• A Mirage F1AZ (228) – 1 Squadron, crashed in Lydenburg area, Capt Digby Holsworth ejected safely. (A)
Spice - I am going to tell you an amazing story.
I always scan through your reports - I normally look at the later reports to see if I remember the incidents. This morning the Mirage that crashed at Lydenburg caught my eye - just seemed so incongruous - what could possibly have happened ?
This afternoon I went to meet a new client. We got chatting and the contractor who introduced us mentioned that this guy was also a pilot. Wow i said, what do you fly ? He answered he doesn't fly anymore, but by co-incidence, a mate phoned him this morning to remind him that it was 29 years to day since he had crashed his Mirage.
His name is Digby Holsworth !!!!!!! If I had have met him yesterday we would never have known !
It also solved the mystery for me of why he dropped off a Mirage in Lydenburg - turns out he had full navigational instrument failure above cloud. His controllers could identify a radial for him based on his radio broadcasts, but found out (nearly too late) that he was headed in the opposite direction - when told he could descend the cloud luckily opened up to reveal mountains. He managed to get below cloud in the Lydenburg area where he eventually ran out of fuel before a destination could be identified, and had to eject.
Grant all equity and dignity
Richard Cook Consulting Architects (Pty) Ltd
Richard, this is really an amazing post, what a coincidence
Thanks for sharing this, I hope you had a successfull business meeting.
If I may, what is he doing for a carreer now?
BTW: I ran a bit late this morning, and contemplated on posting on the way out or this evening; after battelling with a intermitent 'www' connection too.
No 3 (Comms) Squadron, was disbanded for the first time.
1942
The South African Air Force lost two Avro Anson aircraft in a mid-air collision over Landsdown in the Cape area. Ten crew members sustained fatal injuries as well as three children on the ground. The aircraft involved: 1195 and 1196. (A)
12 Squadron commenced joint operations with 24 Squadron; both units were equipped with Bostons.
1944
Two Avro Anson aircraft were reportedly involved in separate fatal accidents:
• Anson ‘1136’, collided with Anson 4359 – the latter aircraft landed safely, only to be written-off in an accident a couple of days later. Three crew members (1136) sustained fatal injuries. (A)
• Anson ‘4306’, was involved in a fatal accident too, there were four persons onboard the aircraft. (A)
25 Squadron reported the loss of a Lockheed Ventura (6413), when it got lost on a night navigation exercise and crashed during an attempted forced landing. A second aircraft ‘6435’ was also written-off when it ran out of fuel and attempted a forced landing on a beach. (A)
1945
30 Squadron reported the loss of two Martin Marauder aircraft. The detail is as follows: HD-461 crashed with five fatalities, one Prisoner of War when it was involved with a mid-air collision during an operational mission, presumably with HD-457 which was also reported ‘crashed’. (A)
7 Squadron reported the loss of two Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX aircraft:
• MJ670: Undercarriage collapsed during landing.
• MJ901: Pilot abandoned aircraft in-flight – hang-up bomb.
1952
A North American Harvard (7023) was involved in a fatal accident.
1979
During Operation ‘REKSTOK’ 12 Squadron conducted two attacks, the first strike was on an African National Congress camp at Nova Catengue (20nm south west of Lobito – Angola); a second strike involved four aircraft when Canberra bombers attacked Ediva (Angola), a Canberra (452) was lost during this mission, both crew were fatally wounded. (C/L)
1989
An Impala Mk II (1059) crashed during a mission in the Winburg area. (A)
1992
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 225 at Paarl, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
Richard, this is really an amazing post, what a coincidence
Thanks for sharing this, I hope you had a successfull business meeting.
If I may, what is he doing for a carreer now?
BTW: I ran a bit late this morning, and contemplated on posting on the way out or this evening; after battelling with a intermitent 'www' connection too.
He studied engineering (I think sponsored by SAAF). He now has an architectural mouldings factory, a contracting business and various other enterprises.
Grant all equity and dignity
Richard Cook Consulting Architects (Pty) Ltd
Information Note. Andrew Beauchamp Proctor, a South African citizen, flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5A in the Royal Flying Corps (during World War 1); engaged and successfully shot-down a German ‘DFWC’, this was his 6th air-to-air kill.
1922
Following the commencement of earlier air operations, it was reported that these operations were completed according to the assigned task in the Benoni and Brakpan area. The air force had flown 172 operational hours, two pilots fatally wounded, two injured and two aircraft irreparably damaged. This heralded the first operational use of the South African Air Force’s assets.
