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Author:	Spice [ 20 Feb 2019, 04:01 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
20 February 1940 Accidents and Losses: A Hartbees (833) crashed. 1941 Sorties: 1 Squadron: The squadron reports indicate the following executed: two Ferry flights; four Combat Air Patrols (included two unsuccessful intercepts), two Escort and six Air-to-Ground sorties (see claims section). 2 Squadron: Three Furies attached to B1 Detachment conducted missions. 1944 Accidents and Losses: Two De Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moths (2455 and 2234) were involved in a fatal mid-air collision. One crew member sustained fatal injuries. A Baltimore allocated to 15 Squadron, was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft artillery, fatally wounding three crew members. The fourth was taken Prisoner of War. Aircraft serial number reported as FA554. 1945 Sorties: 7 Squadron: The squadron conducted 12 ‘Offensive Air Patrol’ and 16 ‘Armed Reconnaissance’ sorties. A single Spitfire assisted in an Air Sea Rescue mission, the search proved unsuccessful. Accidents and Losses: A Hurricane (5256) stalled and crashed during approach to an airfield in South Africa. 30 Squadron reported the tragic loss of six crew members when one of the squadron’s Baltimore aircraft (HD464) reportedly dived into the ground. The following Spitfire losses were recorded: ‘PT426’ a 2 Squadron Mk IX version crashed – an in-flight fire was reported during an air-to-ground mission. The pilot did not survive the accident. (Possible C/L due to damage) / ‘MH444’ a 3 Squadron Mk IX version was shot down by enemy ground fire, the pilot did not survive. / A third Spitfire (PT954) ditched into the Adriatic Sea – the pilot was taken Prisoner of War. 1952 Accidents and Losses: An F-51 Mustang (370), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during landing at K-10 airfield, whilst returning from an operational sortie. 1988 Accidents and Losses: The South West Africa People’s Organization detonated a bomb in the local Oshakati bank. 1 Squadron’s Mirage F1AZ’s conducted a retaliatory strike on the South West Africa People’s Organization HQ, Lubango later the day. A radar site near Lucosa (west of Cuito Cuanavale) was attacked. Two SA-9 Gaskins (surface to air missiles) were launched at aircraft during the attack on the radar installation. During a late afternoon strike Major Ed Every (Mirage F1AZ, 245) on his 52nd strike of the campaign was involved in a fatal crash soon after a possible SA-13 exploded in proximity to his aircraft.

Author:	Spice [ 21 Feb 2019, 04:15 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
21 February 1941 Operations and Operational Statistics: 1 Squadron. Destroyed various SM-82 and CR-42 aircraft, during an attack on Massawa Airfield. Air reconnaissance had reported that new Italian Air Force CR.42s were being assembled at Massawa airfield after delivery by transport aircraft. 1 Squadron took off from Kassala, to the target, via a refuelling point at Agordat. A small number of aircraft were seen outside the hangars, but the number inside was not known, so all six hangars were attacked, the pilots approached at almost “zero” feet firing directly into the hangers. Six Ca-133s and a CR-42 were strafed in the open, and claimed. One Hurricane destroyed an anti-aircraft position and crew. The pilot of Hurricane ‘V7658, continued to make dummy attacks towards the anti-aircraft positions. Tragically Hurricane (V7658) was shot-down by Anti-Aircraft Artillery, fatally wounding the pilot. Sorties 1 Squadron: Six Galdiators flew an interdiction mission from Kassala to Massawa Airfield (target) to Kassala. 2 Squadron: B1 Detachment, performed a single Test Flight and a single General Flying sortie with their Gladiators. 51 Flight: Two Ju-86 flew Air Support from Broken Hill to Nairobi, and a third Ju-86 flew from Broken Hill to Germiston. Accidents / Losses: 1 Squadron reported a loss of a Gladiator, which was shot-down. The pilot Lt Coetzer suffered fatal injuries. A De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth (504), crashed in the area of Elsberg. The cause was reported to be a ‘stall’. Both crew members, Lt IWG Slabber and A/Sgt PJ Nieman sustained fatal injuries. 1944 Accidents and Losses: An Anson (1150) undershot the landing approach at George, and crashed, the aircraft was declared a write-off. 24 Squadron, reported the loss of a B-26 Marauder (FB453) that crashed into the sea, it is believed to have been caused due to icing conditions, and all six crew members sustained fatal injuries. 1945 Sorties: 7 Squadron: Nine Spitfires flew Escort missions in support of 1 Squadron. Twelve Spitfires conducted Armed Reconnaissance missions and engaged various targets of opportunity. Four Spitfires conducted Weather Reconnaissance fights too. Accidents and Losses: A Baltimore (FW822), allocated to 15 Squadron, ditched into a lake, fatally injuring all four crewmembers onboard. 5 Squadron reported the loss of a P-51 Mustang Mk III (HB947). The pilot was fatally wounded when the aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft artillery in the area of Dogna. A Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX (MH658) crash landed at its home base after being hit by enemy anti-aircraft artillery during an operational mission. 1970 Sorties: The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team, performed at Ysterplaat, this was official display number 13. 2003 Sorties: The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (PC-7 Mk II / Astra), performed at the Team’s Re-Union function, this was official display number 405.

