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Author:	Spice [ 01 Mar 2019, 07:27 ]
Post subject:	SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
01 March 1941 Sorties 2 Squadron: Four Furies belonging to the B1 Detachment flew ferry missions from Magherita to Brava. Five Furies also conducted Gunnery Exercises. 3 Squadron: A Hurricane conducted a Ferry flight to Magerhita from Kismayu. 51 Flight: Two Ju-52s flew Ferry flights from Broken Hill to Nairobi, a third Ju-52 flew similar sortie from Waterkloof to Mpika. 1942 General Information The Rand University Air Squadron (V) was established in Johannesburg. 1943 Accidents and Losses 5 Squadron reported the loss of four Kittyhawk aircraft, the aircraft were written-off during the following accidents: AK622 and EK-(?) were involved in a ground related accident during taxi. AL154 crashed during landing at home base after a mission. ET955 crashed due to damage sustained by hostile anti-aircraft artillery fire. 1944 Accidents and Losses A Mosquito Mk-IX (LR466) was involved in a fatal accident during an operational mission, after the pilot reported having been lost. The aircraft was most likely allocated to 60 Squadron. 1945 Accidents and Losses A 34 Squadron, Liberator (KG993) was involved in a fatal accident, caused during training sortie, where ‘feathering’ and ‘power-loss’ was being demonstrated and taught to the on-board crew. Two crew members sustained fatal injuries, in this accident, approximately 10 nm from Fogia (Italy). A Hurricane (5238) crashed while conducting a training mission in South Africa, during an attempted forced landing, caused by engine failure. 1978 Accidents and Losses A Buccaneer (425), belonging to 24 Squadron, Air Force Base Waterkloof crashed approximately 15nm North West of Lydenburg (Eastern Transvaal/Mpumalanga). The crew ejected to safety. 1992 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 221 at Kyalami Race Track, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft. 2000 General Information Lt Gen Roelf Beukes took over as Chief of the SAAF from Lt Gen W Hechter.

Author:	Spice [ 02 Mar 2019, 14:06 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
02 March 1920 Sorties The Silver Queen 2 arrived in Livingstone; the onward flight was reportedly delayed for a couple of days due to heavy rains in the area. 1925 Sorties A de Havilland DH-9 of the South African Air Force commenced an inaugural flight (mail delivery) between Durban and Cape Town. 1939 Aircraft Delivery Hart 1: 360, 363, 364, 378, K4456, K4457, K4460 and K4468.. 1941 Deployment and Allocation Updates 3 Squadron arrived on deployment at Mogadishu. Sorties 2 Squadron: A Ferry mission comprising of three Furies from B1 detachment flew from Brava to Vittoria. 51 Flight: One Ju-52 Ferried from Nairobi to Germiston. A Ju-52 conducted an Air Support mission from Nairobi to Mogadishu, via Garissa and Kismayu. 1942 Accidents and Losses A Master (2851) was involved in a fatal accident on the farm ‘Vlakfontein’ in the Standerton area. A 5 Squadron Tomahawk (AN260), was written-off, when it apparently hit a truck, during an attempted forced landing after suffering engine failure. A Boston (AL805) crashed during a low-level training sortie. The aircraft belonged to 12 Squadron. 1943 Operations and Statistics During a routine training mission, 43 Air School aircrew reported seeing a periscope off the Kariege Mouth along the coast. Accidents and Losses Two Curtiss Kittyhawks allocated to 5 Squadron were involved in two separate take-off related accidents. The serial numbers were: ET953 and AK618. An Airspeed Oxford (3743) was written-off during take-off from Papkuil, when it collided with Oxford 3581 (latter not written-off). Whilst conducting a night flying sortie, a Master (2650) encountered bad weather, and crashed in the Verkeerdevllei area, both crew sustained fatal injuries. 