1.
South Africa
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South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is the southernmost country in Africa. South Africa is the 25th-largest country in the world by land area and it is the southernmost country on the mainland of the Old World or the Eastern Hemisphere. About 80 percent of South Africans are of Sub-Saharan African ancestry, divided among a variety of ethnic groups speaking different Bantu languages, the remaining population consists of Africas largest communities of European, Asian, and multiracial ancestry. South Africa is a multiethnic society encompassing a variety of cultures, languages. Its pluralistic makeup is reflected in the recognition of 11 official languages. The country is one of the few in Africa never to have had a coup détat, however, the vast majority of black South Africans were not enfranchised until 1994. During the 20th century, the black majority sought to recover its rights from the dominant white minority, with this struggle playing a role in the countrys recent history. The National Party imposed apartheid in 1948, institutionalising previous racial segregation, since 1994, all ethnic and linguistic groups have held political representation in the countrys democracy, which comprises a parliamentary republic and nine provinces. South Africa is often referred to as the Rainbow Nation to describe the multicultural diversity. The World Bank classifies South Africa as an economy. Its economy is the second-largest in Africa, and the 34th-largest in the world, in terms of purchasing power parity, South Africa has the seventh-highest per capita income in Africa. However, poverty and inequality remain widespread, with about a quarter of the population unemployed, nevertheless, South Africa has been identified as a middle power in international affairs, and maintains significant regional influence. The name South Africa is derived from the geographic location at the southern tip of Africa. Upon formation the country was named the Union of South Africa in English, since 1961 the long form name in English has been the Republic of South Africa. In Dutch the country was named Republiek van Zuid-Afrika, replaced in 1983 by the Afrikaans Republiek van Suid-Afrika, since 1994 the Republic has had an official name in each of its 11 official languages. Mzansi, derived from the Xhosa noun umzantsi meaning south, is a name for South Africa. South Africa contains some of the oldest archaeological and human fossil sites in the world, extensive fossil remains have been recovered from a series of caves in Gauteng Province. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has termed the Cradle of Humankind
2.
South African Air Force
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The South African Air Force is the air force of South Africa, with headquarters in Pretoria. The South African Air Force was established on 1 February 1920, the Air Force has seen service in World War II and the Korean War. From 1966 the SAAF was involved in providing support in a low intensity war in Angola, South-West Africa. On conclusion of the Border War in 1990, aircraft numbers were reduced due to economic pressures as well as the cessation of hostilities with neighboring states. Today the SAAF has an air combat capability and has been structured towards regional peace-keeping, disaster relief. After a visit to observe the 1912 military manoeuvres in Europe, beyers gave an extremely positive report on the future use of aircraft for military purposes to General Smuts. Flying training commenced in 1913 with students who excelled on the course being sent to the Central Flying School at Upavon in Great Britain for further training, the first South African military pilot qualified on 2 June 1914. At the outbreak of World War I, the Union Defence Force had realised the urgent need for air support which brought about the establishment of the South African Aviation Corps on 29 January 1915. Aircraft were purchased from France while the building of an airfield at Walvis Bay commenced in earnest in order to support operations against German forces in German South West Africa. By June 1915 the SAAC was deployed to its first operational airfield at Karibib in German South West Africa in support of Gen. Bothas South African ground forces. On 9 July 1915, the German forces capitulated and most of the pilots,26 Squadron RFC and later becoming an independent squadron on 8 October 1915. No.26 Squadron was equipped with Henri Farman F-27s and B. E. 2cs and was shipped to Kenya in support of the war effort in German East Africa, landing in Mombasa on 31 January 1916. While the SAAC were engaged in German South West Africa and 26 Sqdn RFC in East Africa, the number of South Africans in the RFC eventually reached approximately 3,000 men and suffered 260 active-duty fatalities over the Somme during the war. Forty six pilots became fighter aces, on conclusion of the First World War, the British Government donated surplus aircraft plus spares and sufficient equipment to provide the nucleus of a fledgling air force to each of its Dominions. In December 1920 the South African National insignia was added to aircraft for the first time and these colours remained until 1927 when they were replaced with the Orange, White and Blue roundels. 1 Squadron was called to fly reconnaissance missions and to bombard the strikers’ positions, the SAAF was again deployed to suppress the Bondelzwart Rebellion at Kalkfontein between 29 May and 3 July 1922. For maritime patrol operations, the SAAF took over all 29 passenger aircraft of South African Airways,18 Junkers Ju 86Z-ls for maritime patrols, SAAF maritime patrols commenced on 21 September 1939 with 16 Squadron flying three JU-86Zs from Walvis Bay. By 1940, the Ju 86s were replaced by Ansons and Coastal Command SAAF had been established, in December 1939 the Duke of Aosta had sent a report to Mussolini recording the state of chronic unpreparedness of the Allied Forces in East Africa
3.
Air Force Base Waterkloof
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Air Force Base Waterkloof is an airbase of the South African Air Force. It is situated on the outskirts of Pretoria, and is the SAAFs busiest airbase, the bases name, Waterkloof, is Afrikaans. It means Water Ravine in English, the base motto is Acquirit Qui Tuetur. Since that time it has always been in the service of the SAAF and it was upgraded to Air Force Base during World War II. Non-directional beacon - WL315.0 VHF omnidirectional range - WKV116.9 Tower -124.1 World Aeronautical Database, Waterkloof page on the unofficial website of the South African Airforce Checked 29 March 2012
4.
Very important person
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A very important person is a person who is accorded special privileges due to their status or importance. The special treatment usually involves separation from common people, and a level of comfort or service. In some cases, such as tickets, VIP may be used as a title in a similar way to premium. These VIP tickets can be purchased by anyone, but still meaning separation from other customers, the term VVIP or Very Very Important Person is also used, especially with reference to VIPs with very high spending power. VIP syndrome is when a perceived VIP uses their status to influence a given professional to make decisions under the pressure or presence of the individual. The phenomenon can occur in any profession that has relationships with wealthy, famous, one example is the 2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash
5.