Author:	Spice [ 22 Feb 2019, 08:16 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
22 February 1918 Information Note: W.L. Jordan, South African serving as a pilot during World War 1, in the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corps was awarded his Distinguished Flying Cross. Samuel M. Kinkead, South African serving as a pilot during World War 1, in the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corps was awarded his Distinguished Service Cross. 1920 Sorties: The Silver Queen 2 after being refitted with the engines from Silver Queen 1 departed from Cairo, it seems as if a landing was made at Wadi Halfa due to a strong head wind. The second aircraft was also a Vickers Vimy (F8615) which was loaned to the South African crew by the RAF (stationed at Heliopolis, Egypt). 1941 Accidents and Losses: A Fairy Battle (926) was shot-down during an operational mission, fatally wounding the crew. 1942 Accidents and Losses: Two crew members sustained fatal injuries when the DH-82 they were flying crashed in the vicinity of Baragwanath. The aircraft serial was 1495. Operations and Statistics: Following a temporary withdrawal from operational service (due to heavy combat losses), 24 Squadron re-commenced operations. 1943 Accidents and Losses: A De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth (582), crashed whilst turning at low-level in the Randfontein area. 1944 Accidents and Losses: A De Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth (2420) was written-off during Controlled Flight Into Terrain incident (Roll at Low level). A Harvard (7041) was involved in a fatal accident, when it lost power during its approach to the airfield. Both crews did not survive the accident. A Bristol Beaufighter (LZ337) flew into the sea, fatally injuring the two crew members. The aircraft belonged to 16 Squadron. 1945 Sorties: 7 Squadron: 10 Armed Reconnaissance and 12 Air to Ground sorties were flown using Spitfires. The air to ground missions saw aircraft engaging ‘MT’ concentrations, gun emplacements and railway infrastructure. Sorties: A Ventura (“Q” 6450), allocated to 22 Squadron (Gibraltar) participated in an operation that eventually saw the sinking of a German Navy ‘U-Boat’ (U-300). A Hurricane (5311), crashed during an attempted forced-landing on a stretch of beach along the South African Coast, when it apparently ran out of fuel. 1953 Sorties: 2 Squadron (Korea) Officer Commanding, Cmdt Gerenke flew as the No 2 in the first Sabre “MiG-Sweep” along the Yalu River. This first mission was flown by the Commanders of the three squadrons constituting the 18th Group. Lead Maj Hagerstrom (67th Squadron), No 2 Cmdt Gerenke (2 Squadron - SAAF), Maj (CO 18th Group) and No 4 Maj Evans (12th Squadron). No combat took place during the mission. 2 Squadron’s counter-air missions typically included: fighter sweeps, escort missions, intercepts, combing missions (aimed at destruction of aircraft on ground and supporting infrastructure) and reconnaissance (photo and visual) missions. 1954 Accidents and Losses: Two Supermarine Spitfires (5574 and 5596) crashed at Tempe airfield during a formation landing. 1965 Sorties: A C-130 Hercules (406) 28 Squadron departed from Waterkloof to the United Kingdom, in support of the Buccaneer Acquisition Project. 1977 Accidents and Losses: An Alouette III (76[1]) crashed, fatally wounding Lt LB Liddell. 1981 Sorties: The first Impala “Maanskyn’ (Moonshine) trails were flown from 8 Squadron over the De Brug weapons Range in Bloemfontein. These night operations missions became routine during the ‘Border War’. 1991 Accidents and Losses: An Impala Mk II (1008), belonging to 85 Combat Flying School crashed in the Pietersburg area, fatally injuring the pilot (Major R. Miller) during landing. 1992 Sorties: The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team, performed at Club Mykonos, this was official display number 220.