1940
A Hawker Hartbees (828) was written-off following a crash. (Unknown)
1941
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 (280 “W”) was shot-down by hostile surface-to-air fire. (C/L)
• A second Hurricane Mk 1 (294), was shot down during hostile ground-fire engagement, fatally wounding the pilot. (C/L)
1942
A Curtiss Tomahawk (AN321) was written-off (after landing safely) following damage sustained when a Luftwaffe Bf-109 engaged this aircraft belonging to 2 Squadron. (C/L)
1943
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A Martin Maryland (1628/AH-318) crashed – the aircraft apparently ‘spun-in’. (A)
• A Bristol Blenheim Mk-IV (Z-7698) crashed, there were two fatalities as result of the accident. (A)
1944
41 Squadron reported a fatal accident involving a Supermarine Spitfire Mk VC (MA264).
1945
A Douglas C-47 Dakota (KG525), crashed when it stalled on take-off. (A)
1969
A Dassault Mirage IIIEZ (821) was written-off during an accident, in the Baragwaneth area. (A)
1983
The C-47 ‘Dragon’ Dakota deployed to the operational area (Ondangwa). The aircraft was on strength of 44 Squadron and armed with a 20mm cannon.
Puma helicopters were also used to insert special force operators in the Chicusse area (Angola).
1991
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 188 at Vredenburg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1996
Approval was received to continue/start the Oryx M2 project (Antarctica). The Oryx Mk. 2 contains such a number of differences, that a different model number is used, to distinguish the type. Although, operated and flown by 22 Squadron of the South African Air Force.
These helicopters were specifically built for use by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), as part of SANAP (South African National Antarctic Program).
Two Oryx helicopters were modified for operations in the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic, for which they have been painted (for a period) in the red and white colour scheme. Highly effective, de-icing equipment, of up rated specification, was the central requirement of the Mk. 2 program. The project received the go-ahead on 15 March 1996, with Lt Col K. Viljoen as project leader. The project was completed three weeks ahead of schedule and the two helicopters delivered to 22 Squadron, during October 1997. One of the Mk. 2 Oryx helicopters was written off subsequent to a crash landing in July 2004.
Information Note. Samuel M. Kinkhead, a South African citizen, serving in the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #16).
Information Note. Douglas J. Bell, a South African citizen, serving in the and Royal Flying Corps, flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #06 & 07).
1930
A Mantis (originally a converted DH.9 serial 104) re-numbered to 157 was written-off due to an accident. (A)
1937
A de Havilland DH.9 (125) was written-off following an accident. (A)
1941
Major T. Ross took over command of 1 Squadron.
1943
A Douglas Boston (unidentified) reportedly crashed.
1944
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A North American Harvard Mk IIA (7241) was involved in a fatal accident over a weapons range area, the aircraft apparently stalled. (A)
• A Martin B-26 Marauder (FB492) was shot down by hostile anti-aircraft artillery. Four of 12 Squadron’s crew was fatally wounded and two crew were taken Prisoner of War. (C/L)
1953
2 Squadron “Flying Cheetahs” commenced operations from the airbase at K-55 (Korea).
1965
A Douglas Dakota (6824) crashed and was reported written-off.
1971
A de Havilland Vampire FB.9 (237) executed a forced landing, and written-off in the South African Air Force. The aircraft was transferred to the Rhodesian Air Force after the accident.
1979
The Angolan government claimed to have shot-down six South African aircraft during Operation REKSTOK. The South African Air Force only acknowledged a single loss, that of a Canberra (see 14 March 1979).
1991
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 189 at Vredenburg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 190 at Mykonos, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
2009
Exercise SHIELD III commenced as part of the preparation training for the Soccer World Cup.
Information Note. Andrew Beauchamp Proctor, a South African citizen, flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5A in the Royal Flying Corps (during World War 1); engaged and successfully shot-down a German ‘Albatros DV’, this was his 7th air-to-air kill.
Information Note. Andrew Beauchamp Proctor, a South African citizen, flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5A in the Royal Flying Corps (during World War 1); engaged and successfully shot-down a German ‘DFWC’, this was his 8th air-to-air kill.
Information Note. Andrew Beauchamp Proctor, a South African citizen, flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5A in the Royal Flying Corps (during World War 1); engaged and successfully shot-down a German ‘Pfalz D III’, this was his 9th air-to-air kill.
Information Note. Douglas J. Bell, a South African citizen, serving in the and Royal Flying Corps, flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #08).
1920
The ‘Voortrekker’ departed Bulawayo en-route to Pretoria.