Reconnaissance
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In military operations, reconnaissance is the exploration outside an area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about natural features and enemy presence. Examples of reconnaissance include patrolling by troops, ships or submarines, manned/unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, satellites, espionage normally is not reconnaissance, because reconnaissance is a militarys special forces operating ahead of its main forces, spies are non-combatants operating behind enemy lines. Often called recce or recon, the verb is reconnaître. Traditionally, reconnaissance was a role that was adopted by the cavalry, speed was key in these maneuvers, thus infantry was ill suited to the task. From horses to vehicles, for warriors throughout history, commanders procured their ability to have speed and mobility, to mount and dismount, skirmishing is a traditional skill of reconnaissance, as well as harassment of the enemy. Reconnaissance conducted by ground forces includes special reconnaissance, armored reconnaissance, amphibious reconnaissance, aerial reconnaissance is reconnaissance carried out by aircraft. The purpose is to weather conditions, map terrain, and may include military purposes such as observing tangible structures, particular areas. Naval forces use aerial and satellite reconnaissance to observe enemy forces, navies also undertake hydrographic surveys and intelligence gathering. Reconnaissance satellites provide military commanders with photographs of enemy forces and other intelligence, military forces also use geographical and meteorological information from Earth observation satellites. A tracker needs to pay attention to both the environment and the psychology of his enemy. Knowledge of human psychology, sociology, and cultural backgrounds is necessary to know the actions of the enemy and this is almost as necessary as to know the physical character of the country, its climate and products. Certain people will do certain things almost without fail, certain other things, perfectly feasible, they will not do. There is no danger of knowing too much of the habits of an enemy. One should neither underestimate the enemy nor credit him with superhuman powers, fear and courage are latent in every human being, though roused into activity by very diverse means. Types of reconnaissance, Terrain-oriented reconnaissance is a survey of the terrain, force-oriented reconnaissance focuses on the enemy forces and may include target acquisition. Civil-oriented reconnaissance focuses on the dimension of the battlespace. The techniques and objectives are not mutually exclusive, it is up to the commander whether they are carried out separately or by the same unit, some military elements tasked with reconnaissance are armed only for self-defense, and rely on stealth to gather information. Others are well-enough armed to also deny information to the enemy by destroying their reconnaissance elements, reconnaissance-in-force is a type of military operation or military tactics used specifically to probe an enemys disposition
6.
Gauteng
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Gauteng, which means place of gold, is one of the nine provinces of South Africa. It was formed part of the old Transvaal Province after South Africas first all-race elections on 27 April 1994. It was initially named Pretoria–Witwatersrand–Vereeniging and was renamed Gauteng in December 1994, situated in the Highveld, Gauteng is the smallest province in South Africa, accounting for only 1. 5% of the land area. Nevertheless, it is highly urbanised, containing the countrys largest city, Johannesburg, its capital, Pretoria. As of 2015, it has a population of nearly 13.2 million, the name Gauteng is derived from the Sotho name, gauta meaning gold with the locative suffix -eng. There was a thriving industry in the province following the 1886 discovery of gold in Johannesburg. In Sesotho, the name Gauteng was used for Johannesburg and surrounding areas long before it was adopted in 1994 as the name of a province. Gauteng, formerly known as Pretoria–Witwatersrand–Vereeniging, was carved out of the old Transvaal province in 1994, although the terminology PWV, after the discovery of gold in 1886, the region proceeded to become the single largest gold producer in the world and the city of Johannesburg was founded. The older city Pretoria was not subject to the same attention, Pretoria grew at a slower rate and was highly regarded due to its role in the Second Boer War. The Cullinan Diamond which is the largest diamond ever mined was mined near Pretoria in a town called Cullinan in the year 1905. Gauteng has only been documented since the 1800s and as a result. At the Sterkfontein caves, some of the oldest fossils of hominids have been discovered, such as Mrs. Ples, today, the Apartheid Museum stands testament to these struggles in Johannesburg. Gauteng is governed by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, a 73-person unicameral legislature elected by party-list proportional representation. The most recent election of the legislature was held on 7 May 2014, and the African National Congress won 53. 59% of the vote. The official opposition is the Democratic Alliance, which won 30. 78% of the vote and 23 seats, other parties represented are the Economic Freedom Fighters with eight seats and the Freedom Front Plus and the Inkatha Freedom Party with one seat each. Premier David Makhura of the ANC was elected on 21 May 2014, the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa, which has seats in Pretoria and Johannesburg, is a superior court with general jurisdiction over the province. Johannesburg is also home to the Constitutional Court, South Africas highest court, Gautengs southern border is the Vaal River, which separates it from the Free State. It also borders on North West to the west, Limpopo to the north, Gauteng is the only landlocked province of South Africa without a foreign border
7.
Sergeant Major of the Air Force
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The Sergeant Major of the South African Air Force is the most senior Warrant Officer in the South African Air Force. The post was created in 1979 and it is a singular appointment – it is only held by one person at any time. The Sergeant Major of the Air Force reports to the Chief of the Air Force and is responsible for maintaining discipline in the Air Force. Before 2008 all Sergeant Majors of the Air Force were Warrant Officer Class 1, in 2008 the SANDF expanded the Warrant Officer ranks and the Sergeant Major of the Air Force now holds the rank of Senior Chief Warrant Officer. Prior to 2002 the Sergeant Major of the Air Force had a rank insignia. Following the Warrant Officer rank redesign the Sergeant Major of the Air Force does not have a rank insignia South African Air Force South African military ranks
8.
2 Squadron SAAF
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2 Squadron is a squadron in the South African Air Force which was formed in 1940. The squadron has a history, having been involved in every single combat action in which the SAAF has taken part. During the Second World War it made a name for itself in the battles for East Africa, before distinguishing itself in North Africa as part of the Desert Air Force, the squadron was established on 1 October 1940. During the initial years of the war,2 Squadron served as part of 1 Bomber Brigade in the East African Campaign, after August 1943, it also saw action in Sicily, Italy and Yugoslavia. 2 Squadron was attached to the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing U. S. Air Force for the duration of the war, initially flying the P-51 Mustang, the squadron re-equipped with the F-86 Sabre in February 1953. During the war the squadron flew a total of 12,067 sorties,74 of the 94 Mustangs and 4 out of the 22 Sabres were lost, along with 34 pilots. For its actions, the received the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United States Presidential Unit Citation. After the Korean War 2 Squadron, based at Waterkloof AFB, was equipped with Sabres, the first aircraft to fly through the sound barrier over South African soil was a Sabre piloted by Captain Gerrie Moolman. Conversion to the new Mirage III occurred in 1963 and the moved to AFB Hoedspruit at the end of 1978. The squadron fought in several engagements during the South-West Africa/Angola Border War and they continued to fly the Mirages until October 1990. They later re-equipped with the Atlas Cheetah C and D, reconnaissance was also performed using Vinten Vicon 18 Series 601 pod. Regular night flying was performed and the aircrew also performed air-to-air refuelling operations with the Boeing 707 aircraft of 60 Squadron, the squadron participated in the annual SANDF force preparation exercises which includes using live weapons. During joint exercises with the German Luftwaffe in 2006,40 live V3S Snake short-range air-to-air missiles were fired at the Denel Overberg Test Range, moving to Louis Trichardt in January 1993,2 Squadron became the sole front line combat jet squadron in the SAAF. Till 2 April 2008 the squadron operated the Cheetah C/D fighter aircraft and was equipped with 28 examples, the squadron flew 1010 hours in 2004. The last of the Cheetahs were retired on 2 April 2008, the SAAF accepted its first Gripen D in April 2008 and the final two Gripen D aircraft arrived in South Africa in July 2009. The first two Gripen Cs arrived on 11 February 2010 with deliveries ongoing as at October 2011, the squadron operates all the SAAFs Gripens except for the first Gripen D, which is assigned to the Test Flight and Development Centre at AFB Overberg. The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force & Commonwealth, 1918–1988, unofficial South African Air Force website
9.
