SAAF: January 1920 to Present

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24 April

1941

Operational Missions
Sqn / Sorties / Aircraft Type / Mission / Remark
1 / 4 / Hurricane / Intercept / Unsuccessful
1 / 2 / Hurricane / Ferry / -
1 / 1 / Hurricane / Test Flight / -
1 / 2 / Hurricane / Gunex / -

A Hawker Hurricane (282) belonging to 1 Sqn, was reportedly written-off after being shot-down by hostile ground-fire, in the area of Jimma. The pilot, Lt J Howitson was fatally wounded during this hostile action. (C/L)

1942

Major le Mesurier was appointed as the new Officer Commanding, No 1 Fighter Squadron.

The following aircraft losses were reported:
• An Avro Airspeed (3545) stalled when landing at night at Kimberly, it was written-off. (A)
• A Fairey Battle (976) had reportedly been involved in an accident.

1943

The remaining elements of 26 Squadron, embarked on-board the Llanstephan Castle, to Freetown to join the advance party that had arrived there on 15 April 1943.

1944

The following aircraft losses were reported:
• A Bristol Beaufighter, was written off – two fatalities, no additional information available.
• A Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk (FX-632) allocated to 5 Squadron executed a forced-landing, the pilot was taken Prisoner of War. (C/L)

1945

35 Squadron received the first of 16 Short Sunderland GR.5 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The following aircraft losses were reported:
• A Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX (MH544) allocated to 2 Squadron crashed due engine failure whilst in the circuit. (A)
• A North American P-51 (KH808) was shot-down, the pilot sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was an Mk IVA allocated to 5 Squadron. (C/L)
• A 22 Squadron Lockheed Ventura (W-FP614) was written-off due to total Hydraulic Failure, it ran off the runway at Gibraltar. (A)

1978

An Avro Shackleton MR Mk 3, (1719) was withdrawn from service after reaching end of fatigue life.

Information Note: International Peace Talks to resolve the situation in South West Africa/Namibia continued, and the RSA accepted the list of Western proposals for a cessation of hostilities and implementation of UN Resolution 435. Unfortunately South West Africa PO did not accept the conditions!

2006

The Air Force’s first Super Lynx 300 (ZK115/191) made its maiden flight at Yeovil, United Kingdom.

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25 April

1928

A de Havilland DH9 (148) was written-off following an accident in the Parys area. (A)

1941

Operational Missions
Sqn - Sorties - Aircraft Type - Mission - Remark
1 / 6 / Hurricane / Intercept / ‘Allied Aircraft’
1 / 2 / Hurricane / Gunex / -

1942

The following aircraft losses were reported:
• An Airspeed Oxford (3444) was involved in a fatal accident when it reportedly lost control during final approach to Kimberly airfield. (A)
• Five Curtiss Tomahawk aircraft were lost due to various accidents: AM454; 2 Squadron; shot-down by Luftwaffe Bf-109 / AM475; 2 Squadron; shot-down by Luftwaffe Bf-109; pilot fatally wounded / AK354; 2 Squadron; shot-down by Luftwaffe Bf-109; pilot fatally wounded / and an n unidentified aircraft belonging to 5 Squadron.

1944

A Martin B-26 Marauder allocated to 12 Squadron crashed during an operational mission. The crew of six did not survive the accident. (C/L)

1945

The following aircraft losses were reported:
• A Martin Baltimore (FW-608), allocated to 15 Squadron was written-off during an operational accident, there were three fatalities.
• Three Supermarine Spitfires were written-off: RK907; 2 Squadron; shot-down by ground fire (C/L) / PV260; 2 Squadron; Controlled Flight Into Ground during Interdiction Mission / EN531; 3 Squadron; shot-down by ground fire.

24 Squadron flew their last operational Marauder sortie.

1953

A North American Harvard (7293) was involved in a fatal accident. (A)

1980

An Impala Mk II (1029) was hit by hostile ground fire during an Armed Tactical Reconnaissance mission in Southern Angola, fatally wounding the pilot Lt Pete Hollis. (C/L)

1992

The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (operating Impala Mk 1) conducted show number 232 at the opening of the 302 Forward Air Force Command Post ‘Museum’ in Port Elizabeth.