1944 Accidents and Losses A Baltimore (FA645), was reported missing during an operational mission, it is presumed that the three crew did not survive any related incident, related to this mission. It was an Mk-III allocated to 21 Squadron 1945 Sorties 30 Squadron: Two B-26 Marauders conducted General Flying from Lesi (also referred to as ‘Jesi’ in Ops Diaries). Accidents and Losses No 11 Squadron, operating Curtiss Kittyhawk aircraft reported the loss of the following two aircraft: FT872 crashed approximately 12nm South West of Perna, due to engine failure. FX585 is believed to have been shot down by hostile ground fire, approximately 24nm North West of Pistoia 1951 Accidents and Losses An F-51 Mustang (317), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed after being shot-down by Anti-Aircraft Artillery during an operational sortie (low-level Tactical Reconnaissance) in the area of Sinanju, the pilot KIA. An F-51 Mustang (301), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed (ditched into ocean) during an operational sortie. The pilot did not survive the crash. 1983 Sorties Two Puma helicopters, supported by Alouette III Gunships, participated in Operation SNOEK, by inserting a team of Special Force operators into an area close to Mulemba (Angola). The objective of the ‘reconnaissance’ mission was to locate the South West African People’s Organization, Eastern Headquarters.

Author:	Spice [ 03 Mar 2019, 03:23 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
03 March 1939 Aircraft Deliveries Hart 1: 377. 1941 Sorties 1 Squadron: A Hurricane conducted a Test Flight in the Port Sudan area. 51 Flight: A Ju-52 ‘Shuttle’ flight was flown from Nairobi to Kismayu, via Mogadishu. A Log Air flight was flown from Germiston to Nairobi. 1942 Aircraft Deliveries Hart ‘Trainer’: 2041. Accidents and Losses A Tomahawk (AN412), allocated to 4 Squadron was involved in a fatal training related accident, whilst deployed in a theatre of combat operations. It was reported that the pilot was conducting air-to-ground training. 1943 Accidents and Losses A pilot belonging to 4 Squadron was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War, when the Kittyhawk (AK976) crashed during an operational mission. 1944 Aircraft Deliveries: Tiger Moth: (Possible Delivery): 4662 to 4690 1945 Sorties 30 Squadron: Ten B-26 Marauders conducted interdiction sorties to ‘marshalling yards’ from Lesi. Six ‘Dual-Check’ sorties were also flown from Lesi. 1945 Accidents and Losses 34 Squadron reported the loss of a Consolidated B-24 Liberator (EW207 “K”). The aircraft was reported ‘missing’ after an interdiction mission to rail yards on enemy territory. It is assumed that the crew of eight did not survive the accident. A 15 Squadron Baltimore Mk-V (FW824), allocated to 15 Squadron ditched, one fatality reported. 1949 Aircraft Deliveries The last De Havilland Devon (109) was delivered to the South African Air Force. Accidents and Losses A Supermarine Spitfire (5509) crashed in South Africa during a training mission, the report indicates ‘under carriage collapse’ during landing. 1980 Sorties The first new ‘Maanskyn’ (i.e. Moonshine) mission was flown by Impalas from Air Force Base Ondangwa. The call sign ‘Skunk’ became familiar for these types of missions, during the subsequent years whilst conducting such Border War operations. 1998 General Information The sole South African Air Force’s BN-2A-26 Islander (16) was sold to Rossair (Pty) Ltd.