15 Squadron SAAF
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15 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a transport/utility helicopter squadron, the squadron was formed on 18 September 1939 as a SAAF Coastal Command squadron based at Cape Town. During the war it flew Junkers Ju-86, Bristol Blenheim and Martin Maryland aircraft, the squadron suffered a tragedy in May 1942, when eleven out of twelve personnel perished when three Blenheims became lost during a training flight and had to make an emergency landing in the desert. The Squadron flew Baltimore 5 Light Bombers in May 1945 as part of 253 Wing of the Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force, other aircraft flown during and after the war included Bristol Blenheims, and Martin Baltimores. Notable Second World War members include Harry Schwarz, who in 1984 was made Honorary Colonel of the Squadron, aircraft flown after the war included the Aérospatiale Super Frelon and the Aérospatiale Puma. The current base is AFB Durban in Durban, it operates Atlas Oryx and their primary role is maritime and landward search and rescue. Two flights of Oryx, A and B Flights, are based in Durban and C Flight, two of the aircraft have already been mothballed at AFB Bloemspruit. Four remain in service with 15 Squadron, C Flights conversion to AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters has been postponed due to delays in developing emergency flotation equipment for the type, thus precluding its use in a maritime environment. The Nkwe ya Selefera was awarded to Flight Sergeant V. Selvan for conspicuous bravery during military operations, note 1, † denotes a posthumous award. List of Officers to have served as Commanding Officers at 15 Squadron, media related to 15 Squadron SAAF at Wikimedia Commons
10.
16 Squadron SAAF
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16 Squadron SAAF is an attack helicopter squadron of the South African Air Force. It was finally disbanded in June 1945 and was not re-raised until 1968 as a helicopter squadron, in the late 1980s the squadron took part in the conflict in Angola before being disbanded again in 1990. It was raised once more in 1999 and it is operating the Rooivalk attack helicopter. However, it was short-lived, and by December of that year it had become B Flight of 32 Squadron, the squadron was re-formed at Addis Ababa on 1 May 1941, flying eight Ju-86Z taken over from 12 Squadron plus two Martin Marylands. It was disbanded that August following the Italian surrender, in April 1943 the squadron moved to Egypt, and was equipped with Bristol Beaufighters for use in anti-submarine duties. It continued to perform this role until it was disbanded on 15 June 1945. It would be 23 years before the squadron was once again re-formed, this time at AFB Ysterplaat on 1 February 1968, a year later it moved to AFB Durban, though did not stay long, and finally moved to AFB Bloemspruit during 1972. The squadrons A Flight was transferred to AFS Port Elizabeth in 1973, with its B Flight moving first to AFB Ysterplaat, in 1986, the squadron received an additional type, the Aérospatiale Puma. Throughout this period the squadron played a role in the South-West Africa/Angola Border War. The latest chapter in 16 Squadrons history began on 28 October 1999 when it was reformed at AFB Bloemspruit and equipped with the new Denel Rooivalk attack helicopter, receiving all 12 ordered. It is however still a functioning squadron, and regularly carries out joint exercises with the South African Army, the Rooivalk saw its first combat in support of the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during 2013. Junkers Ju 86Z Martin Maryland Bristol Beaufort Bristol Blenheim V Bristol Beaufighter Aérospatiale Alouette III Aérospatiale Puma UN Helicopters Attacks in Congo on YouTube 16 Squadron home page
11.
19 Squadron SAAF
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19 Squadron SAAF is a current squadron of the South African Air Force operating as a transport/utility helicopter squadron. It was formed in 1939 as part of the Air Force airways Wing, flying transport aircraft but was disbanded after a few months and it was re-formed from No.227 Squadron RAF in 1944 and disbanded again after the end of World war 2. It was again re-established in 1970 as a helicopter squadron - a role which it still performs today,19 Squadron was formed on 1 September 1939 together with 17 Squadron. It formed part of the Airways Wing at Swartkop Air Station flying ex-South African Airways Junkers Ju-52/3ms but was disbanded on 1 December the same year. The squadron did not participate in the Second World War until 12 August 1944 when 227 Squadron RAF was renumbered as 19 Squadron SAAF at Biferno in Italy. The squadron was deployed flying Beaufighters and was involved in operations in Italy, Greece, a Flight was moved to AFB Louis Trichardt on 1 January 1991, with the rest of the squadron moving on 1 January 1992 flying Aérospatiale Alouette IIIs. The squadron moved to AFB Hoedspruit on 1 January 2004 where it is currently based,19 Squadron became the first squadron to be equipped with the Oryx helicopter in early 1994
12.
21 Squadron SAAF
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21 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It was formed as a squadron in Kenya during World War II and became a VIP transport squadron in the 1960s. The squadron currently flies two Dassault Falcon 50s, two Cessna Citation Is, a Dassault Falcon 900 and a Boeing BBJ aircraft,21 Squadron is one of the most active squadrons in the air force with 606 VIP transport flights being made between 2009 and 2012. The Boeing BBJ is used as the aircraft when the President of South Africa travels. 21 Squadron SAAF was first formed on 8 May 1941 in Nakuru, Kenya, the squadron consisted of pilots from Squadrons 11,15, and 16 of the SAAF. From November 1943 to February 1944, the 21st Squadron was based at Totorella in the province of Foggia, baltimore, Anson, and DC3 planes were flown on bombing raids mainly over central Italy and into Yugoslavia. On 21 February 1944 the squadron moved from Tortorella to Campmarino, south east of Termoli,21 Squadron SAAF was disbanded on 10 September 1945. In 1968, the squadron was reformed at AFB Swartkop flying a Vickers Viscount, the squadron acquired Hawker Siddeley HS-125 in 1970 and Swearingen Merlin in 1975. In 1985 the squadron moved to AFB Waterkloof, in 1983 the Viscount was transferred to 44 Squadron and the Merlins were sold in 1985. Two Beech KingAir 200Cs were acquired, but one was later sold, the HS-125s were disposed of in 1999. The squadron currently flies a fleet of jet aircraft, the two Dassault Falcon 50s were acquired in 1982 and 1985, the two Cessna 550 Citation IIs in 1983 and the Dassault Falcon 900 in 1992. In January 2003 the squadron received the new presidential Boeing BBJ, the Boeing 737 BBJ is known as Inkwazi, meaning Fish eagle in the Xhosa and Zulu languages. The aircraft is based on the Boeing 737-700 and has an upgraded interior and it arrived in South Africa on 21 October 2002. The following information was revealed when then Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Lindiwe Sisulu responded to a question posed by the Democratic Alliances Sheik Shahid Esau in Parliament. The following information was disclosed in response to another question posed to Sisulu by Advocate L H Max of the Democratic Alliance, all VIP flight information has since been made classified for security reasons. In 2012 it was found that two aircraft had followed Jacob Zumas Boeing BBJ flight into John F Kennedy International Airport, the aircraft were using SAAF callsigns. The aircraft were a Bombardier Global Express and a South African Airways Airbus A340, the Democratic Alliance said that Sisulu should take responsibility and explain why the aircraft were used. In 2012 plans were announced to acquire a new Boeing 777 VIP aircraft for the SAAF in a R2 billion deal, the order was cancelled after the offer had lapsed
13.