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26 April

1918

Information Note: Samuel M. Kinkhead, a South African pilot serving in the Royal Air Force and Royal Naval Air Service (World War 1,
was awarded the DSC Bar.

1921

No 1 Flight established at Zwartkop (OC Lt J. Holthouse), this was joined by a second flight in 1922 that formed the basis of 1 Squadron.

1941

Operational Missions
Sqn / Sorties / Aircraft Type / Mission / Remark
1 / 2 / Hurricane / Intercept / Unsuccessful
1 / 2 / Hurricane / Gunex / -
1 / 2 /Hurricane / Test Flight & Gunex / -

A Lockheed 18-08 Lodestar, serial unknown (ex ZS-ATH c/n 2054) crashed at Wingfield. Three fatalities were reported.

1942

A Curtiss Tomahawk (AN-456) allocated to 40 Squadron was involved in a fatal accident.

1945

Two Supermarine Spitfires were written-off:
• MA706; 4 Squadron; during landing. (A)
• JL377; 7 Squadron; lost during operational mission; pilot: Prisoner of War. (C/L)

1966

A CL13B Sabre Mk.6 (353) crashed, fatally injuring Lt HA Day, in the Pilansberg area. (A)

1987

Information Note: The first Saab Gripen ‘prototype’ was rolled-out at a ceremony at the Saab factory in Sweden.

1990

The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (operating Impala Mk 1) conducted show number 173 at Mykonos.

2002

An Impala Mk II (1091), 85 Combat FS, written-off during a Low-Level Tactical training sortie, fatally injuring the pilot, Capt Burmeister. (A)

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27 April

1941

Operational Missions

Sqn / Sorties / Aircraft Type / Mission / Remark
1 / 2 / Hurricane / Test Flight / -
1 / 4 / Hurricane / Intercept & CAP / Unsuccessful
1 / 6 / Hurricane / Intercept / Unsuccessful

1942

A Curtiss P-75 Mohawk (2552) suffered an engine failure after take-off, crashing close to the Durban airport. (A)

1943

The following aircraft losses were reported:
• A Hawker Hart (445) crashed after the ‘Very Pistol’ discharged in the cockpit (at Waterkloof) and subsequently destroyed by fire. (A)
• A Supermarine Spitfire (AB320) was abandoned over the Gulf of Hamamet. It belonged to 1 Squadron. (C/L)

1944

44 Squadron started to receive its first Dakotas, in Cairo West (Egypt).

1945

22 Squadron (based at Gibraltar), successfully conducted a ‘Contra-Ban’ Interdiction sortie, aimed at interdicting a ship, ‘M/V Monte Monjuich’ at position 34:40 North 09:58 West.

1981

The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (operating Impala Mk 1) conducted show number 91 at Uitenhage.

1996

The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (operating Impala Mk 1) conducted show number 337 at Johannesburg – Defence Force Day celebrations.

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28 April

1943

The following aircraft losses were reported:
• A Tiger Month (2137), crashed in the Potchefstroom area, the pilot sustained fatal injuries. (A)
• A Curtiss P40D Kittyhawk allocated to 4 Squadron was involved in a fatal accident, the aircraft was shot-down during an anti-shipping mission. (C/L)

1944

A North American Harvard Mk III (7496) was written-off following a mid-air collision. (A)

1945

A Martin Baltimore reportedly crashed, all three occupants sustained fatal injuries.

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29 April

1936

A de Havilland DH9 (133) was written-off following an accident in the Hartbeespoortdam area. (A)

1941

A Vickers Valencia was destroyed by enemy aircraft whilst on the ground. (C/L)

1943

The following aircraft losses were reported:
• A 24 Squadron, Douglas Boston was involved in a fatal crash landing on return from an operational; mission, it is likely to have been due to damage caused by hostile ground fire. (C/L)
• A Supermarine Spitfire (ER828), allocated to 1 Squadron was written-off during a formation take-off. (A)

1945

An Avro Anson (6607) was written-off due to a ground incident (taxied too fast). (A)

1988

An Atlas Cheetah D (839) became the first ‘D’ aircraft to be delivered to 89 Combat Flying School, Air Force Base Pietersburg.

