Trans-Jordan Independence Day.

A rare photographic record of the parade given by the Arab Legion on the independence day of Trans-Jordan before Emir Abdullah I and Prime Minister Ibrahim Pasha. John Bagot Glubb (1897-1986) was head of the Arab Legion between 1939 and 1956, before being dismissed by Hussein bin Talal al-Hashimi (1935-1999) due to rumours that he controlled Jordan more than the King. The two remained close for the rest of their days, with Hussein giving a eulogy at Glubb's funeral in Westminster Abbey in 1986.

The presentation copy to Stephen Charles Strafford (1898-1966) who rose in the ranks of the RAF, often being their representative on diplomatic engagements in Arabia during the War, to be Inspector-General of the RAF in 1952.

Rare, with only one other recorded copy existing in Cambridge, and likely another among the personal papers donated to the Middle East Centre Archive at St Antony's College, Oxford. Not in BL.

First edition; landscape 4to (22.5 x 27.5 cm); title and captions in Arabic and English, 10 mounted photographs with two additional smaller photographs to rear of final plate, presentation letter from J. B. Glubb to S.C. Strafford to front pastedown, printed original programme of the day pasted to rear pastedown; original stiff wrappers stab-stitched with a tie of the national colours, title and gilt arms to upper wrapper, a little rubbed, small circular stain to upper wrapper, a very good copy.