22 Squadron SAAF
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22 Squadron is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a maritime helicopter squadron operating Lynx and Oryx helicopters for the South African Navy, the squadron was formed in Durban on 1 July 1942 by renaming 31 Flight to 22 Squadron. It was equipped with ex-SAA Junkers Ju 86s as well as a number of Avro Ansons and it had a relatively unremarkable period of duty in World War II, being engaged mainly in coastal patrols as part of Coastal Command SAAF. In mid 1945 it was flying Lockheed Venturas from Gibraltar, under the control of AHQ Malta at Valletta and it was disbanded at Idku in Egypt on 24 October 1945. Following the war, it was recreated in 1954 and equipped with Lockheed Venturas. In 1978, it received a complement of Aérospatiale Alouette IIIs, at the end of the 1980s, the Westland Wasps were withdrawn from service, but the squadron received a number of Aérospatiale Pumas in 1991 when it was amalgamated with 31 Squadron. The Pumas were later replaced with the Atlas Oryx M2 and this squadron is the sole maritime helicopter squadron of the SAAF, and therefore provides all helicopters, air and ground crew for operation aboard South African Navy vessels. One of the M2s was written off after a landing in July 2004. Wasp helicopters from the squadron were involved in the rescue of South African Navy personnel in the South Atlantic following the sinking of the SAS President Kruger in 1982. The squadron also gained recognition in 2002 during the high-profile rescue of the Magdalena Oldendorff which was trapped in the Antarctic ice. 22 Squadrons two Oryx M2s were embarked aboard the S. A. Agulhas for the successful operation, apart from official military support the squadron is involved in mountain rescue and air-sea rescue operations, fire fighting, crime prevention and humanitarian relief in the event of disasters. The squadrons Alouette IIIs were retired in August 2007, the first of four Westland Super Lynx 300 helicopters for use aboard the South African Navys new Valour class frigates, was delivered on 13 July 2007. It was accompanied to AFB Ysterplaat on its first flight in South Africa by two Oryx and an Alouette III, Junkers Ju 86 Avro Anson Lockheed Ventura Westland Wasp Aérospatiale Puma SAS President Kruger Green, William. War Planes of the Second World War, Volume Ten Bombers, South Africa at War, Military and Industrial Organisation and Operations in connection with the conduct of War, 1939–1945. 22 Squadron home page South African Super Lynx 300 at 2007 Paris Air Show Rock is hard, people are soft (article about helicopter-based Search & Rescue in South Africa
14.
41 Squadron SAAF
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41 Squadron is a light transport squadron of the South African Air Force. It was formed in 1940, it is based at AFB Waterkloof. 41 Squadron was formed at AFS Waterkloof on 16 October 1940 as an army co-operation squadron equipped with the Hawker Hartbees aircraft, serving in East Africa. On 1 September 1941 the squadron received a number of Curtiss Mohawks, the squadron remained behind in Abyssinia in 1942 when the rest of the South African forces moved into the Western Desert, with some Hurricanes being taken on strength in mid-1942. By 1943 the squadron had fully converted to Hurricane Mk Is and in April–May 1943 it moved from Kenya to Egypt. The squadron was used in a role and was responsible for the air defence of central. The only offensive operation was a fighter sweep over Crete on 23 July 1943. In February 1944 the squadron received Spitfire Mk. IXs to supplement the Hurricanes, all of the Hurricanes were replaced with Spitfire Mk V Cs in April 1944. By mid-April, the unit was responsible for the air protection of Palestine. Its wartime role ended on 30 November 1944 when it was disbanded, the squadron was reformed in January 1963 as the first Citizen Force part-time Army co-operation unit, flying Austers and later Cessna 185s from Grand Central Aerodrome. It was transferred back from army control to the SAAF in May 1973 when it was moved to AFB Swartkop, in February 1974 the squadron received Aermacchi AM.3 Bosboks and in July 1976 the Aermacchi AL-60 Kudu, aircraft were added to the inventory. In 1988 the squadron was re-equipped with Cessna 208 Caravans, in 1996 Beechcraft King Airs were acquired from 21 and 35 Squadrons and a Pilatus PC-12 was added in July 1997. Currently, the squadron is based at AFB Waterkloof and is responsible for air transport, air logistical support, landward airborne operations, routine air support
15.
44 Squadron SAAF
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44 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a light transport squadron, the squadron flew Dakota DC3s as part of No. The Squadron at Ondangwa also flew the ambulance Dakota and the 20mm gunship named Dragon,44 Squadron at Air Force Base Swartkop mainly flew three aircraft, DC4 Skymaster, DC3 Dakota and Viscount
16.
85 Combat Flying School SAAF
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85 Combat Flying School is a unit of the South African Air Force. It is a jet flight-training and combat operations school, it was first formed in 1982 at AFB Pietersburg and it relocated to AFB Hoedspruit on 1 January 1993 due to the closure of AFB Pietersburg. The school also has a reserve role, although it has publicly been stated that the school will not be used operationally unless a very urgent need arises. The school shares this facility with the SAAF Gripen community, during October 2007 there were several pilots that went solo on the Hawk Mk.120. The squadron also participated in the annual South Africa National Defence Force preparation exercises and fired live cannon rounds and they also had a successful weapons deployment exercise to AFB Bloemspruit in 2007
17.
87 Helicopter Flying School SAAF
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87 Helicopter Flying School is a unit of the South African Air Force. It is a flight training school. The Helicopter Conversion Unit was established at Ysterplaat on 1 February 1968 to fulfill the helicopter pilot, the present unit was formed on 9 April 1968 by redesignating Training Flight,17 Squadron at AFB Ysterplaat. The unit, equipped with Alouette II and IIIs, took over responsible for Helicopter Conversion Training of SAAF pilots, the Helicopter Conversion Unit became an autonomous unit in 1971 and in January 1973 the units name changed to 87 Advanced Flying School. In 1973 the Alouette IIs were retired and transferred to the Rhodesian Air Force, B Flight,16 Squadron, also stationed at AFB Ysterplaat, took responsibility for advanced helicopter training from 16 September 1974 to January 1975
18.
Test Flight and Development Centre SAAF
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The Test Flight and Development Centre is a unit of the South African Air Force. It is a test flight and evaluation organisation, due to South Africas apartheid policies of the 1960s, a number of countries instituted an arms boycott against it. In 1974 another ETPS graduate took over, and was tasked with creating a specialised test flying, the end result was that the Test Flight and Development Centre was officially established on 10 August 1975 at AFB Waterkloof. Once the Denel Overberg Test Range near Bredasdorp on the southern Cape coast had been completed, the TFDCs largest running project was the operational evaluation of the BAe Hawk Mk.120 and certification of its Adour 951 turbofan engine. Weapons integration was performed, with the SAAFs series of pre-fragmented bombs. The programme is now complete, with one Hawk airframe remaining on strength with TFDC. Hawk has entered SAAF service as of 2006, in 2009 the Spanish Air Force performed integration tests of the Taurus missile on their F-18 Hornet fighters at TFDC. The TFDC received the SAAFs first JAS39 Gripen in 2006, the aircraft is flown through an extensive test programme, integrating weapons and SAAF specific avionics etc. During November 2007, the Gripen was shown taking off loaded with eight dumb bombs during weapons integration trials. During 2006 the German Air Force deployed six Panavia Tornado aircraft to TFDC for live Kormoran anti ship missile firings with a German Navy task group in joint exercises with South African forces
19.