Author:	Spice [ 04 Mar 2019, 08:09 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
Today in the SA Air Force's history... 04 MARCH 1917 Sorties C.J.Q. Brand, a South African pilot, serving in the RFC (World War 1), flying a Nieuport, shot-down a German Roland C. (Kill # 01/12) 1940 Aircraft Deliveries: Tiger Moth: (Shipped to Union) 526 to 538 Sorties Seven newly acquired Vickers Valentia aircraft departed from Abu Sueir to Germiston. 1941 Sorties 1 Squadron: A Hurricane was tasked to ferry, and then reported ‘overdue’ in the Port Sudan area. 3 Squadron: Four Hurricanes performed Escort duties, from Mogadishu. 51 Flight: A Ju-52 was deployed to Nairobi, and a second aircraft conducted an Air Support sortie from Mogadishu to Nairobi. 1942 Accidents and Losses An Anson (3129) suffered engine failure after take-off from Port Elizabeth. 1943 Accidents and Losses 5 Squadron reported the loss of a Curtiss Kittyhawk (AK896) during combat operations. 1944 Accidents and Losses A 26 Squadron, Wellington (HZ525), encountered engine problems whilst on a maritime patrol mission; it crashed sea, fatally wounding all on-board. A de Havilland Mosquito Mk IX (LR471) allocated to 60 Squadron, was reported missing (pilot presumed to have suffered fatal injuries) during a photo reconnaissance mission over enemy territory. A B-26 Marauder (FB480) allocated to 24 Squadron reportedly ditched after being hit by enemy ground fire in the area of Suda, tragically none of the six crew members survived. 1945 Sorties Unidentified Squadrons: Six Spitfires supported the 30 Squadron Interdiction missions (below). 30 Squadron: 24 Marauders conducted an Interdiction mission from Lesi to railway marshalling yards, accompanied by Spitfires. Furthermore two ‘Anti-Flak’ and two General Flying sorties were flown. Accidents and Losses 24 Squadron, reported the loss of a B-26 Marauder (HD663), both engines failed, it is assumed the crew survived as no fatalities were reported. An Anson (4441) crashed during landing – landing gear collapsed after the engine failed. 1951 Accidents and Losses An F-51 Mustang (350), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during take-off. 1972 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 19 at Durban, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft. 1974 Aircraft Deliveries P-166S Albatross: 895 1995 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show numbers 313 and 314 at Langebaanweg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft

Author:	Spice [ 06 Mar 2019, 08:11 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
05 March 1920 The Silver Queen 2 flew from Livingstone to Bulawayo. 1936 The first of the South African Air Force’s Fury aircraft flew - these aircraft were ordered in 1934. The first batch consisted of seven aircraft (single seat). 1938 Aircraft Delivery to SAAF: Hart 1 / Serial(s): 302. 1941 24 Squadron was by renumbering 14 Squadron. The following missions were flown:  1 Squadron: Hurricane ‘273’ conducted a Test Flight during which it crashed and was written-off.  51 Flight: Two Jn-52s flew Air Support missions, as follows: 1 x Nairobi to Kismayo to Mogadishu, and 1x Mogadishu to Nairobi. 1942 During 5 Squadron’s first Combat Air Patrol, two of the unit’s aircraft spotted a Junkers JU-88, the aircraft was shot down! 1943 The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:  An Anson (3244) was involved in a fatal aircraft accident, involving four crew members.  An Airspeed Oxford (3427) crashed during take-off from Nigel. 1944 A Bristol Beaufort Mk 1 (758), crashed in Tanganyika en-route to join the Royal Air Force stationed in India. 