RAF Far East Flight

The RAF Far East Flight, of the Royal Air Force (RAF), was a flying unit of four Supermarine Southampton II flying boats which undertook a long-range exploratory flight to Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong between October 1927 and January 1929.

During the 1920s the RAF carried out a number of long-distance flights to explore air-routes and facilities and test the feasibility of long-range reinforcement of more distant parts of the British Empire.

The project's publicised aims were to gain experience with the operation of flying boats independent of surface vessels and shore bases, gather information the suitability of locations along the route for flying boats, and to 'fly the flag'; fostering cooperation between Britain and her Empire.

A further 4500 miles (7241 km) were flown on the final leg, a return trip from Singapore to Hong Kong in November and December 1928.

In addition, there were internal changes to provide more space and support facilities for the crew, who had to live on board for periods during the trip.

From Egypt, northeast to Turkey then southeast across Iraq and east along the northern coast of The Gulf and Arabian Sea to Karachi.

Section stopping points and arrival dates: The second leg began on 18 December with departure of the Flight from Karachi at 0730.

Stopping points on this section: Arrival back at Singapore on 11 December 1928 marked the end of the cruise.