Author:	Spice [ 23 Feb 2019, 12:30 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
23 February 1920 Sorties: The new Silver Queen 2 arrived in Khartoum. The aircraft was delayed for the next planned departure due to engine problems. 1925 Sorties: A flight of two DH.9’s conducted a ‘proof’ flight between Durban and Cape Town as part of a future ‘air-mail’ service offered by the Air Force. The aircraft involved in this flight were 113 and 127. 1941 Operations and Operational Statistics: 1 Squadron. Claimed five SM-79 and three CR-42 destroyed on ground during the attack on Makale Airfield. A.Duncan also claimed to have shot-down a CR-42 that had been involved with the shoot-down of Maj Wilmot. 2 Squadron. “2-C Detachment’ reported having five Furies on strength at Lokitaung (Kenya). Sorties: 1 Squadron. Three Gladiators conducted Top Cover for a Wesley bomber involved in attacking Makale Airfield. Three Gladiators (reports indicate it may also have been Hurricanes) also conducted interdiction from Tole to Makale Airfield (target), then returned to Tole. 2 Squadron: A Fury conducted a Communications flight from Huseinni aerodrome. Accidents / Losses: 1 Squadron. A Gladiator, flown by Maj Wilmot was shot-down by an Italian CR-42. 1942 General Information: No 44 Air School (Grahamstown): The Navigation Training Section commenced Course No 2. 1943 Deployment Updates. 1 Squadron. Deployed an ‘advance party’ to Hazbub Landing Ground. 1944 Accidents and Losses: A De Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth (2420), was written-off during Controlled Flight Into Terrain incident during low level aerobatics, fatally injuring the pilot. An Anson (3216) crashed at Alliwal-North. Four crew members were presumed to have sustained fatal injuries (missing) following an accident in which a Baltimore (FA471) involved during combat operations. A Spitfire allocated to 1 Squadron reported engine failure, the pilot did not survive the accident, when the Spitfire Mk VIII (JF562) crashed. 1945 Sorties: 7 Squadron: Spitfires conducted ten Escort and ten Armed Reconnaissance missions. 1970 General Information: Buccaneer ‘418’ deployed to AFB Ysterplaat, as a static display aircraft for the SAAF 50 airshow. 1990 Sorties: The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team, performed at Langebaanweg, this was official display number 168. Visit by Chilean Air Force (Chief). 1995 Sorties: The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team, performed at Langebaanweg, this was official display number 310.

Author:	jfh [ 23 Feb 2019, 17:53 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
Thanks for all your hard work doing this. I appreciate it a lot.

Author:	Spice [ 24 Feb 2019, 11:58 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
jfh wrote: Thanks for all your hard work doing this. I appreciate it a lot.

Author:	Spice [ 24 Feb 2019, 12:00 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
24 February 1941 Sorties: 51 Flight: Three Ju-86s conducted Air Support missions from Broken Hill to Nairobi. 1943 Accidents and Losses: An Anson (3186) crashed when it suffered an engine failure after take-off from Port Elizabeth airport. 1944 Accidents and Losses: A Supermarine Spitfire (JK-872) allocated to 4 Squadron was shot-down by hostile ground fire. Two AS-10 Oxfords were involved in separate accidents: ‘3608’ crashed in after take-off from Papkuil. ‘3425’, stalled – the pilot sustained fatal injuries. A Harvard (7121) crashed during low-level training, both crew sustained fatal injuries. 1945 General Information: No 62 Air School was disbanded (only to be reformed at AFS Nigel in 1946 again). Operations and Statistics: 19 Squadron attacked a 4,260 ton mine-layer in Fiume harbour, which had survived all previous attempts to sink her. Four of the unit’s Beaufighter Xs, each armed with six 25lb Armour Piercing rockets made a low-level approach, diving down over the sea, and attacked the vessel; which was eventually sunk, thanks to the tenacity of 19 Squadron’s aircrew. Accidents and Losses: A Curtiss Kittyhawk (FX805) allocated to 11 Squadron, was shot down by hostile anti-aircraft artillery. 1952 Accidents and Losses: An F-51 Mustang (308), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed (sea ditching) during an operational sortie. 1988 Operations and Statistics: The Operation ARNO/ARNOTT deployment into Angola as reported previously is reported to have fired a single Cactus missile at a FAPA/DAA MiG-23 Flogger. Result unknown. (A MiG-23 was damaged by a Cactus, crashed due to hyd failure - the pilot was part of a POW exchange at Ruacana in 1989), however I have not been able to establish the actual date of the incident. 1996 Accidents and Losses: A C208A (3010), 41 Squadron written-off during accident in Natal. The c/n is reported to be 208-00160, ex ZS-MLP.