Aerobatics
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Aerobatics is the practice of flying maneuvers involving aircraft altitudes that are not used in normal flight. Aerobatics are performed in airplanes and gliders for training, recreation, entertainment, additionally, some helicopters, such as the MBB Bo 105, are capable of limited aerobatic maneuvers. An example of a fully aerobatic helicopter, capable of performing loops, the term is sometimes referred to as acrobatics, especially when translated. Most aerobatic maneuvers involve rotation of the aircraft about its longitudinal axis or lateral axis, other maneuvers, such as a spin, displace the aircraft about its vertical axis. Maneuvers are often combined to form a complete sequence for entertainment or competition. Aerobatic flying requires a set of piloting skills and exposes the aircraft to greater structural stress than for normal flight. In some countries, the pilot must wear a parachute when performing aerobatics, aerobatic training enhances a pilots ability to recover from unusual flight conditions, and thus is an element of many flight safety training programs for pilots. While many pilots fly aerobatics for recreation, some choose to fly in aerobatic competitions, in the early days of flying, some pilots used their aircraft as part of a flying circus to entertain. Among the earliest innovators in aerobatics the Frenchman Euclids name is foremost, maneuvers were flown for artistic reasons or to draw gasps from onlookers. In due course some of these maneuvers were found to allow aircraft to gain tactical advantage during combat or dogfights between fighter aircraft. Aerobatic aircraft fall into two categories—specialist aerobatic, and aerobatic capable, specialist designs such as the Pitts Special, the Extra 200 and 300, and the Sukhoi Su-26M and Sukhoi Su-29 aim for ultimate aerobatic performance. This comes at the expense of general use such as touring. Flight formation aerobatics are flown by teams of up to sixteen aircraft, some are state funded to reflect pride in the armed forces while others are commercially sponsored. Coloured smoke trails may be emitted to emphasise the patterns flown and/or the colours of a national flag, usually each team will use aircraft similar to one another finished in a special and dramatic colour scheme, thus emphasising their entertainment function. Teams often fly V-formations — they will not fly directly behind another aircraft because of danger from wake vortices or engine exhaust, aircraft will always fly slightly below the aircraft in front, if they have to follow in line. Aerobatic maneuvers flown in an aircraft are limited in scope as they cannot take advantage of the gyroscopic forces that a propeller driven aircraft can exploit. Jet-powered aircraft also tend to fly faster, which increases the size of the figures. Jet aerobatic teams often fly in formations, which restricts the maneuvers that can be safely flown
20.
Silver Falcons
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The Silver Falcons is the aerobatic display team of the South African Air Force. Based at Air Force Base Langebaanweg near Cape Town, the Silver Falcons fly the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, the main purpose of the Silver Falcons is to enhance the image of the South African Air Force, encourage recruitment and instill national pride through public display. Originally formed in 1946 as the Bumbling Bees and flying the T-6 Harvard, the Bumbling Bees flew a 4 ship formation and made a name for themselves by regularly taking part in South African airshows. The team disbanded in the late 1950s leaving a gap in South African aviation, during 1966 the Aermacchi MB-326 Impala arrived and the Bumbling Bees were reinstated under the command of Colonel Chris Prins. The Silver Falcons were based at Air Force Base Langebaanweg on the West Coast of South Africa, the team went from strength to strength and the idea to change the name to a more bilingual-sounding name came about. The Silver Falcons team was founded and gave their first display in November 1967 at the opening of the Atlas Aircraft Corporation. During 1986, under the command of Commandant Dave Knoesen, the team was expanded to a 5 ship to bring about more exciting display postures, the aircraft were also painted in orange, white and blue to represent the then current South African flag. During 1994 with a new flag, the aircraft were repainted to represent the colours of the SA Air Force, blue, light blue. The Silver Falcons continued to operate from Hoedspruit until in 1998, the decision was partly made due to the shortage of flying instructors at 85 CFS and also to display the new turbo-prop trainer to the nation. During this move, the team was again reduced to a 4 ship. For nine years, the team flew in the standard red, in 2008,6 of the Astras were repainted in a unique blue and white livery and the team was expanded to a 5-ship again. Paint for the respray was donated by a local paint supplier, the first display in the new livery was flown at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Expo at AFB Ysterplaat in September 2008. The Pilatus PC-7 Mk II is a high performance single-engine turboprop aircraft and it is powered by a 750 shp limited to 700 Pratt & Whitney PT6A-25C engine and is designed for G-loadings between +7 and −3.5 G, making it ideal for aerobatics. The aircraft has a tandem configuration with Martin Baker CH-11A ejection seats. For all practical purposes the PC-7 Mk II can be seen as a hybrid between the PC-7 and the newer PC-9, both these aircraft types are popular as military trainers and are in service with more than 30 air forces. Like the PC-9, the PC-7 Mk II features a larger cockpit, upgraded airframe and instruments and is fitted with a ventral airbrake, specifications Wing span —10.19 m Length —10.13 m Max Operating Speed —300 knots Maximum Mach Number — Mach 0. 2 October 1993 — During an airshow at Lanseria Airport, Falcon 5 crashed during a solo display sequence. Capt Charlie Rudnick ejected moments after structural failure caused the wing of his Impala Mk I to separate from the fuselage
21.
