The SAAF Forum

30 January

1941

Accidents and Losses:
A Gladiator (N5830) crashed at Sabderat, after an engine failure in flight

Sorties:
Unidentified Squadrons: A Valentia conducted a support mission from Archer’s Post to Nairobi.
1 Squadron: Three (also reported as four) Hurricanes routed to attack their target – Adi Urgi Airfield – where a number of Italian S81 (three aircraft) had been spotted. The mission was tasked to destroy the S81s. These aircraft were strafed as tasked, it later became apparent, that the S-81s were previously damaged beyond repair and deployed as decoys – successfully! The attack was supported with a four-ship Hurricane Combat Air Patrol too. Two Gladiators conducted change-over flights whilst three performed ferry flights. A Hurricane conducted General Flying training. A Tactical Reconnaissance mission was also flown using a Hurricane.
2 Squadron: Two Gauntlets conducted solo missions from Buna airfields, one a Patrol, the other a ‘Message Drop’.
3 Squadron: A Hurricane arrived at Garissa on a ferry flight. An ‘Airfield Inspection’ sortie was flown by a Hurricane to Ali Gabe from Garissa.
11 Squadron: Three Battels arrived at Archer’s Post on a ferry flight from Buna airfield.

1942

Accidents and Losses:
A Hartbees (807) crashed, fatally wounding the pilot in the area of Yavello, during an operational mission.

1945

Accidents and Losses:
The following Harvard accidents occurred: 7073 was involved in a mid-air collision with 7320 (written-off) approximately 12nm South West of Hartbeespoort Dam. One fatality on-board 7320 was reported. 7138 was involved in a fatal accident (one pilot) when it struck a wind-mill at low-level. 7324 whilst conducting low-level aerobatic training crashed in the Rietkuil area, fatally injuring both crew.
A PBY Consolidated Catalina (JX367) crashed during night flying over Lake Umzingazi. Both crew members sustained fatal injuries.
A 2 Squadron Mustang (KH603) crashed after being hit by enemy anti-aircraft artillery 18 nm North West of Trieste. The pilot was captured and held as a Prisoner of War.
A Baltimore (FW830) ditched over the ocean at Bellaria. There were no survivors in the crew of four.

1951

Accidents and Losses:
A Supermarine Spitfire (5606) was involved in a fatal accident at Tooth Rock Weapons Range.

1953

General Information:
Cmdt Gerneke and Maj Wells, deployed in Korea (2 Squadron) became the first South African Air Force pilots to fly the newly received F-86F-30 Sabre.

1958

Aircraft Deliveries:
Shackleton MR Mk 3, South African Air Force (1721, construction number 1531) accepted by the South African Air Force at the factory.

2005

General Information:
The Air Force’s target towing system ‘Taxan’, manufactured by Sepecam was qualified for use on the Hawk Mk-120 Lead in Fighter Trainer.

2012

General Information:
The three A109 Light Utility Helicopter crashes were caused by mechanical failure and pilot error, but all technical problems have been resolved, the chief of the South African Air Force has said. Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano was speaking to journalists at the Air Force Day parade held at Swartkop on Friday.

Thanks SPICE for the history again..I came across the story of the Catalina crash here.

http://www.pilotspost.co.za/arn0001001

_________________
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is a mystery.
But today is a gift.
That's why it's called the present.
____________________________
Adrian Munro
http://www.weddingduo.co.za
https://www.facebook.com/Airfirephotography/

31 January

1916

General Information:
No 26 Squadron (RFC) with aircraft and crew (ex-South African Aviation Corps) arrived in Mombasa, during World War 1. The unit was equipped with Henri Farman F27s and B.E.2c (UK origin). Soon after their arrival the squadron began air operations (mainly reconnaissance) for the Imperial Forces, this task later included bombing missions. Kenny vd Spuy was the Flight Commander.

1941

General Information:
Reports indicate that the Italian Air Force deployment in East Africa, was down to approximately 67 aircraft and reportedly low on fuel supplies, a situation that could have been exploited by the Allied Air Forces in East Africa.

Sorties:
1 Squadron: Ferry flights were conducted by 10 Hurricanes and one Gladiator. The latter Hurricanes together with five Gladiators conducted Combat Air Patrols too. Six Gladiators were tasked to conduct Escort missions.
3 Squadron: A Hurricane conducted a ferry flight to Ali Gabe, it landed and was reportedly attacked by two Fiat CR42s, sustaining only minor damage.

1942

Accidents and Losses:
Reports indicate that a Hurricane was lost due to ‘engine failure’.

1943

Operations and Operational Statistics:
The following aircraft were on strength with No 43 Air School: 42 x Airspeed Oxford (24 serviceable); 2 x Anson; and 34 x Fairey Battle (20 x serviceable).