Author:	Spice [ 25 Feb 2019, 08:14 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
25 February 1920 Sorties: The Silver Queen 2 departed from Khartoum to Mongalla. 1941 Sorties: Unidentified Squadrons: A Battle flew an Air Support mission to Gobwin (11 Squadron?). A Valentia arrived at Lokitaung, in support of 2 Squadron. 1 Squadron: A Hurricane flew a test flight and a second flew a Combat Air Patrol. 2 Squadron: Three Furies from B1 Detachment, flew from Garissa to Margehita – ferry flights. Five Furies conducted aerobatic training, whilst three other performed a formation flying exercise. 1942 Accidents and Losses: Two De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth aircraft (2172 & 2163), were involved in a fatal mid-air collision in the Witbank area. 1943 Accidents and Losses: An Airspeed Oxford (3456), crashed in bad weather in the Leeufontein area, one fatality was reported. 1944 Accidents and Losses: A B-26 Marauder (FB491), allocated to 24 Squadron was shot down by a Luftwaffe FW-190 over Leros. Six crew members were lost with the aircraft. 1945 Accidents and Losses A Mustang, KH800 allocated to 5 Squadron crashed, the pilot died due to the accident. (C/L ?) A 4 Squadron Spitfire Mk IX (PT495) was involved in a fatal accident; it crashed into a house during a mission in Europe. 1963 General Information: The prototype Transall C-160 maiden its maiden flight in France. The South African Air Force was to operate C160Zs at a future date too. The final production total for this aircraft is 202 aircraft. Completed by Nord-Aviation in its hangar at the Melun-Villaroche test site, the first C-160 (serial V1) was first flown there on February 25, 1963, by a French test crew under the command of Jean Lanvario. More than a foot of snow on the ground led the pilot to take the precautionary measure of not activating the gear. Once airborne, an imbalance in the activation mechanism prevented flap retraction. In other respects, the 55-minute maiden flight and the three that followed went well. Sorties: An Shackleton MR Mk 3, SAAF (1719) departed to the UK to conduct exercises with Coastal Command, and returned to South Africa on 1 April 1963. 1964 Aircraft Deliveries: The following Canberra aircraft arrived at 12 Squadron (Waterkloof) at the conclusion of their initial ferry from the UK: 453, 454, 455 and 457. 1965 Sorties: A C-130 Hercules (404) 28 Squadron departed from Waterkloof to the United Kingdom, in support of the Buccaneer Acquisition Project. 1979 Sorties: A formation of three Canberra (12 Squadron) took-off at 14h15Z from Air Force Base Waterkloof to the Rhodesian Air Force Base at Victoria Falls. On arrival the 12 Squadron crew were briefed by 5 Squadron (Rhodesian Air Force) crews on the upcoming mission. Planned target was Vila Luso, Angola. 1980 General Information: All the remaining CL-13B Sabres, assigned to ‘Sabre Flight’, 85 Advanced Flying School, were grounded. The aircraft were replaced by the Impala Mk II. 1988 Sorties: 1 Squadron’s Mirage F1AZ conducted a number of Combat Air Patrol missions. During one of these Combat Air Patrol sorties two Angolan Air Force MiG-23 Floggers approached the formation with ‘intent’, the Mirage F1AZ’s re-acted and an engagement followed, where the lead Mirage F1AZ fired two V3B air-to-air missiles, to no effect, due to the fact that the missiles were fired at extreme ranges of their performance envelope. The No 2 and No 3 F1AZ’s also fired their missiles at extreme ranges to no-effect. 1995 Sorties: The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team, performed at Ysterplaat, this was official display number 311 and 312. 2005 Sorties: The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (PC-7 Mk II / Astra), performed at the Change-of-Command parade (Chief of Air Force), this was official display number 458. Venue: Zwartkop.