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30 April

1911

Information Note (Aviation General): The first successful South African aircraft was built by Frenchman Alfred Louis Raison, who had previously run a bicycle shop in Zeerust, Western Transvaal. Cecil Bredell of Johannesburg acquired a Jap V engine and commissioned Raison to design and build an air craft. Raison’s brother was employed at the Bleriot factory in France and the aircraft generally resembled the Bleriot cross-channel type, but was much lighter (181 kg as against 272 kg). It was a monoplane with a 9-metre wingspan, with a framework 8 meters long, and, to quote the Rand Daily Mail of 2 May 1911 ‘beautifully put together’. On 30 April 1911 it first flew at Highlands North, Johannesburg, piloted by Bredell.

1951

A North American F-51 Mustang (313), allocated to 2 Squadron crashed whilst on an operational mission approximately 3nm east of Sinmak in Korea. (C/L)

1958

Info Note: The first Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer (pre-production aircraft) made its maiden flight in the United Kingdom.

1979

An Impala Mk II (1040) crashed in the Operational area (South West Africa).

1988

The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (operating Impala Mk 1) conducted show number 145 at Brackenfell, - Southern Cross Fund.

1996

The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (operating Impala Mk 1) conducted show number 338 at Swartkops – Chief of Air Force Farewell Parade.

2008

The South African Air Force took delivery of its first Saab JAS-39 Gripen, Advanced Light Fighter Aircraft.

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APRIL GENERAL INFORMATION: SQUADRON OPERATIONS

The following information has been collated and appreciated based on interpretation of the official Operations Diary for the unit and (monthly) period stated below.

1945

Unit: 22 Sqn
Aircraft Type: Ventura
Location: Gibraltar
Flying Hours: Ops 71.0 + Other 289.0 = 360
Sorties: -
Serviceability: 77% with an average of 18 aircraft on strength
Remarks: 8 Minor services completed

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WWII CLAIMS

Squadron Combat Claims: 1 Squadron ‘Eritrea Campaign’

The following claims were made by 1 Squadron regarding combat successes whilst participating in the ‘Eritrea Campaign’:
• Enemy Aircraft Shot-Down: 48
• Enemy Aircraft Damaged: 57
• Enemy Aircraft Damaged – On Ground: 53

Supplementary Detail

On 22 April 1943, 1 Squadron claimed to have destroyed 6 x Me-323 and 2 x Me-109 aircraft. (included in above totals).

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MAY - Events: Date Unknown

1913

The Union Government made a decision that the South African Army should have its own ‘aviation section’ and in light of this the Government Gazette published an advertisement inviting young men to apply for training as ‘officer aviators’.

1922

The South African Air Force commenced a ‘DH.9’ deployment (late May) to South West Africa, to support ground forces during operations when the Bondelzwart Hottentot tribe caused internal unrest in the territory.

1925

The South African Air Force received a number of D.H.4 Bomber/ Reconnaissance aircraft from the Overseas Club of London. By late May 1925 only two aircraft had been assembled, whilst it was reported that only four at this time had still remained crated. The D.H.4 aircraft carried the South African Air Force serial numbers 201 to 210. Serial 201 (ex B79 91) was the first aircraft to carry a South African Air Force serial, reports indicate this aircraft was converted to a ‘Mpala’ and subsequently re-numbered 153.

1940

The Woman’s Auxiliary Air Force was established in the Union of South Africa.

Most of 1 Squadron’s pilots were in Egypt undergoing their conversion to the Gloster Gladiator aircraft. The unit had also commenced receipt of their first batch of Hawker Hurricanes. The later reportedly took place in Kenya.

11 Squadron was re-equipped with 24 x Hawker Hartbees aircraft, and almost immediately passed these aircraft on to 40 Squadron, 11 Squadron then received Fairy Battles.