1942
An Avro Anson (1176) crashed at George during a night landing – undercarriage failure. (A)
1944
3 Squadron reported the loss of a Supermarine Spitfire (unidentified serial).
1945
40 Squadron deployed ‘C-Flight’ to El Adem, the flight comprised of two Hawker Hurricanes and one Curtiss Tomahawk.
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• 1 Squadron reported the loss of a Supermarine Spitfire (EN201).
• A Supermarine Spitfire (MJ588) allocated to 4 Squadron suffered engine failure and crashed – during the return to base route of the operational mission. (A)
1975
Information Note. Delegates from UNITA, RSA Military Intelligence and the Bureau of State Security met in Gaborone (Botswana).
1981
During Operation INTERRUPT; four Canberras (12 Squadron) and five Buccaneers (24 Squadron) conducted an interdiction mission from Grootfontein to targets south west of Lubango (Angola).
1990
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 169 at Stellenbosch, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1994
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 272 and 273 at Hoedspruit, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
No 50 (Transport) Squadron was formed at Zwartkop, following the transfer of seven Vickers Valentias from No 70 Squadron (Royal Air Force).
1944
A Supermarine Spitfire (JK108), allocated to 3 Squadron, reported an undercarriage problem, and executed a belly-landing. (A)
1949
A North American Harvard (7438), Mk III version, crashed during take-off; apparently it collided with a vehicle. (A)
1950
A North American Harvard Mk IIA (7046) lost its engine cowling during flight, the aircraft crashed in the Baragwaneth area, both crew sustained fatal injuries. (A)
1974
A report in the Sunday Times newspaper quoted ‘PW Botha’ (Minister of Defence) as stating that there was only one solution to the long-term war being waged on the borders (he did not mention specific borders) and that was ‘a military solution with highly trained people and weapons!’. This was his standpoint since being appointed as Minister of Defence six years earlier.
1975
Information Note. Delegates from UNITA, RSA Military Intelligence and the Bureau of State Security met in Gaborone (Botswana).
1989
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew shows number 157 and 158 at Ysterplaat, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1998
Rick Culpan was fatally injured at Air Force Base Swartkop when the South African Air Force’s Percival Provost crashed at the airfield.
2000
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 355 at Stellenbosh, equipped with PC-7 Mk II Astra aircraft.
2005
An Aerospatiale S-316 Alouette II I (626), crashed in the Harrismith area. It is presumed to have belonged to 17 Squadron. (A)
A Fairy Battle (990) crashed during an attempted forced landing on a beach, after suffering engine failure. (A)
1944
2 Squadron reported the loss of Supermarine Spitfire (MJ196), an Mk IX – it was shot down by ground fire. (C/L)
1945
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A Consolidated Liberator allocated to 31 Squadron, KH-244 ‘Q’, crashed when an in-flight fire caused the crew to abandon the aircraft en-route to their designated target. (A)
• 7 Squadron reported the loss of a Supermarine Spitfire (MK783) at Ravena. (A)
1970
A Canadair CL13B Sabre Mk.6 (355) crashed following a mid-air collision with another Sabre Mk.6 (370). (A)
1988
A 1 Squadron Dassault Mirage F-1AZ (223) was lost during an operational mission in Angola, fatally wounding the pilot Maj W van Coppenhagen.
2005
A 60 Squadron Boeing B-707 arrived in Sweden to start trails in support of the Gripen Air-to-Air Refuelling qualification program.
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 459 at Simonstown, equipped with PC-7 Mk II Astra aircraft.
I'll be off-line for a while travelling - so no daily posts till then again
The ‘Voortrekker’ departed from Bloemfontein to Cape Town, on the last leg of this epic flight. The trip took 45 days to complete, during which 109.5 hours of flying was logged and two aircraft written-off.
1942
40 Squadron commenced operations in support of 13 Corps, by conducting Tactical and Photo Reconnaissance missions.
1943
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• An Airspeed Oxford (3571) was crashed when it executed a forced landing, due to engine failure. (A)
• 24 Squadron reported the loss of the following two aircraft: HK-918; Douglas Boston; Shot down; two fatalities and two Prisoners of War. (C/L) / HK-981; Douglas Boston; Shot down; three fatalities and one Prisoner of War. (C/L)
1944
A Supermarine Spitfire (MJ185), allocated to 2 Squadron crashed due to engine failure whilst on an operational mission. (A)
1945
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A Bristol Beaufighter Mk X (NV593) crashed during landing – it is reported that the aircraft’s undercarriage failed/collapsed. The aircraft belonged to 16 Squadron. A second aircraft, also belonging to 16 Squadron, NV122 crashed, due to engine failure as well – the two crewmembers unfortunately did not survive the accident. (A)
• A Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX (MH556), allocated to 4 Squadron was shot down whilst on an operational mission; it is not known whether it was due to hostile air-to-air or ground-to-air fire. (C/L ?)