Author:	Spice [ 26 Feb 2019, 06:00 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
26 February 1920 Sorties: United Kingdom to Cape Town Flight: Silver Queen 2 arrived at Kisumu. 1941 Deployment / Allocation Updates: No 51 Flight received an instruction from ‘DGAS’ to prepare to establish a flight consisting of 5 x Ju-52 in Nairobi, under command of Major Inggs. A second flight of (6?) Lodestars under command of Maj Williams also be established. The Ju-52 flight will be known as 51 Flight and the Lodestars operating from Broken Hill, will be referred to as 52 Flight. 52 Flight will operate a shuttle service to and from Nairobi. Sorties: 1 Squadron: Three Combat Air Patrols and one Armed Reconnaissance mission were conducted by Hurricanes. The squadron also conducted the following with either Hurricane/Gladiator aircraft: two Combat Air Patrols, one Tactical Reconnaissance and one Escort mission. The Hurricane conducting an Armed Reconnaissance mission, strafed an Italian Air Force S-82 aircraft, reportedly destroying it on the ground. 2 Squadron: 2C Detachment conducted the following training sorties: 3 x Fury aircraft ‘Formation’ exercise and a single Fury conducted a Gunnery Exercise. 51 Flight: Two Ju-86 departed to Nairobi and one to Germiston from Broken Hill on Air Support missions. 1942 General Information: No 6 Squadron formed at Air Force Station Swartkop with Curtis Mohawk IV aircraft. The first PBY Catalina Maritime Patrol Aircraft arrived to commence operations from Durban, with 262 Squadron (Royal Air Force), which later became 35 Squadron South African Air Force. Accidents and Losses: A Bristol Beaufort Mk 1 (757) ditched off the coast in the Cape Town area, the three crew members sustained fatal injuries. The cause of the accident is reported to have been fuel starvation. An Airspeed Oxford (3345), crashed during bad weather in the Boshberg area, all four on board sustained fatal injuries. A Maryland (1678 / AH-417) was involved in a fatal accident in the vicinity of Germiston. 1943 Accidents and Losses: Eight Curtiss Kittyhawk aircraft were lost during heavy air-to-air combat missions in their deployed theatre of operation. 2 Squadron reported the loss of two aircraft (AK888 and AK873) due to combat with Luftwaffe Bf-109 fighters. The pilot of AK888 was taken Prisoner of War. 4 Squadron’s losses for the day: ‘AK651’ and ‘AK929’ (crash landed after it had been shot down by a Bf-109); ET824 (crash landed after being hit during an air-to-air engagement) and ‘AK908’ (missing after engagement with Luftwaffe Bf-109 – the pilot was taken Prisoner of War). 5 Squadron reported loss of two aircraft as well (AK951 and AK801). It is reported that AK-951 was shot down by ground-based anti-aircraft artillery (pilot Prisoner of War) and the second aircraft AK-801 crashed during landing after an operational mission. 1944 Deployment and Allocation Updates: 40 Squadron deployed to St Angelo. Accidents and Losses: A Hind (162) crashed. Two fatalities were reported. 1945 Accidents and Losses: A Mustang (KH533), an Mk III, was shot down, the pilot fatally wounded. 1948 Accidents and Losses: A C-47 Dakota (6858) was written-off following a ground accident at Lyttleton. One ground crew member was fatally injured. The serial was later re-used. 1958 Aircraft Deliveries: A Shackleton MR Mk 3, (1721 construction number 1531) arrived in Cape Town (Ysterplaat) after departing from the United Kingdom on 13 February 1958. The aircraft was progressively modified by /HSA CWP to Phase III (non-Viper) standard. A Shackleton MR Mk 3, SAAF (1722, construction number 1532) arrived at Cape Town on its delivery flight. The aircraft departed the UK on 14 February 1958. A Shackleton MR Mk 3, SAAF 1723, construction number 1533) arrived at Ysterplaat on its delivery flight. The aircraft departed the UK on 14 February 1958. The aircraft upon landing suffered a hydraulic failure. Undercarriage and flaps lowered using emergency air, but brakes inoperative and aircraft ran off runway and collided with a brick building. Damage to the No. I engine repaired, this aircraft was progressively modified by /HSA CWP to Phase III (non-Viper) standard. 1979 Operations and Statistics: On 12 February 1979, it was reported that forces had shot down a Rhodesian Viscount aircraft and plans for a retaliatory strike on a ‘high value’ target were set in motion. It soon became evident, that the four Rhodesian Canberra bombers would not be capable of attacking such a large target, and a decision was made to approach the South African Government for assistance, as Rhodesia appreciated that it would be a target of mutual interest due to ANC presence there too. On 26 February, three Canberras (12 Squadron) participated in a combined strike on the target. Interesting is the fact that the Rhodesian aircraft lacked performance to reach the target on both engines, so the ingress routes were flown on single engines (although this was not the case with the South African formation). Two Zambian Air Force MiG-19s were scrambled to conduct a Combat Air patrol, in order to intercept the interdiction formation; the formations had already landed at the recovery airfields at this time. 1981 Accidents and Losses: An Atlas Impala Mk II, serial 1001 was involved in an accident at Ondangwa. 1988 Deployment and Allocation Updates: The Cactus Surface-to-Air Missile system deployment inside Angola is reported to have withdrawn after completing the planned deployment. It is also reported that this withdrawal took place on the 29th 1990 Information Note State President F.W. de Klerk signed and issued an Order to terminate the South African Nuclear Weapons Program, including the dismantling of existing weapons.

