Note: The information contained in this thread is under continious review and update as new information is obtained, any updates/corrections and or new information shall be appreciated.
The following events took place in our SA Air Force's history in the month of January, the dates have not been established:
1921
The first attempt to place national insignia on a South African aircraft was made when a South African roundel was painted onto an Avro 504K aircraft.
1941 Updated Information

1943
The operational deployment of SA Air Force units to various World War 2 Theatres of Operations continued, with 15 Squadron being deployed from the Union to Cyprus, to be utilized to conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare Missions in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations.
1945
SA Air Force officers continued to serve in senior posts in the Royal Air Force. The following Royal Air Force operational squadrons were commanded by South Africans during 1945; nl: 73 Squadron, 92 Squadron, 93 Squadron, 132 Squadron, 208 Squadron, 229 Squadron, No 10 Ferry Unit, No 4 Air Defence Unit, 205 Group and 324 Wing.
1963
41 Squadron was re-established at Grand Central Airport and equipped with the newly acquired Cessna C-185 Skywagons; reports also indicated that a number of Auster aircraft were on strength too. The primary role of the reinstated 41 Squadron was to conduct light utility and reconnaissance missions.

1967
1 Squadron commenced its re-location to Air Force Base Pietersburg from Air Force Base Waterkloof. Equipped with Sabres, 1 Squadron became first operational fighter squadron to be deployed to Pietersburg.
1968
The Multi-Engine Conversion Unit (MECU) was established to take responsibility for all multi-engine aircraft training in the SA Air Force.
1973
4 Squadron was relocated to Lanseria, where it continued operations until the final closure in the mid 1980’s.
1974
11 Squadron was re-established at Air Force Base Potchefstoom and equipped with the Cessna C-185’s previously attached to 41 Squadron.
1985
41 Squadron was relocated to Air Force Base Swartkop from Lanseria.
The Project (CARVER) Study Report as well as the Acquisition Study to commence a programme to procure an interim fighter was submitted for approval. This programme was aimed at delivering an interim fighter before the so-called ‘CAVA’ fighter would be introduced into SA Air Force service. This ‘interim’ Programme acquired the Cheetah series of fighters, which were eventually replaced not by ‘CAVA’ but the JAS-39 C/D Gripen Advanced Light Fighter Aircraft.
1990
‘The Commencement of Change Year’. 1990 heralded the start of the Air Force’s rationalization Programme following the cessation of hostilities in South West Africa/Namibia and the subsequent withdrawal of SADF units deployed in South West Africa/Namibia. The Initial plans announced early in 1990 by the Chief of the Air Force were as follows:
- Aircraft Phase Out: Buccaneer, Mirage F1CZ, Canberra, Super Frelon, Wasp, Kudu and Albatross.
- Unit Closures: 3 Squadron, 4 Squadron, 5 Squadron, 10 Squadron, 12 Squadron, 16 Squadron, 24 Squadron, 25 Squadron, 27 Squadron, 30 Squadron, 31 Squadron, 42 Squadron, 107 Squadron and 114 Squadron.
- Base Closure: Air Force Base Port Elizabeth.
1997
No 1 Squadron (Royal Air Force) staff members visited 1 Squadron (SA Air Force) at Air Force Base Hoedspruit to engage in exploratory discussions regarding a possible deployment of 1 Squadron (Royal Air Force) Harrier aircraft to Hoedspruit for cooperative training and exercises. Unfortunately the deployment never materialized.
1999
All the Cessna C-185 aircraft moved from Air Force Base Swartkop to Air Force Base Waterkloof, and allocated to 44 Squadron as ‘Bravo-Flight’.
16 Squadron was re-activated at Air Force Base Bloemspruit, prior to receiving the first Rooivalk attack helicopters.