12 Squadron was re-equipped with ten Junkers Ju-86’s (ex-South African Airways) which were subsequently converted for Heavy Bomber duties. The aircraft replaced the Avro Ansons. This also saw the unit cease flying operations from Waterkloof and deployed to Kenya.

40 Squadron was established as an Army Cooperation Squadron. The Commanding Officer, Major J Durandt.

1941

The following squadron deployments and or ‘(re) equipping’ took place:
• 1 Squadron ceased operations from Amriya and re-deployed to Sidi Haneish South.
• 12 Squadron completed its mission as a Heavy Bomber unit in East Africa.
• 16 Squadron received nine Junkers Ju-86 transferred from 12 Squadron. 12 Squadron converted to Martin Marylands, and deployed to Shandur (Egypt).

1942

The following squadron deployments and or ‘(re) equipping’ took place:
• 1 Squadron ceased operations at Al Gamil and re-deployed to Edku
• 2 Squadron was re-equipped with Curtiss Kittyhawk IA and later Kittyhawk IIIs and the unit ceased operations involving Tomahawk Mk IIB fighters, during which period the unit deployed from Gasr el Arid to Gambut.
• 5 Squadron deployed from Landing Ground 121 to Gasr el Arid to Gambut II.
• 7 Squadron converted to Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 aircraft.

The South African Air Force supported the Royal Air Force in the British Invasion on Vichy held Madagascar in May 1942. Two flights equipped with Marylands and Beauforts, operated in the ground support and reconnaissance role.

Pietersburg was officially opened as a military airfield.

1943

41 Squadron arrived in Middle East theatre; their primary roles were to conduct Air Defence and Convoy Escort missions.

28 Squadron was established in Tripolli (Libya).

The following squadron deployments and or ‘(re) equipping’ took place:
• 1 Squadron re-deployed from Gou Brine to Ben Gardane, via a temporary deployment at Hergia.
• 2 Squadron deployed from Alem el Chel to Sorman.
• 5 Squadron deployed to Sorman from Al Adem
• 15 Squadron received their first batch of Baltimore Mk IIIA/IV and V aircraft. The unit deployed from Maryut to Landing Ground 91.
• 17 Squadron deployed from Little Aden to Billbies.
• 60 Squadron deployed to Sorman from Monsarit.

At the end of the North African campaign (May ’43); Air Marshall Tedder, Commander in Chief in the Mediterranean paid tribute to the South African Air Force: “I want to say how proud I am to have been entrusted with the command of such men. I met your squadrons when they came up fresh from their victory in Abyssinia to help us when we were hard pressed in Crete and Greece. I remember meeting your first bomber squadrons when they arrived in Egypt with their new Bostons, which were later made famous in the “Shuttle Service”, which again and again broke the enemy’s morale. I watched your squadrons during that long retreat to the Delta which provided the extraordinary anomaly of land retreat coupled with a crushing air victory. I shall never forget the avenging spirit in the squadrons during that period. Your boys, whether fighter pilots, bomber crews, recce crews or those magnificent ground staff men who got so much of the work and so little of the glory, maintained an effort; which I had been asked before, I should have said was quite beyond the bounds of human endeavour.”

1944

The following squadron deployments and or ‘(re) equipping’ took place:
• 1 Squadron deployed to Sinello from Tringo.
• 2 Squadron redeployed from Tringo to Sinello.
• 5 Squadron deployed to San Angelo from Cutella.
• 25 Squadron deployed to the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations, and became an element of the ‘Balkan Air Force’.
• 28 Squadron deployed from sale to Mission Blanche.
• 40 Squadron deployed to Venafro Landing Ground.

1945

The following squadron deployments and or ‘(re) equipping’ took place:
• 1 Squadron deployed to Lavariano from Ravenna.
• 2 Squadron deployed from Ravenna to Tissano.
• 5 Squadron deployed from Cervia to Lavariano.
• 15 Squadron arrived at Villaorba from Cesanatico.
• 17 Squadron was equipped with Vickers Wellington Mk XIII and Warwick Mk V aircraft.
• 28 Squadron flew their last mission using Beech Expiditor aircraft.
• 40 Squadron deployed to Ferli Landing Ground.