1951
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A North American F-51 Mustang (315), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an operational sortie, due to an engine failure. (A)
• A Supermarine Spitfire (5590) crashed during a heavy landing, at an airfield in South Africa. (A)
1952
Lieutenant Enslin, a 2 Squadron pilot flying a F-51D Mustang in Korea, successfully engaged a North Korean MiG-15, which had been reported ‘damaged’ following the intercept effort. It is assumed that during the above engagement a second F-51 Mustang (320), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed after being shot-down by a MiG-15.
1982
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 68 at Kimberly, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1995
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 316 at Cape Town (QE2 visit), equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
2003
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 406 at Simonstown, equipped with PC-7 Mk II Astra aircraft.
Information Note. Samuel M. Kinkhead, a South African citizen, serving in the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #17).
1929
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• An Mpala (i.e. a converted de Havilland DH4 serial 201) re-numbered to 153 was written-off following an accident in the Nimule area - no further information is available. (A)
• A second Mpala (i.e. converted de Havilland DH9 serial 138) re-numbered to 155 crashed in Salisbury. The aircraft was subsequently rebuilt and re-introduced into active service. (A)
1931
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A de Havilland DH-9 (106) was written-off following a possible mid-air collision with an Avro 504K. (A)
• A de Havilland DH-9 (150) was written-off following an accident in the Standarton area - no further information. (A)
1941
1 Squadron intercepted four Italian Air Force CR-42s, the four Hurricanes successfully downed two CR-42s and damaged one.
1942
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• An unidentified Hawker Hurricane was lost due to hostile action; the pilot was taken Prisoner of War. (C/L)
• 24 Squadron reported the loss of two aircraft (Douglas Boston) during operational missions: Z-2225 was shot-down by enemy aircraft. (C/L) / No detail regarding second aircraft, also presumed to have been shot-down if it had been part of a formation in which Z-2225 was an element too. (C/L ?)
1943
During an operational mission, a 4 Squadron Curtiss Tomahawk (AK832) flew into the sea off Tunisia, the pilot sustained fatal injuries. (A)
1944
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A North American Harvard Mk IIA (7359) was involved in a fatal night flying accident, during an attempted forced landing. (A)
• 16 Squadron reported the loss of a Bristol Beaufighter Mk X (LZ378), both crew did not survive the accident. (C/L ?)
1945
A Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX (MA801) was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft artillery. The pilot was captured and held as a Prisoner of War.
1966
A North American AT-6 Harvard (7685) crashed at Eendrag, both crew sustained fatal injuries. (A)
1975
An Aerospatiale S-316 Alouette III (23), crashed in the Windhoek area, there were four fatalities. (A)
1987
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 112 at Stellenbosch, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1992
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 225 & 226 at Bredasdorp, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
2003
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 407 at Lambertsbay, equipped with PC-7 Mk II Astra aircraft.
Information Note. Samuel M. Kinkhead, a South African citizen, serving in the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #18).
Information Note. Douglas J. Bell, a South African citizen, serving in the and Royal Flying Corps, flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #09).
1943
A Miles Master (2627) suffered structural failure during aerobatics, the crew survived the accident. (A)
1944
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• An Avro Anson (4359), crashed after take-off from Oudtshoorn – engine failure was reportedly the cause of the accident. (A)
• A De Havilland DH-82 (2420) crashed during a low-level roll, possibly during aerobatic training. (A)
1980
An Impala Mk II (1050), whilst on a cross-border mission into Angola was shot down by hostile ground fire in the area of Ongiva (Southern Angola). (C/L)
Information Note. Douglas J. Bell, a South African citizen, serving in the and Royal Flying Corps, flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Balloon (Kill Claim #10).
Information Note. Douglas J. Bell, a South African citizen, serving in the and Royal Flying Corps, flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #11 & 12).
1942
Four Douglas Boston were written-off during operational missions:
• AL733; 24 Squadron; four fatalities; Shot Down by Enemy Fighter Aircraft. (C/L)
• AL800; 24 Squadron; one Prisoner of War; Shot Down by Enemy Aircraft. (C/L)
• Z2278; 24 Squadron; no further information.