Accidents and Losses:
A Baltimore (AG689) crashed whilst landing at Benina Airfield (Libya), there was a single reported fatality.

1944

Accidents and Losses:
A 24 Squadron Marauder was involved in a fatal accident.

1945

Accidents and Losses:
A 22 Squadron Ventura (G6455); with five crew members (presumed to have sustained fatal injuries) was reported ‘missing’ in the vicinity south of Cape St Vincent (Portugal). It departed from Gibraltar. It was reported to have crashed at 35:39N 05:37W. It is assumed the aircraft belonged to B-Flight.
A Ventura ‘6533’ crashed as well, no further information.

1952

Accidents and Losses:
An F-51 Mustang (358), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an operational sortie, the pilot was taken Prisoner of War. [Korea War Records also state this loss to have been recorded on 13 Jan]

1963

General Information:
Reports indicate that the offer from the UK to supply three ex-RAF Canberra T.4 would expire today, if not accepted by the SAAF.

1976

Operations and Operational Statistics
The South African Air Force deployed eight T-6 Harvards into the South West Africa/Angola theatre of operation at the beginning of January 1976; it was the first and only T6 operational deployment. According to information, this was the first and last time Harvard deployed to South West Africa/Namibia.

1978

Aircraft Deliveries:
Impala Mk II serial 1049.

1980

Sorties:
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 43, Cape Town.

1982

Sorties:
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 67, Air Force Ysterplaat.

January (Unknown Dates)

1921

General Information:
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.

1925

General Information:
The DH.9 aircraft were equipped with ‘hand-held’ cameras, the aircraft was then tasked to perform aerial survey missions.

1941

Aircraft Deliveries:
The last batch of Fury aircraft, totalling 16 deliveries since October 1940, finally arrived and was introduced into South African Air Force service. It is assumed that all these aircraft were delivered to 1 Squadron, that had been reported to have received a batch of Furry (January 1941) and deployed with these aircraft to the Sudan (‘Azzoza’ and Port Sudan), the re-deployed to Teseney (Eritrea).

1942

General Information:
New Acting Squadron Commanding Officer appointed: 12 Sqn / Major Nash.
12 Squadron, re-equipped with Bostons.

Operations and Operational Statistics
15 Squadron flew its last operational missions using Maryland aircraft, prior to receiving new aircraft

Deployment Updates:
1 Squadron ceased its operational deployment at Derna (Libya) and re-deployed to Ghazala III (Egypt - ?).
2 Squadron deployed from Msus (Libya) to Martuba (Libya) then on to El Adem (Libya).
12 Squadron deployed from Landing Ground 24 to Landing Ground 99.
21 Squadron deployed from Bu Amud (Libya) to Landing Ground 89.
24 Squadron deployed from Landing Ground 130 to Landing Ground 21 and then to Kasfareet (Egypt).
60 Squadron deployed to Heliopolis Airbase (Cairo; Egypt) from Tmimi (Libya).

1943

General Information:
New Squadron Commanding Officer appointed: 12 Sqn / Lt Col Kotze.
5 Squadron ceased its flight operations using Curtiss Tomahawk Mk IIBs and received Curtiss Kittyhawk Mk IIIs.
17 Squadron received Bristol Blenheim Mk V aircraft.

Operations and Operational Statistics:
The operational deployment of South African 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 Theatre of Operations.

Deployment Updates:
1 Squadron ceased operations at El Chel (Libya), re-deployed to Hamraiet Main (Libya) and then on to Wadi Siru (assumed to be the Siru in the Sudan).
2 Squadron deployed from Martuba to Belandah (Libya) to Hamraiet Main (Libya) and finally to Darragh East
5 Squadron deployed from Antelat (Libya) to Belandah (Libya) to Hamraiet (Libya) and finally to Bir Darragh.
12 Squadron re-deployed from Benina Airfield (Libya) to (Alem el) Gezina (Libya).
17 Squadron deployed to Little Aden.
21 Squadron deployed from Landing Ground 98 to El Chel/Gezina (Libya).
24 Squadron deployed from Benina Airfield (Libya) to (Alem el) Gezina (Libya).
60 Squadron deployed from Benina Airfield (Libya) to Marble Arch (Libya) to Darragh.

1944

General Information:
New Squadron Commanding Officer appointed: 12 Sqn / Lt Col Bamby DFC.
12 Squadron’s Boston aircraft were replaced with Marauder Mk IIs.

1945

General Information:
South African 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; namely: 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.
All remaining 27 Squadron Ventura aircraft were returned to the Union of South Africa from Egypt after completing their last ‘in theatre’ operations
28 Squadron was equipped with Anson aircraft.