Author:	Spice [ 27 Feb 2019, 08:00 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
27 February 1920 Sorties: The Silver Queen 2 flew from Kisumu to Shirati. 1922 Accidents and Losses: A Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a (301) was written-off during an accident. 1939 Accidents and Losses: A Hart I, serial 348, was involved in an accident. 1941 Aircraft Deliveries: Hawker Hart (Trainer): K6334. Hind: K6818. Sorties: 1 Squadron: Six Combat Air Patrol missions were flown, one was known to have been a Hurricane 1942 Accidents and Losses: A Boston (Z7215) was shot down by a Luftwaffe Bf-109 fighter. The Boston was allocated to 24 Squadron. A Bristol Beaufort Mk 1 (758) was lost during an operational mission. The fate of the crew was not established. A Master M14 (2804) crashed in the Nigel area, both crew sustained fatal injuries. 1944 Accidents and Losses: A 1 Squadron Spitfire Mk VIII (JF-581) crashed due to in-flight fire. The pilot did not survive the accident. 1964 General Information: Delivery of the three Canberra T.4s were scheduled. 1979 Sorties: The first offensive Impala Mk II mission took place into Angola, when aircraft were tasked to attack designated targets in the operational area. The strike was conducted by two ‘two-ship’ formations from AFB Ondangwa.

Author:	Dean [ 27 Feb 2019, 08:54 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
Seems 27 Feb is a slow day in the SAAF. But the first offensive Imp Mk II sortie is an important one.

Author:	Spice [ 27 Feb 2019, 16:05 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
Dean wrote: Seems 27 Feb is a slow day in the SAAF. But the first offensive Imp Mk II sortie is an important one. March posts may be a bit ad hoc as I have some visitors for three weeks, then usually have limited www time ...

Author:	Spice [ 28 Feb 2019, 07:24 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
28 February 1918 General Information Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor, a South African, serving in the Royal Flying Corps (84 Squadron), shot down an enemy aircraft (German Pfalz D III) whilst flying his S.E.5a aircraft – this was his 5th air-to-air kill. 1923 Accidents and Losses A de Havilland DH-9 (140) was written-off following an accident in the Oudtshoorn area - no further information. 1941 Aircraft Delivery: Tiger Moth: (Shipped to Union) 570 to 572; 574 to 576; 598 to 600. Tiger Moth: (Possible Delivery Date) 2101 Hawker Hart (Trainer): K5879 and K6539 Sorties 1 Squadron Four Escort missions were conducted. 1943 Accidents and Losses A 27 Squadron Ventura (6101) crashed during landing, it was destroyed by fire. 1944 Accidents and Losses A Baltimore (FA586) allocated to 21 Squadron did not return from an operational mission, the pilot is presumed to have not survived the accident. 1953 Accidents and Losses An F-86 F-30 Sabre allocated to 2 Squadron (Korea) serial 608/M (52-4348), piloted by Lt R.L. van Rooyen ejected in the vicinity of K-8 (Korea). It was reported that the aircraft crashed due to fuel starvation, whist the aircraft was escorting another pilot in distress (apparently lost). 1959 General Information The prototype Sud Aviation Alouette III made its maiden flight in France. A total of 1,523 Alouettes were built and delivered to a mix of military and civil operators. 1969 Sorties The first South African production run Transall C-160Z made its maiden flight. These aircraft entered service with the SAAF during 1969 too. 1970 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team, performed at Waterkloof, this was official display number 14. 2004 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (PC-7 Mk II / Astra), performed at Saldanha, this was official display number 423.