1 Squadron SAAF
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On 31 August 1939 the squadron was re-designated as 1 Bomber/Fighter Squadron and this was then changed to 11 Squadron in December 1939. The squadron was resurrected in February 1940 by the renumbering of 6 Squadron, equipped with four Hurricane Mk 1s,1 Squadron saw active service in East Africa in 1940, the Western Desert, Malta, Sicily and ended their war service in Italy in 1945. In 1950 the squadrons Spitfires were replaced with Vampires and these in turn were replaced by Sabre Mk6s in 1956, in 1976 the squadron received Mirage F1AZ attack aircraft and it was disbanded when the F1AZs were retired on 25 November 1997. Each squadron comprised 18 aircraft, divided into 3 flights each, each flight was structured to form the working nucleus of a squadron. On 31 August 1939,1 Transvaal Air Squadron was re-designated as 1 Squadron, and the original aircraft were replaced with Hawker Hartebeest. The Squadron was the first SAAF squadron to deploy in support of the Allied war effort, once they had arrived in Egypt, they were equipped with 18 Gloster Gladiators. At the same time, the squadrons Hurricanes were ferried north from Pretoria on 22 and 24 May, accompanied by a Ju86 carrying the maintenance crews, by early June the pilots from Egypt had married up with their aircraft in East Africa and were declared operational. The squadrons first operational mission in an attack on the Italian air base at Yavello in Abyssinia on 19 June 1940, the task of the four Hurricanes was to escort three Ju86 bombers from 12 Sqn in the attack on the airfield. The Squadron then continued operating with the remaining Gladiators and Hurricanes from airfields in Abyssinia, although the East African campaign continued until November 1941, the absence of Italian fighters permitted the squadron to be moved to the Middle East on 8 April 1941. From June 1940 to April 1941 the squadron operated from Kenya, Abyssinia, Sudan, the Squadron arrived in April 1941 and scored its first kill on 16 May when Lt. Talbot shot down a Ju 87. By this stage, the squadron was only flying Hurricanes, by the time of Operation Crusader the squadron was part of No.258 Wing RAF, under the direct command of Air Headquarters Western Desert. On 3 July 1942, the squadron was intercepting a German raid on the Alamein area while No.272 Squadron RAF was providing them with top cover. The formation came across 15 Junkers Ju-87s escorted by 7 Bf109s,274 Sqn attacked the Bf109s whilst 1 Sqn went after the Ju87s, after the Battle of Alamein, the squadron received Spitfires as replacements for their Hawker Hurricanes. On the 22nd, the Squadron Spitfires joined by Kittyhawks from SAAF2,4 and 5 Squadrons intercepted 21 huge Me323s attempting to bring in fuel to Tunisia and they destroyed 16 Me323s and two of their fighter escorts. After this successful intercept, Goering forbade all transport flights to Africa, the decision was overturned two days later after protests from Kesselring, on condition that all future flights were made by night. During the fighting in the Western Desert in 1941 they acquired their nickname The Billy Boys because whenever successful in combat, the South African pilots would shout Jou Bielie. over the radio. By July 1943,1 Sqn had ceased operations in North Africa and were tasked with patrolling the beaches where the landings for the invasion of Sicily were to take place. After the successful landings of Operation Husky and the subsequent exploitation, the Squadron then moved to Italy and supported the assault on Rome, claiming 16 enemy aircraft destroyed during this battle
22.
3 Squadron SAAF
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3 Squadron SAAF was a squadron of the South African Air Force. It was formed in January 1939 at Air Force Base Waterkloof and was equipped with Hawker Hartbees I, the squadron was moved to Port Elizabeth in September 1939 after which it was disbanded. It was again reformed at Waterkloof on 9 September 1940 equipped with Hurricane Mk 1s, in August 1944,3 Squadron was sent to Italy and was re-equipped with Spitfire IXs. The squadron was disbanded following the end of the Second World War, three Squadron was again reformed at Baragwanath Airport on 6 September 1952 as a part-time citizen force unit flying Harvards, but disbanded once again in 1957. In August 1966 the squadron was reformed at AFB Waterkloof as a unit under the control of 2 Squadron, the squadron continued to operate the Mirage F1CZ from Waterkloof AFB with frequent deployments to South-West Africa during the Namibian War of Independence. Three Squadron was disbanded when the Mirage F1CZs were retired on 30 September 1992, January – December 1941, Fighter squadron, East Africa 1942, South Africa January 1943 – August 1944, Shipping patrols, North Africa August 1944 – September 1945, Ground attack, Italy
23.
4 Squadron SAAF
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4 Squadron SAAF was a South African Air Force unit which served during World War II. It was resurrected in 1951 and remained active until 1958 and its final period of active service was from 1961 to 1991. Its final aircraft were Impala Mk IIs and it was based at Lanseria Airport at the time of final disbandment. The squadron was equipped with Hawker Hartbees, Hawker Furys. It was disbanded soon thereafter and resurrected at AFB Waterkloof on 24 March 1941 flying Hurricanes, operational training took place in Kenya and soon the squadron was responsible for protection against possible Italian attacks from Somaliland. While in Kenya, it received a number of Curtiss Mohawks which had taken over from French orders. On 1 September 1941 the squadron began to move to Egypt and its first combat patrol came on 12 November, early in Operation Crusader as a fighter-bomber squadron. The squadron remained in Egypt to take part in all of the battles from Operation Crusader to El Alamein. The squadron also supported the advance into Tunisia as well as the invasions of Sicily and Italy, the Kittyhawks were replaced by Spitfires in July 1943. In August it moved on to Sicily and to the Italian mainland in September from where it concentrated on ground attack missions until the end of hostilities. 4 Squadron remained in Italy for two months after the end of the war, on 12 July its personnel returning to South Africa. The squadron was disbanded in October 1945,4 Squadron was reformed in January 1951 at AFB Waterkloof as the Active Citizen Force element of 1 Squadron with Harvards and Spitfires until once again disbanded in October 1958. On 1 November 1961, it was reformed at Swartkop, flying Harvards, the squadron moved from Swartkop to Waterkloof and then to Lanseria Airport where it received Impala Mk IIs. It saw numerous deployments to South-West Africa and Mpacha and Rundu airfields in southern Angola and its home base remained at Lanseria until it was disbanded in September 1991. List of World War II aces from South Africa Footnotes Citations Media related to 4 Squadron SAAF at Wikimedia Commons
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5 Squadron SAAF
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5 Squadron SAAF was a South African Air Force Fighter / Fighter-Bomber squadron during World War II. It was disbanded at the end of the war and was re-commissioned in 1950 and it remained active until 2 October 1992, when it was disbanded, its Atlas Cheetah E aircraft were also decommissioned. The squadron was designated as a fighter-bomber unit and formed in Cape Town in April 1939. It was only active for eight months and was disbanded in December that year and it was re-formed on 7 May 1941 as a fighter squadron operating from Zwartkop Air Station equipped with Mohawk Vs. It deployed to Egypt in December 1941 re-equipped with Tomahawk IIBs, the squadron was initially tasked with providing anti-shipping patrols and subsequently deployed as a fighter squadron over the Western Desert battlefield area. At the end of 1942 it received Kittyhawk IIIs and later Kittyhawk IVs and began to specialize in the ground-attack role, although still being retained as an ordinary fighter squadron as required. After the cessation of hostilities in Africa, the moved to Malta to support the invasion of Sicily, after which it moved to that island. By the time the squadron was deployed to Italy, it was used only in the attack role. While deployed to Italy, the squadron flew air support and fighter-bomber missions. The squadron took part in the battles on the Sangro River, Monte Cassino, the Kittyhawks were replaced by Mustang IIIs and these aircraft were retained until the end of the war in Italy when the squadron was disbanded. 5 Squadron was re-formed in Durban in December 1950 as an Active Citizen Force unit flying Harvards and it was re-equipped with Impala Mk Is in July 1973 and Impala Mk IIs in early 1981. The squadron then moved to AFB Louis Trichardt to be equipped with Cheetah Es and it was finally disbanded on 2 October 1992 when its Cheetah aircraft were decommissioned. List of World War II aces from South Africa Citations Media related to 5 Squadron SAAF at Wikimedia Commons
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6 Squadron SAAF
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6 Squadron was a South African Air Force unit first formed just before World War II. It was disbanded and re-created a number of times, until disbanded in October 1990. The squadron was formed in Cape Town in April 1939 and was equipped with Westland Wapiti IIIs, initial duties at the outbreak of war was that of anti-submarine coastal patrols from Youngsfield as part of Coastal Command SAAF. In February 1940, the unit was moved to Waterkloof and renumbered 1 Squadron, the squadron was again disbanded on 31 July 1943 when the threat of a Japanese invasion of Madagascar had been circumvented by the Allied invasion of the island. On 5 July 1952 the squadron was reformed as a citizen force unit and it was resurrected in May 1961, again flying Harvards, from 1973 to 1976 the squadron flew a single Cessna 185. In March 1975 it began receiving Impala Mk Is which remained as the operational aircraft fit until the final disbandment in October 1990. Westland Wapiti IIIs Fairey Battles Hawker Hartbees Harvards Cessna 185 Impala Mk Is Footnotes Citations References Martin, H. J. Orpen, South Africa at War, Military and Industrial Organisation and Operations in connection with the conduct of War, 1939-1945
26.