1945 A 2 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire (EP891), was shot down by hostile anti-aircraft fire. 1979 Twelve Impala Mk I and Mk II light attack aircraft mainly from 6 and 8 Squadron, deployed to Air Force Base M’pacha, prior to the commencement of Operation SAFRAAN, followed by four Canberra (12 Squadron) too. 1988 The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 140 at Goodwood, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft. 1993 Whilst en-route to Langebaanweg as Cheetah D2 (844) crewed by Captains Chris Pretorius and Russell Ellis diverted to Upington following a fuel emergency. According to reports the aircraft had a hard landing, and subsequently both main oleos collapsed, ruptured fuel lines ignited and major damage was reported to have taken place on the fuselage. Fortunately both crew escaped unharmed. Contrary to some reports, claiming the crew ejected, they actually evacuated the stricken aircraft without ejecting! 2002 An S-316 Alouette III (636) crashed in the Welkom area, presumably allocated to 87 Helicopter Flying School. 06 March 1920 The Silver Queen 2 departed from Bulawayo en-route to Pretoria. The aircraft crashed approximately 1 mile after take-off. The crew remained in Bulawayo, pending the arrival of the replacement aircraft from the Union. A de Havilland DH.9 (H5648 ‘Voortrekker’) was flown to Bulawayo from Cape Town to enable Pierre van Ryneveld and Quintin Brand to continue their epic inaugural flight from Britain to the Union (Cape Town). 1939 Aircraft Delivery to SAAF: Hart 1 (Serial: 399). The first locally ‘assembled’ Hurricane Mk 1 (L1708) was test-flown in Durban. 1941 Lt Haiman, belonging to 40 AC Squadron was awarded to Distinguished Flying Cross. The first ‘120-hour’ service was conducted by 3 Squadron on a Hurricane aircraft. The following missions took place:  1 Squadron: A Hurricane conducted General Flying in the Port Sudan Area.  51 Flight: A Ju-52 was tasked to conduct Air Support from Nairobi to Mogadishu, via Eastleigh and Kismayo. 1942 During a local training mission a Curtiss P-75 Mohawk (2518) was involved in a fatal accident in the Potchefstroom area. 1943 An Anson (3105) was involved in a fatal aircraft accident, with two crew members onboard. 1944 The following Marauders were lost due to combat operations over enemy territory:  FB481, 24 Squadron, six fatalities, shot down by enemy aircraft in the Milos area.  FB496, 24 Squadron, six fatalities, shot down by enemy aircraft in the Milos area.  FB504, 24 Squadron, six fatalities, shot down by enemy aircraft in the Milos area.  FB507, 12 Squadron, four fatalities, shot down by enemy aircraft in the Santorini area. The two crewmembers survived, they were taken Prisoner of War. A 40 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire (unidentified serial) was involved in a fatal accident. 1945 The following missions were flown:  30 Squadron: Marauders flew 12 interdiction sorties to various railway marshaling yards from their base at Lesi. Three General Flying missions were conducted as well. The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported:  A 6 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire (MK447) suffered engine failure during an operational mission. The pilot abandoned the aircraft and was taken Prisoner of War.  A Consolidated B-24 Liberator (KH150 ‘R’) belonging to 34 Squadron was shot down in the area of Graz. The crew of eight was fatally wounded due to hostile ground to air fire.  A Curtiss Kittyhawk (FX584) allocated to 11 Squadron, was abandoned due to enemy damage during an air-to-ground mission. 1951 Whilst conducting a ‘Tsetse Fly Spray’ mission in the Mathubatuba region, an Anson suffered structural failure, both crew sustained fatal injuries. 1952 A F-51 Mustang (373), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an operational sortie. (Unknown) 1975 Aircraft Delivery to SAAF: Impala Mk II serial 1008. 1979 The following interdiction missions by 12 Squadron took place: One Canberra ‘Alpha Bomb’ attack on Mongua (Angola). Two Canberra later attacked a target referred to as ‘Franca’. Last mission of the day, two Canberra flew a mission against targets in the Capindi area (Angola). Operation SAFRAAN commenced with Impala Mk 1 and Mk 2 attacks on ‘Base 52 and Base 55’. These targets were in Zambia. 1982 No 8 Squadron received the ‘Freedom of Bloemfontein’.