19 Squadron was disbanded for the second time (post-WWII operations).

1948

Information Note: (Nuclear Ambitions) Two days after D.F. Malan’s victory in the Union’s elections, the British American Combined Policy Committee on atomic energy development projected the Union of South Africa would become the United States’ primary source of Uranium by 1952. The committee recommended the ‘immediate’ preparation and signing of ‘import deals’ to secure this natural resource. Interestingly, shortly after this, the Union deployed 2 Squadron to fight alongside the USAF in Korea. Cooperation between SA and the USA led to the USA supplying the Union’s first research reactor facility ‘SAFARI-1’ at Pelindaba.

1952

South African Air Force’s operational units were re-organized: 2 Group: 17, 22, 27 and 35 Squadron; and 4 Group: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 28, 40 Squadron and 42 AOP Flight.

1961

6 Squadron was re-formed (3rd time) and started operating North American Harvards.

1962

The first Cessna C185 aircraft delivered to the South African Air Force.

1965

24 Squadron was re-formed, this time at Royal Naval Air Station Lossimouth in the United Kingdom, in preparation of the first Buccaneer deliveries to the South African Air Force.

1966

The first Aermacchi MB-326M / Atlas Impala Mk 1 (460) was delivered to the South African Air Force.

The South African Air Force announced that it would purchase 16 x SA-321L Super Frelons from France at a estimated cost of R1,013,791 per aircraft.

1973

41 Squadron moved from Grand Central airport to Air Force Base Swartkops, operating Cessna C-185 light aircraft.

1974

Information Note: (Nuclear Ambitions). Reports state that South Africa conducted its first test in its ‘nuclear’ programme, with non-nuclear material. Later the year, the South African Atomic Energy Board, reported to Mr B. Voster that the country was ready to build a full scale nuclear explosive device for ‘peaceful purposes’

1975

Information Note: State President B.J. Voster requested a full report on the situation in Angola (SA Border War).

1976

A Fiesler Storch was donated to the South African Air Force.

22 Flight, became a fully fledged Squadron, after receiving the last of the Westland Wasp HAS Mk 1 helicopters (full compliment).

1979

Information Note: General Magnus Malan accepted an invitation to Israel to witness the 2nd Jericho Missile Test.

1981

21 Squadron re-located from Air Force Base Swartkops to Air Force Base Waterkloof

The South African Air Force’s first Beechcraft King Air 200 (ZS-LAY) was delivered to 25 Squadron (Air Force Base Ysterplaat).

1983

Approval was granted to commence Project CUSHION, the upgrade of the South African Air Force’s Mirage III fleet to Cheetahs.

1991

First flight of the Atlas Cheetah C prototype aircraft took place (most likely in Israel).

1993

A 30 Squadron Puma visited the United Kingdom on-board the SAS Drakensburg as part of the Battle of the Atlantic celebrations.

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01 May

1917

Information Note (SA Pilot – WW1): Douglas J. Bell, a South African pilot serving in the Royal Flying Corps (World War 1), flying a Martinside G100, shot down a German Albatros D III, claiming his 1st air-to-air victory.

1940

Six Hawker Fury aircraft belonging to 6 Squadron (Cape Town), departed to Waterkloof prior to a flight to Durban which then saw the aircraft being shipped to participate in air operations in East Africa. It is reported that the aircraft were shipped out on 26 May 1940. This action saw the establishment of No 1 Fighter Squadron (6 x Hawker Fury and 4 x Hawker Hurricane) at Waterkloof in preparation for the unit’s departure to conduct operations in the designate area of operation (East Africa). Key personnel were:
• Officer Commanding: Major Niblock-Stuart
• Adjutant: Lieutenant Mc Keller.
• 1 Squadron ‘A-Flight’ Commander: Captain van Schalkwyk.
• 1 Squadron ‘B-Flight’ Commander: Lieutenant Boyle.
• 1 Squadron ‘C-Flight’ Commander: Lieutenant Theron.

