaining British personnel, along with expatriates from other nations as well as members of the Afghan royal family.

[9] Squadron leader Reginald Maxwell, flight lieutenants D. F. Anderson and R. Ivolaw-Chapman, and flying officers L. H. Anness and C. W. L. Trusk, received the Air Force Cross.

[2] Between 20 January and 25 February 1929, the fourth phase concentrated on evacuating other foreign nationals and withdrawal of British, German, French and Italian legations.

[7][11] Considering the limitations of aircraft at the time, operating amidst a civil war, bitter cold, and mountainous terrain, the Kabul Airlift was a remarkable feat of endurance for both the airmen and the civilians involved.