7 Squadron SAAF
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7 Squadron was a unit of the South African Air Force which served in the Second World War as well as in South Africa between 1951 and 1992. During the war, the squadron was used as a squadron deployed to the Western Desert as well as in the Aegean, Italy. 7 Squadron was formed as a South African Air Force unit on 12 January 1942 at Zwartkop Air Station equipped with Harvard and it was re-equipped with Hurricane Mk Is in April 1942 and was then moved to Egypt. By the time the war in Africa had been concluded, the squadron was equipped with Spitfire Mk Vs in July 1943 and was tasked with convoy escort and fighter-interception sorties. On 10 September 1943 six pilots and a DC-3 Dakota with ground staff were ordered to Cyprus to set up a base to provide air cover for the planned invasion of the Dodecanese Islands. It transpired that the intention was that the squadron, consisting of six Spitfire Mk Vs, was to be the total air cover contingent for the planned invasion. However, by 13 September the Squadron was joined by two more of the squadrons Spitfires all operating from the island of Kos. By the time of re-assembly in Egypt, the Squadron had lost six killed and 15 other ranks missing for the cost of 12 enemy aircraft having been shot down. The squadron remained in Egypt for a few months, and then in April 1944, equipped with Spitfire Mk lXs, rejoined No.7 Wing in Italy. After the surrender of German forces in Italy, the squadron was sent to the Far East and it then returned to Ceylon and thereafter back to South Africa. It was disbanded on 10 September 1945, the Squadron was reformed at Ysterplaat Air Station in August 1951 and was equipped with Harvards and was again disbanded in 1959. It was re-formed once more at Youngsfield in the Cape on 1 August 1961, the squadron received Impala Mk Is in 1977 as a citizen force unit and was moved to Cape Town International Airport in 1978. It was again moved to AFB Langebaanweg and to AFB Pietersburg, the squadron was disbanded in December 1992. List of World War II aces from South Africa Footnotes Citations
27.
8 Squadron SAAF
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8 Squadron was a South African Air Force squadron during World War II and was again active between 1951 and 2001. During this second period, it was designated at different times as either a Citizen Force or Permanent Force squadron and was disbanded on 31 March 2001, on 1 January 1951 the squadron was re-constituted at Bloemspruit as the Citizen Force element of 24 Squadron flying Harvards. In 1957 the squadron was assigned the role of presenting the Harvard Weapons Course and was split between permanent and citizen force flights, the Permanent Force Flight was responsible for the weapons course training, a role retained until 1970. In 1973 the unit was converted to Impala Mk Is and in November 1974 became the first squadron to be equipped with Impala Mk IIs, the squadron again reverted to a full Permanent Force staffing structure and was employed in the light attack role during the South African Border War. During this time, the squadron was one of the few Air Force squadrons to have a pilot honoured with the Honoris Crux Silver Medal, in 1994 the unit was designated as one of the four remaining fighter units after the 1994 Defense Force rationalisation program. And in April 1999 the squadron was relocated from its long standing base in Bloemfontein to AFB Hoedspruit and it was disbanded on 31 March 2001 when the Impalas were retired from service
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9 Squadron SAAF
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9 Squadron SAAF was a short lived squadron of the South African Air Force during World War II. It was formed on 19 May 1944 in Egypt and was transferred to Minnick in Syria shortly after being formed and it spent less than a month in Syria when it was re-deployed back to El Gamil in Egypt on 28 June 1944. This transfer was after it had decided that there was no longer any need to maintain forces on high alert close to Turkey. From here the squadron was tasked to provide air protection of the Suez Canal, in September 1944 the squadron was moved to Savoia in Libya, from where it flew fighter sweeps over Crete, before being disbanded on 1 February 1945. The squadron flew Supermarine Spitfire Mk. VBs and VCs from June 1944-February 1945, the Mk IX aircraft remained in service until February 1945. Martin, H. J. Lt-Gen, Orpen, Neil D, South African Forces, World War II
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10 Squadron SAAF
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10 Squadron was a squadron of the South African Air Force. It was formed as a bomber unit on 1 April 1939 and was deployed in a coastal defence role as part of Coastal Command SAAF until 1943. It was disbanded after the threat of Japanese naval actions off the South African coast had waned, the squadron was reinstated as a Unmanned aerial vehicle squadron in January 1986 in Potchefstroom to provide artillery reconnaissance and fire control for the South African Artillery Corps. 10 Squadron was established on 1 April 1939 as 10 Bomber Fighter Squadron at East London and it was assigned as an Active Citizen Force squadron and was placed under command of Eastern Province Command. The squadron role was changed back to that of a squadron in February 1942. This structure allowed the squadron to be deployed forward to airfields along the coast to allow fighter operations in the threat area. By July 1943 the Japanese threat had receded and the squadron was disbanded, the Squadron was re-established on 25 May 1944 and was deployed to Almaza in Syria, initially for training and later as a fighter squadron equipped with Spitfire Mk. By the end of June 1944 the Squadron was moved to Idku in the Nile Delta where they took over convoy escort, the squadron aircraft were upgraded to Spitfire Mk. IXs in August 1944 and was tasked with high altitude interceptions of reconnaissance, in September the squadron was moved to Luigi di Savoia, Libya for operations over Crete and the Aegean as well as anti-submarine patrols in the Eastern Mediterranean. It was disbanded on 31 October 1944 and its aircraft were transferred to 9 Squadron, the squadron was re-activated in January 1986 at AFB Potchefstroom and equipped with the Kentron Seeker UAV in the role of reconnaissance and artillery weapons delivery guidance support. The squadron first deployed these aircraft operationally during Operation Modular in Angola in 1987 and it was finally disbanded on 31 March 1991 after the Seeker system was transferred to Kentron for operations on behalf of the SADF. The squadron flew two models, the Seeker-P model for training and the Seeker-D for operational deployment, denel Dynamics Seeker Footnotes Citations External Links Manufacturers official brochure References Martin, H. J. Orpen, N. D. South Africa at War, Military and Industrial Organisation and Operations in connection with the conduct of War, 1939-1945
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11 Squadron SAAF
