Short Stirling in Egyptian Service
Six Short Stirling heavy bombers were purchased by the Egyptian Air Force for use in the 1948 Arab Israeli War, forming the 8th Bomber Squadron. These aircraft were originally purchased from the RAF by the Belgian Trans-Air company before finding their way to Egypt. They flew a number of air raids on Israeli targets in the 1948 war, one of their number being lost either as a result of an accident or sabotage. The remaining five appear to have been scrapped or retired by 1951
XAK Before Moving to the Royal Egyptian Air Force in October 1948 
Short Stirling XAS Before Transfer to the Royal Egyptian Air Force. Visible on the side of the fuselage as the letters ‘XK’, the codes of the RAF’s 46 Squadron 
Short Stirling XAE Before Transfer to the Royal Egyptian Air Force and Being Converted Back to a Bomber 
Short Stirling XAE Before Transfer to the Royal Egyptian Air Force and Being Converted Back to a Bomber 
Short Stirling display flight over Cairo in the late summer of 1948