1941

Operational Missions
Sqn / Sorties / Aircraft Type / Mission / Remark
1 / 1 / Hurricane / Ferry / -

16 Squadron was re-constituted for the second time in Addis Ababa during which the unit received 12 Squadron’s remaining Ju-86 together with a couple of Martin Marylands.

1943

A Bristol Blenheim (BA-865) crashed during take-off – ‘into a lake’. (A)

16 Squadron redeployed from Landing Ground 91 to Misurata West.

17 Squadron’s Blenheim aircraft were recalled to Egypt and redistributed to other squadrons. This also heralded the last 17 Squadron flight operating Blenheim V aircraft.

1944

A 1 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire (JL134) crashed, after being abandoned in flight due to an engine fire (A).

1945

The following aircraft losses were reported:
• A 5 Squadron Mustang crashed, fatally injuring the pilot.
• Two Supermarine Spitfires (MH540 [shot down – ground fire] and MJ521 [engine failure]), allocated to 7 Squadron crashed. (1 x C/L and 1 x A).

1981

The Silver Aerobatic Team; operating Impala Mk 1 aircraft, performed at Waterkloof; this was show number 50.

1983

Operation DOLFYN commenced (no further information available).

1987

Information Note (Border War): A SADF delegation flew to Mavinga from Air Force Base Rundu to discuss the military situation in Angola, an agreement was reached that limited support would be required by UNITA from the SADF to halt the appreciated FAPLA Offensive ’87.

1998

35 Squadron conducted multi-national maritime operations together with a Nimrod MR Mk2 (from the Royal Air Force) and an Atlantique (from the French Air Force). The exercise ended on the 7th.

2003

The Silver Aerobatic Team; operating PC-7 Mk II aircraft, performed at Vredenburg; this was show number 408.

2004

The Silver Aerobatic Team; operating PC-7 Mk II aircraft, performed at Oudtshoorn; this was show number 425 and 426.

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02 May

1904

Mr P.J. van der Merwe of the farm Zuurfontein in the district of Reddersburg, near Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, wrote to the Governor of the Orange River Colony (as it then was) on 2 May 1904 asking for an advance of one thousand pounds sterling (+-R2 000) to construct a flying machine ‘for military purposes against any instrument of war, and to extinguish any position of the opponent’. Military aviation in South Africa was at least foreseen.

1918

Information Note: Samuel Kinkhead, a South African pilot serving in the Royal Naval Air Service & Royal Air Force (flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1), successfully shot down a German aircraft, this was his 20th confirmed air-to-air victory.

1941

Operational Missions
Sqn / Sorties / Aircraft Type / Mission / Remark
1 / 8 / Unknown CAP / -
1 / 4 / Hurricane / A-G / -

1943

A Hawker Fury (212) crashed when it suffered brake failure during landing. (A)

1945

40 Squadron deployed to the La Russia Landing Ground.

A North American Harvard IIA (7212) crashed. One fatal injury was reported. (A)

1951

Two North American Harvards (7146 & 7314) were involved in a fatal mid-air collision during a formation barrel role. (A)

1969

A North American Harvard (7155) crashed in the Hartbeespoort area, it failed to recover from a spin. One fatality reported. (A)

1981

The Silver Aerobatic Team; operating Impala Mk 1 aircraft, performed at Pretoria; this was show number 51.

1989

An Atlas Impala Mk 1, (490) was written off in the Thaba Nchu area. It is likely to have been an aircraft operated by 8 Squadron. (A)

1995

A Sikorsky S-55 crashed in the Swartkops area. The serial number ‘A4’ belonged to the South African Air Force Museum. (A)

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03 May

1941

Operational Missions
Sqn / Sorties / Aircraft Type / Mission / Remark
1 / 2 / Unknown / Gunex / -
1 / 5 / Unknown / CAP / -
1 / 4 / Hurricane / Intercept / Unsuccessful
1 / 7 Hurricane / Ferry / -

1943

A Hawker Hartbees (805) crashed in the Carolina area.

1944

A Lockheed Ventura (6114) allocated to 29 Squadron crashed at Brooklyn when it swung on take-off (A).