• Z2206; 24 Squadron; Damaged by Enemy Anti-Aircraft Artillery; Crash Landed. (C/L)
1944
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A De Havilland DH-82 (2198) crashed, the crew sustained fatal injuries. According to information at hand, the aircraft was later re-registered as ZS-BXT. (A)
• A Supermarine Spitfire (serial unknown), allocated to 41 Squadron crashed. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
• An Airspeed Oxford (3378) crashed after take-off from Port Alfred. (A)
1945
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A Hawker Hurricane (5535) crashed at an unknown location in South Africa after take-off.
• An Airspeed Oxford (3767) was involved in a fatal accident (two crew) when it got lost during a night flying mission and crew reportedly lost control over the aircraft.
1950
A Supermarine Spitfire (5520) crashed in the Pretoria area. (A)
1965
A North American Harvard Mk III (7473) is reported to have landed on-top of a DH Moth Minor (1474), three crew members sustained fatal injuries. (A)
1983
Operation RHUBYN’s strategic planning finalized and presented.
1996
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 336 at Upington, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
The Avro Anson prototype took to the air for the first time.
1941
4 Squadron was reformed and equipped with Curtis Mohawk and Fury aircraft at Air Force Base Waterkloof.
1943
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A de Havilland Tiger Month (2165), crashed. (A)
• An Airspeed Oxford (3760), crashed after structural failure in flight approximately 11 nautical miles from Pietersburg, the crew escaped. (A)
1945
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• 30 Squadron reported the loss of a Martin Marauder, one fatality was also reported. (A ?)
• A 2 Squadron Spitfire, MJ-308 crashed during an inverted dive. (A)
• A Bristol Beaufighter Mk X allocated to 16 Squadron was shot down by hostile ground fire. Aircraft serial: NV-567. (C/L)
• A Vickers Wellington Mk XIII, MP-285, crashed after take-off. (A)
1976
Captain Gawie Winterbach became the first pilot to fly a Mirage F1AZ in South African skies!
1990
The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 170 at Pietersburg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1993
Information Note. State President de Klerk acknowledged that South Africa had a nuclear weapons capability, four years after ordering the complete destruction of the capability.
A 28 Squadron C-130B Hercules painted in special anniversary colours, was displayed for the first time: “SAAF Hercs 30”.
The Hawker Fury prototype flew for the first time.
1941
A Fairy Battle (923), crashed. (A)
1942
An Airspeed Oxford (3564) crashed in the Brooklyn area during a test flight, the elevator apparently detached; the pilot did not survive the accident. (A)
1943
A de Havilland DH-82 (2165) crashed in the vicinity of Benoni. (A)
1944
A 1 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII (JG316) crashed – it lost control during bad weather. (A)
1945
The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:
• A Baltimore was reported to have crashed, one crew member sustained fatal injuries.
• A 34 Squadron, Consolidated B-24 Liberator (EJ204), was shot down whilst striking railway infrastructure, all nine crew were fatally wounded. (C/L)
1949
A Supermarine Spitfire (5528) crashed in the Nigel area during landing. (A)
1961
A North American Harvard Mk IIIA (7460), crashed during low-level aerobatics, the pilot sustained fatal injuries. (A)
1966
A North American T-6G Harvard (7724) crashed during a low-level training mission, the pilot sustained fatal injuries. (A)
1980
An Atlas AM3C Bosbok (923) crashed in the Potchefstroom area. The crew Lt’s PF Smit and EJ le Roux were fatally injured. (A)
1982
During Operation REKSTOK III; 1 Squadron deployed nine Mirage F-1AZs to Air Force Base Ondangwa, from their home base Hoedspruit. The deployment was in support of three Canberra (12 Squadron) and two Mirage IIIRZ (2 Squadron ‘Recce Flight’) tasked to conduct photo-reconnaissance missions over hostile territory. The F-1AZ’s primary task for this deployment was ‘fighter escort’.
1988
The last four Mirage F1AZs, 1 Squadron that were deployed in the 1987/88 campaign in South Eastern Angola returned to their home base, Hoedspruit. 1 Squadron flew at total of 683 operational sorties in 144 strikes in a period of 191 days. Two aircraft and pilots Majors Ed Every and Willie van Copenhagen, did not return to South Africa.
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 142 at Durban, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft; this was at the re-commissioning parade held for 5 Squadron, Air Force Base Louis Trichardt, which was equipped with Cheetah E aircraft.
2003
No 4 Air Servicing Unit, laid-up the unit Colours after 63 years of service.
2012
Exercise Good Hope concluded a combined RSA/German military exercise conducted on a biannual basis.