Author:	Spice [ 28 Feb 2019, 07:28 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
February (Dates Unknown) 1920 No 1 Squadron was formed at Zwartkop outside Pretoria. Information available stated that all the initial aircraft donated as the ‘Imperial Gift’ from the Britain were allocated to a single squadron in the Union. The Imperial Gift, comprised of the following aircraft: 504K (30 aircraft); BE.2e (two aircraft); De Havilland DH.4 (10 aircraft); De Havilland DH.9 (49 aircraft) and SE.5a (22 aircraft). Since its original inception in 1920, 1 Squadron served with distinction in service of the Union and Republic of South Africa, finally being disbanded (although not for the first time though) in the late 1990s, at which time the unit operated Mirage F-1AZ’s from Air Force Base Hoedspruit. 1939 Aircraft Delivery to SAAF: Hurricane Mk 1 / Serial(s): 271 to 273 1940 6 Squadron relocated (and disbanded) to Air Force Base Waterkloof and on arrival was re-numbered to No 1 Squadron. 1 Squadron was then equipped with four Hurricanes and six Furies. A crew (deployment) commenced from the Union to Abu Suier in three Valentia aircraft. The new Officer Commanding was Major Niblock-Stuart. The squadron comprised of A, B and C Flights. The unit used Gloster Gauntlets as a training aircraft. The unit arrived in Nairobi, where C-Flight remained and A/B-Flights deployed to Eritrea. A future fighter ace, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Boyle (DFC), joined 1 Squadron. Whilst at 1 Squadron, flying Gladiator and Hurricanes, he became a successful ace with five air-to-air successes, he also shared 24 aircraft destroyed on ground and seven shared damaged on ground. He retired from the South African Air Force with the rank of Brigadier; he passed-away in 1993. 1941 1 OTU received 3 x Wapiti No 5 Wing was established. The Ju-52/m3 aircraft were assigned to No 51 Flight. 1942 No 8 Squadron was established using Furies transferred from No 43 Squadron (a Royal Air Force unit). No 15 Squadron, based in Egypt converted to Bristol Blenheim Mk IV bombers. No 40 Squadron successfully completed the first conversion to the newly allocated Hurricanes and Curtiss Tomahawks. Aircraft Delivery: Tiger Moth: (Arrived in Union) 2382 to 2406 1 Squadron ceased its operations at Ghazala (Egypt - ?) III, deployed to El Adem then to Sidi Haneish (Egypt). 2 Squadron re-deployed from El Adem (Libya) to Landing Ground 110 (detail location – still to be determined) to Landing Ground 115 (also known as Sidi Haneish - Egypt). 5 Squadron re-deployed to Landing Ground 99 (also known as El Amiriya, Egypt) to Landing Ground 121, it also received Tomahawk Mk IIBs during this period; after completing training in the Sudan. 15 Squadron’s Marylands were replaced by Bristol Blenheim Mk IVs. The squadron then deployed to “Amriya” (possibly El Amiriya – Egypt) as tactical Bomber Squadron in the Western Desert Theatre. 24 Squadron deployed from Kasfareet (Egypt) to Landing Ground 76 (detail location – still to be determined) to Landing Ground 21 (detail location – still to be determined). 21 Squadron’s crews operating Maryland IIs flew their last operational mission using this type of aircraft. 40 Squadron’s main aircraft during this period was Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vs. 1943 Four Wapiti aircraft were reported to have still been operational with 61 Squadron, in the Union. 1 Squadron deployed from Wadi Siru (possibly in the Sudan) to Castel Benito (Libya) and then onward to Hazbub (Tunisia). 2 Squadron deployed from Darragh “East” (Libya) to Zuara (Libya) to Nefatai Main (Tunisia). 5 Squadron deployed from “Bir Darragh” (possibly Darragh Airfield – Libya) onto Zuara (Libya) to Nefatia (Tunisia). 12 Squadron deployed from El Chel (possibly also referred to as Gezina – Libya) to “Sertain” (detail location – still to be determined). 21 Squadron deployed from El Chel (possibly also referred to as Gezina – Libya) to “Sertain – Main” airfield (detail location – still to be determined). 24 Squadron deployed from Alam el Gzina (also known as Belandah No 2 (Alam-el-Gzina), which was located 15 from Agedabia) to “Sertain” (detail location – still to be determined). 60 Squadron received their De Havilland Mosquito PR IV aircraft and deployed to Castle Benito (Libya) from Darragh (Libya). 1944 No 44 Squadron started to receive the unit’s first batch of Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX aircraft. No 41 Squadron relocated from Egypt to North Africa/Palestine and was re-equipped with Spitfire V and IX aircraft. 2 Squadron received the unit’s first batch of Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX aircraft. 12 and 21 Squadron deployed to “Biferno” (possibly Castellino del Biferno – Italy) from Tortorella. 