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11 Squadron was a World War II squadron of the South African Air Force. It was created in South Africa in 1939 and served in East Africa until 1941 as an army cooperation and reconnaissance squadron. It was re-formed in 1944 as a bomber squadron and served in Italy until 1945 when it returned to Egypt and was disbanded on conclusion of the war on 30 October 1945. It was re-activated in 1974, flying Cessna 185s as a liaison squadron until 1991 when it disbanded for the final time. 11 Squadron served in two periods during World War II, in East Africa and again later in Egypt and Italy and it was formed on 11 December 1939 at Waterkloof Flying Station equipped with 24 Hawker Hartbees in an army co-operation role, moving to Kenya in May 1940. The squadron received its first Fairey Battle in June 1940 and by 19 August all of the Hartbees aircraft had replaced by Fairey Battles deployed from Archers Post in Kenya. It served in a reconnaissance and army cooperation role in Italian Somaliland, the squadron was re-formed on 29 June 1944 at Almaza in Egypt flying Mk. VB and Mk. VC Spitfires in the role of fighter squadron. It was moved to Edku in July 1944 and to Perugia in Italy in September 1944 - where it exchanged the Spitfires for Curtiss Kittyhawk Mk. IVs as part of the Desert Air Force. In Italy, the squadron was part of No.8 Wing responsible for ground-attack, in August 1945 the squadron received Spitfire Mk. IXs and was transferred back to Egypt where it remained until being disbanded on 30 October 1945. It was resurrected in January 1974 as a liaison and army cooperation squadron equipped with Cessna 185s and it was finally disbanded in 1991
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12 Squadron SAAF
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12 Squadron was a South African Air Force squadron that served in World War II in East Africa and the Western Desert as a medium bomber squadron. 12 Squadron was formed in December 1939, on 16 June 1940 it flew the first SAAF bombing raid against Italian forces in Abysinna when it attacked the town of Moyale using Junkers Ju 86 bombers. 12 Squadron later saw combat during the Second Battle of El Alamein operating Boston light bombers, following the end of the war in Europe the squadron flew South African personnel home until it was disbanded. 12 Squadron was re-formed in October 1946 equipped with Avro Anson aircraft for anti-Tsetse fly spraying duties and it operated in this role in Zululand and Mtubatuba. The squadron was later re-equipped with Sikorsky S-51 helicopters that were at times also utilised in anti-Tsetse fly spraying duties, the squadron was re-formed in late 1963 to operate English Electric Canberra bombers. It was the only SAAF squadron equipped with Canberras, and they were used as tactical bombers and high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The squadron saw combat over Angola during the South African Border War,12 Squadron was disbanded in 1990. Two ex-12 Squadron Canberras have been preserved by the SAAF, vlamgat, The Story of the Mirage F1 in the South African Air Force. Johannesburg, South Africa, 30° South Publishers, standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa, Volume 1. Aircraft of the South African Air Force, media related to 12 Squadron SAAF at Wikimedia Commons
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24 Squadron SAAF
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24 Squadron SAAF is a disbanded squadron of the South African Air Force. Its last role was as an aircraft squadron. The squadron was first formed during World War II on 5 March 1941 by renumbering 14 Squadron SAAF in Egypt and it later carried out bombing operations in Kenya and North Africa, before taking part in the Italian campaign before disbanding in late 1945 at the conclusion of hostilities. The squadron was later re-raised and operated jet aircraft in a role during the Border War. It was finally disbanded in early 1991, on 5 March 194124 Squadron SAAF was formed when No.14 Squadron SAAF and its Maryland bombers were moved from Kenya to Egypt, and renumbered as No.24 Squadron. The squadron then operated alongside No.39 Squadron RAF as a tactical bomber unit carrying out bombing sorties against targets in the Mediterranean theatre. 24 Squadron was later in the year re-equipped with Bostons, in December 1943, the squadron was relocated to Algeria and re-equipped with the B-26 Marauders and in 1944 flew to a new base at Pescara, Italy, before later advancing to Jesi, Italy. At the end of the war the squadron used its Marauders as transport aircraft, before moving to Egypt in October 1945, the Buccaneer entered SAAF service in 1965. SAAF Buccaneers saw active service during the Border War in South-West Africa and they flew over Angola and Namibia in the 1970s and 1980s, and attacked SWAPO guerrilla camps with rockets and bombs. The squadron was disbanded in March 1991 at AFB Waterkloof, Pretoria, the South African Bush War, Warplane. No.5 Media related to 24 Squadron SAAF at Wikimedia Commons
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25 Squadron SAAF
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25 Squadron was a maritime patrol and later medium bomber squadron of the South African Air Force during World War II. It was re-constituted twice between 1951 and 1990 as a transport squadron and was finally disbanded in October 1990. The Ansons were gradually replaced and on 12 September 1942 the first Lockheed Ventura Mk I was received, by September the squadron was operating from Campomarino landing ground at Biferno. It was again re-established at AFB Ysterplaat in February 1968 and re-equipped with C-47s until October 1990 when it was disbanded for the last time, South Africa at War, Military and Industrial Organisation and Operations in connection with the conduct of War, 1939-1945. Media related to 25 Squadron SAAF at Wikimedia Commons
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27 Squadron SAAF
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27 Squadron was established as a World War II maritime patrol squadron of the South African Air Force. It was disbanded after the war and resurrected in the role from 1951 to 1958. Its final period of service was from 1962 to 1990 when it was disbanded when its Piaggio Albatross aircraft were de-commissioned. 27 Squadron was founded on 24 August 1942 at Eerste River, out of the aircrew and it was placed under control of the RAFs Coastal Command and employed as a coastal reconnaissance/patrol unit, flying Lockheed Ventura Mk. IV aircraft, performing escort and anti-submarine warfare patrols, or conducting operations off the South African west coast. One flight was based at Aus and the rest of the squadron flew from Walvis Bay, between February and April 1943 a squadron detachment was deployed to Darling in the south western Cape to patrol the northern and western approaches to Cape Town harbour. We salute them, one and all, in June 1944, the squadron was moved to the Western Mediterranean Theatre, where their Venturas were upgraded to Ventura Mk. Vs. One flight was based at La Senia in Algeria and commenced anti-submarine patrols on 18 July 1944, a second flight was deployed to Hal Far in Malta, also on anti-submarine duties and re-joined the squadron in October 1944. In November 1944, one returned to AFS Swartkop in South Africa via Egypt. The remaining flights were converted to Vickers Warwick Vs and Vickers Wellington XIVs between February and March 1945, by this time the squadron had been moved to Gianaclis in Egypt and were flying air-sea rescue missions until this duty was taken over by the Royal Air Forces 621 Squadron. After handing over to the RAF, the returned to South Africa and was disbanded in December 1945. The squadron was reconstituted at AFB Ysterplaat in January 1951 as a maritime patrol unit. It remained inactive until October 1962 when it was re-established at AFB Ysterplaat for inshore maritime reconnaissance duties and it was initially equipped with Douglas C-47s and the squadron received Piaggio P-166S Albatross maritime patrol aircraft in 1969. The Cape Town Club maintains a wall of Memorabilia in honour of SAAF aviators fallen in defence of the Empire
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South Africa