The Royal Air Force Far East Flight formed at Felixstowe in May, 1927, to carry out long cruises in the East with four flying boats of the Southampton type. Some of the principal objects of the cruises were:—

1. (a) To give Service personnel experience in carrying out long cruises with a Flight operating independently of surface vessels and shore bases, and to exercise their initiative and resource under widely varying conditions.

2. (b) To gain technical and operational experience for the development of flying boats.

3. (c) To collect information on seaplane bases, harbours and local conditions affecting aircraft throughout the routes flown; and

4. (d) To show the flag and foster the spirit of mutual co–operation between the Mother Country and the parts of the British Empire visited.

The personnel of the Flight consisted of a Flying Party of four boats’ crews of two officers and two airmen each, and a Base Party of three officers and 23 airmen.