Operations and Operational Statistics:
60 Squadron’s Tactical Reconnaissance missions focussed in Oil Refineries and the Inner Infantry Defence Lines of the European Fortress and lines of Communication

Deployment Updates:
17 Squadron deployed from Rosignano Airfield (Italy) to Algiers (Algeria).
29 Squadron was based at M’tubatuba (Natal).

1963

General Information:
41 Squadron was re-established at Grand Central Airport and equipped with the newly acquired 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.
The South African Air Force placed an order for 16 Buccaneer aircraft from the United Kingdom, the aircraft were designated ‘S.Mk-50’. Therefore, In January 1963, even before the S.2 version entered Royal Air Force squadron service, South Africa had purchased 16 Spey-powered Buccaneers. The aircraft order was part of the "Simonstown Agreement", in which the United Kingdom obtained use of the Simonstown Naval Base in South Africa in exchange for maritime weapons. The South African Air Force required the Buccaneer to fulfil the anti-shipping strike mission role.

1967

Deployment Updates:
1 Squadron commenced its re-location to Air Force Base Pietersburg from Air Force Base Waterkloof. Equipped with Canadair CL-13B Sabres, 1 Squadron became first operational fighter squadron to be deployed to Pietersburg.

1968

General Information:
The Multi-Engine Conversion Unit was established to take responsibility for all multi-engine aircraft training in the South African Air Force.

1970

General Information:
It was reported that a ‘Mr Jackal’, a known international arms dealer, approached South Africa on behalf of the French aircraft manufacturer ‘’, to offer the sale of aircraft (most likely the new Mirage F-1 series), to the South African Air Force.

1973

Deployment Updates:
4 Squadron was relocated to Lanseria airport, where it continued operations until the unit’s final closure in the mid 1980’s.

1974

Deployment Updates:
11 Squadron was re-established at Air Force Base Potchefstroom and equipped with the C-185’s previously attached to 41 Squadron.

1975

General Information:
It was reported that Israel Defence Force/Air Force officials visited South Africa to explore methods of gaining access to the country’s largely untapped defence market.

1976

General Information:
South African Defence Force forces deployed in Angola withdrew after the conduct of Ops Savannah.

1985

General Information:
The Project (CARVER) Study Report as well as the Acquisition Study to commence a project to procure an interim fighter was submitted for approval. This project was aimed at delivering an interim fighter before the so-called ‘CAVA’ fighter would be introduced into South African 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

Deployment Updates:
41 Squadron was relocated to Air Force Base Zwartkop from Lanseria.

1986

General Information:
It was estimated that the size of the Cuban Expeditionary Force totalled 45,000 troops in Angola.

1990

General Information:
The year 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 South African Defence Force units deployed in South West Africa/Namibia. The Initial plans announced early in 1990 by the Chief of the Air Force were as follows:
Unit Closures: 3 Squadron (Mirage F-1CZ – service withdrawal), 4 Squadron (Impala Mk 1 and Mk 2), 5 Squadron (Impala Mk 1 and Mk 2), 10 Squadron (Gharra service withdrawal, assigned Seeker aircraft to Kentron UAV to maintain capability and operated as ‘service’ to SAAF), 12 Squadron (Canberra - service withdrawal), 16 Squadron (Alouette III), 24 Squadron (Buccaneer - service withdrawal), 25 Squadron (C47 Dakota - service withdrawal), 27 Squadron (Albatross - service withdrawal), 30 Squadron (Puma), 31 Squadron (Puma and Alouette III), 42 Squadron (Bosbok - service withdrawal), 107 Squadron (various) and 114 Squadron (various).
Base Closure: Air Force Base Port Elizabeth, together with 16 Squadron

1997

General Information:
No 1 Squadron (Royal Air Force) staff members visited 1 Squadron (South African 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. 1 Squadron RAF operated Harrier GR.9 aircraft.

1999

Deployment Updates:
All the C-185 aircraft moved from Air Force Base Zwartkop to Air Force Base Waterkloof, and allocated to 44 Squadron as ‘Bravo-Flight’.
16 Squadron was re-activated at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in anticipation of receiving the new Atlas AH2A Rooivalk helicopters at a future date.

2009

General Information:
Colonel Cowan appointed as the new Officer Commanding Air Force Base Ysterplaat.

That is it for January.
I am working on finalising the monthly 'pdf' version too, which contains a bit more info to and illustrations where possible.
Should you wish to receive it, drop me an e-mail with your contact e-mail and I'll gladly add your name to the list.
I'll also see if I have a copy of the old list, and forward to those that originally subscribed a couple of years ago.
As long as some found it an interesting read, my day is made. Thanks all.
Now to start preping February's version.
Regards
Vern

At 65 pages long, well worth getting.

Thanks Spice for all the effort in compiling it.

_________________
How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

Hey Spice,


Keep them coming

Very interesting reading

Regards,
Stratobat

_________________
'If the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense lest you come up with nonsense'