1951

A Supermarine Spitfire (5625) crashed after reporting an engine failure (A).

1978

2 Squadron deployed four Mirage III aircraft to Air Force Base Ondangwa, in preparation for Operation REINDEER.

2003

The Silver Aerobatic Team; operating PC-7 Mk II aircraft, performed at Oudtshoorn; this was show number 409 and 410.

2012

An announcement was made that the Air Force was awaiting a ministerial decision to move Central Flying School to Air Force Base Hoedspruit.

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04 May

1918

Information Note: W.L. Jordan, a South African pilot serving in the Royal Naval Air Service & Royal Air Force (flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1), successfully shot down a German Pflaz DIII, this was his 21st confirmed air-to-air victory.

1928

An Avro 504K (421) was written-off following an accident in the Lyttelton area, the pilot Cadet Wessels was fatally injured. (A)

1941

Operational Missions
Sqn / Sorties / Aircraft Type / Mission / Remark
1 / 3 / Hurricane / Test Flight / -
1 / 6 / Hurricane / CAP / -
1 / 4 / Hurricane / Scramble & Intercept / Allied aircraft.

A Vickers Wellesley aircraft used by 1 Squadron for training purposes, crashed.

1942

Three Bristol Blenheim aircraft crashed in what was referred to as the Kura Disaster, when the three aircraft crashed during bad weather, approximately 150 miles from Kufra. Nine fatalities were reported. (A)

1943

The remaining elements of 26 Squadron arrived to join the unit deployed at Takarodi, following a sea journey from the Union of South Africa. The unit was also declared operational as a ‘General Reconnaissance Squadron’ under 298 Wing (Royal Air Force). The unit also received the first batch of Vickers Wellington aircraft. A total of 16 Wellingtons were operated by 26 Squadron.

The following aircraft losses were reported:
• An Airspeed Oxford (3869) was involved in a fatal accident, fatally injuring all on-board.
• A North American Harvard IIA (7281) was involved in a fatal aircraft accident in the Brooklyn area – it was an unauthorized night flight. (A)

1944

A 24 Squadron, Martin Marauder (FB508) crashed (due to possible hostile ground fire)– six fatalities were reported. (C/L)

1945

40 Squadron was reported to be operational at the La Russia Landing Ground; the callsign for the airfield was ‘Stalin’.

25 Squadron’s Martin Marauders took part in the South African Air Force final raid of World War II, one aircraft (HD667) was lost due to enemy action (7 fatalities). (C/L)

1978

Operation REINDEER commenced. The operation’s objective was to attack three identified target areas, primarily in the Cassinga area, as well as previously identified targets for Operation BRUILOF. Operation REINDEER’s targets were as follows:
• Target ALPHA (known to SWAPO as ‘Moscow’), the former mining town of Cassinga (plan to have air assault para drop of 257 troops). It was identified as SWAPO’s main Forward Operational HQ in southern Angola as well as a training camp for insurgents.
• Target BRAVO (known to SAWPO/Angolans as Viet Nam) consisted of a network of six targets/bases in the Chetequera area. It was the reported SWAPO’s Forward HQ for their operations in western Ovamboland (SWA/Namibia) as well as a main supply depot.
• Target CHARLIE; a number of smaller/suspect SWAPO bases approximately 8-10nm east of Chetequera.
The ‘vlamgatte’ (fighter pilots) had been quite since 1953, when they wrote a proud chapter for the South African Air Force during the exploits of 2 Squadron in Korea. Their 1st chance to prove their worth again came on 4.05.1978, at Cassinga in Angola. True to their motto: ‘First into Action’, 12 Squadron laid out the initial ‘punishment’ with their Canberra aircraft, followed by 24 Squadron’s Buccaneers.

1999

21 Squadron’s remaining HS-125 Mercurius aircraft were withdrawn from active service.

2002

The Silver Aerobatic Team; operating PC-7 Mk II aircraft, performed at Mykonos; this was show number 390.
The Silver Aerobatic Team; operating PC-7 Mk II aircraft, performed at Langebaanweg; this was show number 391 and 392.