60 Squadron received their first De Havilland Mosquito PR XVI aircraft, the unit’s primary role was that of a ‘tactical reconnaissance’ squadron, a role it would fulfil till its final (last) disbandment in the 1990s. 1945 No 44 Squadron moved to the Italian port city of Bari (Italy), at the Bari Airfield to commence operations in the Balkan Campaign. The unit remained at Bari till the end of World War II. On arrival in Italy, 15 Squadron’s role changed to that of a Night Bomber Squadron. 17 Squadron crews flew their last missions using the Ventura Mk V aircraft and deployed from Algiers (Algeria) to Gianacles (Egypt). 27 Squadron was equipped with Vickers Wellington XIVs and deployed from Cairo West (Egypt) to Giancales (Egypt). 28 Squadron was equipped with Beach Expeditor Mk 1 aircraft. 44 Squadron deployed from Cairo West (Egypt) to Bari Airfield (Italy). 1946 The first Anson aircraft landed at Air Force Station Saldanha, north of Cape Town. 1957 A 41-man team from 35 Squadron departed to the United Kingdom to commence training at the AV Roe Factory, in preparation of taking delivery of the newly procured Shackleton MR Mk 3 long-range maritime patrol aircraft. 1962 Reports indicated that the SAAF had investigated the acquisition of eight Victor B1s, later changed to B Mk2s. The allocated SAAF serials: 8001 to 8008. The aircraft were delivered to the RAF as XH587 to XH594. 1968 No 25 Squadron was re-established at Air Force Base Ysterplaat and re-equipped with C-47 Dakota aircraft. No 21 Squadron was formed as a Very Important Person (VIP) transport squadron as part of No 28 Squadron, the unit was then allocated a Vickers Viscount and three Dakota aircraft, to conduct VIP transport missions. No 21 Squadron later became an independent unit at Air Force Base Waterkloof. Today (2011), the squadron utilizes various commercial aircraft e.g. Boeing 737 BBJ, Citation, Falcon 50 and Falcon 900 to fulfil its intended role. 1974 A former Luftwaffe Fiesler Storch was offered to the South African Air Force Museum ‘on-loan’. (The aircraft remains on static display in the Peter McGregor Hall). No 41 Squadron was re-equipped with the newly produced and delivered AM-3C Bosbok, (supplementing the C-185 fleet), which would see extensive service conducting visual and photo reconnaissance mission in the South West Africa/Angola Theatre of Operation, as well as playing a vital role in the conduct “TELSTAR” missions in support of security force operations into hostile territory. This role is currently fulfilled by the C-208 Caravan’s that are equipped with a real-time day/night stabilized optical payload surveillance system. 1975 No 3 Squadron re-activated at Air Force Base Waterkloof, in anticipation of delivery of the first Mirage F-1CZ aircraft to the South African Air Force. 1980 The South African Air Force’s Mirage F-1AZs were displayed to the public for the first time, since their initial arrival in South Africa (November 1975)! Information Note: A delegation from Israel arrived at Air Force Base Waterkloof to discuss ‘aircraft upgrades’. The delegation was met by General T. Groenewald at Air Force Base Waterkloof. 1985 Information Note (Border War): UNITA forces captured Camabatela, and executed attacks on the Angolan towns: Ambaca (Cuanza Norte Province); Wabu (Huila Province) and Damba (Uige Province). Furthermore, FAPLA deployed an additional 2,000 troops to the Cabinda Enclave after several attacks by e.g. UNITA on this strategic asset of Angola. 1987 Information Note (Border War): Intelligence estimates indicated that FAPLA forces were planning an offensive against UNITA in south eastern Angola. The Attack on UNITA elements was appreciated to come from the north, towards Tempu, Gago-Coutino and Cangamba; then from the west too, towards Lupire and Mavinga. 1993 The acquisition contract, to procure 63 Pilatus PC-7MkII aircraft from the Swiss aircraft manufacturer was signed. The PC-7 Mk II ‘Astra’ replaced the Harvard. 1994 Air Force Base Rooikop (Namibia) officially vacated and handed over to the Republic of Namibia. 1998 The following aircraft remained ‘up for sale’: 12 x C-47TP Dakota and a single BN-2 Islander. Been working on the Feb 'pdf' the past couple of days, hope to finalise it later today. It contains a bit of graphics a couple of Annexures too, covering info which has not been posted on the daily post. Drop me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll pass a e-copy to you as well. if you are interested.

Author:	Dean [ 28 Feb 2019, 07:31 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: February 'Today in History'
Great stuff, looking forward to it. Thanks. $\:D/$

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