The SAAF Forum

Hi Kremlin.
First time I actually visit this segment.
Beautifull profiles.
I have a question??
Do you have photos of these A/C that you profiled??
The reason is that 7 Wing A/c all had red on them.(Normally)
1 Sqdn had red wingtips.
2 Sqdn red tips to horisontal stabelisers.
4 Sqdn red fin tips
7 Sqdn red bands around fuselages.
That was the norm, but anomalies did occur, i.e. the Blue KJ Spit had the white fin tip.
If one goes and look at he photos you can usually see them, you just have to be aware that they are there.
If not, it is a non standard colour, or prior to being put on. Hence the interest that your profiles show non standard practices.
Keep it up
Stefaan

Thanks for the awesome input Stefaan With this kind of input, you need to come visit this section more often

I unfortunately don't have the actual photo's from which these profiles were made, but am using the photos from the following books:
The SAAF at War 1940-1984 by JS Bouwer & MN Louw
The Spitfire in SAAF Service by Steven McLean
Squadrons of the SAAF 1920-2005 by Steven McLean
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I to XVI in RAF, SAAF, RAAF, RNZAF, RCAF & Foreign Service by Osprey Publishing.

Armed with your info I have re-checked the scans & corrected the profile of AX-N below to include the red wingtips.



Source: The Spitfire in SAAF Service by Steven McLean pg26

Looking at the other scans, I can not see evidence of the other markings you mention.



Source: The Spitfire in SAAF Service by Steven McLean pg73



Source: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I to XVI in RAF, SAAF, RAAF, RNZAF, RCAF & Foreign Service by Osprey Publishing.



Source: The SAAF at War 1940-1984 by JS Bouwer & MN Louw



Source: The SAAF at War 1940-1984 by JS Bouwer & MN Louw pg105
Wingtip colour on this 4 sqdn spit ? hmm



Source: The Spitfire in SAAF Service by Steven McLean pg54

lowres, black & white scans .. do not help either

Thanks again for the attention to detail Stefaan, I appreciate the input as I do aim to make these profiles as realistic & accurate as possible.

Cheers

_________________
Brent Best

Hi Brent.
As you rightly profiled, some of your A/C were photos from just prior to being incorporated into 7 Wing. Prior to that period only 1 Sqdn had red wingtips, as you can see on the left wingtip of your photo AW N.
Do you have the 2nd ed of SAAF at War??
My pages refer to that addition.
P103 KJ P appears like red fin tip.
P94 TJ A shows red fuselage band.
Eagles Victorious, the photo section after p398 shows that known photo of 5 2 Sqdn Spit Bombers. Small red Stabeliser tips.
The DB V photo is not sharp enough to say anything definite.
KJ T profile, taken before 7 wing formation.
For years I have also looked at photos and never realised those ID colours until some pilot told me that during an interview.
Another interesting fact, did you know that there were 2 24 Sqdn badges.
Early was light top, dark bottom.
When they started night ops the badge changed from that to dark tops/light bottom.(Attack out of the night)
If one goes to look for it you will see it on the Boston photos.
Anyway, I was not vaulting your work, but wanted to let you know about that in your future research.
Please do many more.
Be good
Stefaan

Thanks Stefaan

I will be checking the references very closely for these markings in future. I was previously only aware of some red wingtips, so this is great in identifying the colours when as I come across them.

I have the first edition of SAAF at War (1940-84), but I see the page numbers tie up with the pictures you point out. The red banded TJ-A, is now a profile that needs doing.

Interesting indeed on the 24 Squadron marking change.

On pg66 of SAAF at War, there is an image of DB-Z, MH544, as piloted by the OC Maj. Finney, do you have any idea what was written under the cockpit ?

Thanks again for the input !!

Cheers

_________________
Brent Best

Spitfire Mk.IX, AX-E, MH904, N° 1 Squadron, Foiana, Italy, August 1944.



Major John Thorne Seccombe was awarded the D.F.C in 1943. In 1944 he was awarded a bar to the DFC. This the citation for the awarding of the bar.

Maj. J. T. SECCOMBE. D.F.C.. S.A.A F.. No. 1 (S.A.A.F.) Sqn.
Whilst commanding his squadron, Maj. Seccombe has displayed consistent determination and resolution, which have ensured the success of every mission he has undertaken. He has not only destroyed a large number of vehicles, but has secured hits on selected targets on twelve occasions. This officer has destroyed three enemy aircraft and damaged others. His brilliant leadership and coolness in action have been an inspiration to all his pilots.

_________________
Brent Best

Kremlin, I have the Revised Edition of SAAF at War for you when we next swap prisoners.

Hi Brent.
I scanned my neg, and could only make out that it looks like 'Lady' something with a Roman numerical below.
Have sent it to Steven McLean to see if he has comms with Bomb Finney.
He may be able to help.
Be Good
Stefaan

Thanks for the efforts Stefaan

_________________
Brent Best

Spitfire Mk.IX, ND-M, MJ25?, N° 11 Squadron, Fayid, Egypt, September 1945.

_________________
Brent Best

Spitfire Mk.IXe, JS-B, 5536, N° 60 Squadron, AFS Swartkop, 1949.

_________________
Brent Best

Spitfire Mk.IXe, 5618, Air Operations School, AFS Langebaanweg, August 1951

_________________
Brent Best

Spitfire Mk.IXe, 5503, N° 1 Squadron, AFS Waterkloof, 1951



I just received mail that my copy of "Springbok Fighter Victory - Vol4" is in the post, ... should be some good Spitfire stories & photos there

_________________
Brent Best

Spitfire Mk.IXe, 5520, N° 1 Squadron, AFS Waterkloof, 1948.

_________________
Brent Best

Hi Brent - how come this aircraft has 'Bok roundels on the underwings if they were introduced in 1950? Or am I missing something?

_________________
A plan is simply a basis for change.

No .. that would be me that missed something I have a wrong layer selected

Thanks for the eagle eyes, Ryan.

I'll fix it shortly.

*FIXED*

_________________
Brent Best