Author:	Spice [ 08 Mar 2019, 12:07 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
I am currently not connected to the www on a regular basis, will post as connected. Normal routine again from April, appologies to those following the thread, bookmark it for updates, please. 07 March 1927 The Wapiti aircraft flew for the first time. 1932 The first flight of the Junkers Ju-52/3M three-engine prototype, powered by three 410 kW (550 hp) Pratt & Whitney Hornet engines took place in Germany. A number of Ju52s were operated by the SAAF during WWII. 1939 Major Peller had the privilege of flying the first South African Air Force Hurricane Mk 1 (271) on its delivery flight from Durban to Pretoria, completing the mission in 1 hour 13 minutes. This aircraft was an ex-RAF machine, with serial L1708. 1941 The following missions took place: 1 Squadron: A Test flight was flown on a Hurricane in the Port Sudan area. 51 Flight: Three Air Support missions were flown from Nairobi, the first to Mogadishu, the second two to Germiston. 1943 25 Squadron reported the loss of a Ventura (6040) when it crashed during landing in bad weather. 1945 The following missions were flown: 30 Squadron: Ten Marauder Interdiction sorties were flown from Lesi to ‘factory targets’. Four General Flying sorties were carried out as well. A Baltimore Mk V (FW768), allocated to 15 Squadron crashed into the sea shortly after take-off. The crew of four; sustained fatal injuries. 1953 Two Harvard aircraft were involved in a mid-air collision over Bloubergstrand. The aircraft were an AT6A serial 7669 and a SNJ3 serial 7671, the crew of the latter aircraft did not survive the accident. 1963 Aircraft Deliveries C-130B Hercules: 406 and 407 1970 The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 15 at Durban, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft. 1979 The following activities were conducted as part of Operation REKSTOK 1: Two 12 Squadron Canberra interdiction missions (two aircraft each) took place – the target was Henhombe (Angola) and an unidentified target in Zambia. A number of Mirage IIID2Z fighters, deployed on the type’s first operational deployment. The aircraft belonged to 85 Advanced Flying School. Impala Mk IIs also conducted first operational sortie in Border War. 1987 The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 110 at Kroonstad, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft. 1991 The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 187 at Saldanha, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft. The last Buccaneer SA-Navy Cooperation exercise took place in Durban 1992 The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 222 at Mykonos, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft. 08 March 1918 Information Note: Horace D. Barton, South African serving as a pilot during World War 1, in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, flying a SE5A, successfully engaged and shot-down a German Fokker DR-1 (Kill # 02). Information Note: L.A. Payne, a South African pilot, serving in the RFC/RAF (World War 1), flying a Bristol F2B, shot-down two German Albatros DVs. (Kill # 04/11 and 05/11) 1941 Aircraft Deliveries: Tiger Moth: (Shipped to Union) 566 to 569; 573; 585 to 597 Tiger Moth: (Possible Delivery) 2103 The following missions took place: Unidentified Squadrons: A Valentia supported a 2 Squadron deployment to Moyale. 2 Squadron: Two Furies were ferried to Moyale (Kenya). 51 Flight: Two Ju-52s were redeployed to Khartoum from Nairobie, the planned duration 30 days. A Ju-52 flew from Nairobi to Germiston on an Air Support mission. 1943 The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported: An Airspeed Oxford (3412), whilst conducting a night training mission (navigation exercise), apparently got lost, the crew then abandoned the aircraft (bailed-out) over the area of Palmietfontein. A Curtiss Kittyhawk (AK650), belonging to 5 Squadron, was damaged by hostile ground fire. The aircraft returned to base, but crashed during landing. 1944 A 22 Squadron Ventura (6415), crashed after take-off from St Albans, no injuries or fatalities were reported. 1945 The following missions took place: 30 Squadron: Nine Marauder Interdiction sorties were flown to marshaling yards, furthermore two General Flying sorties were flown. The following aircraft accidents/losses were reported: A Marauder (HD477), belonging to 21 Squadron was shot down over Asra. A Consolidated B-24 Liberator belonging to 31 Squadron (EV958 ‘R’) was shot down and crashed into the Adriatic Sea. None of the eight crew members were able to survive. 1957 17 Squadron reported the loss of a Ventura (6491) when it crashed into the mountains at Miller’s Point. All five crew sustained fatal injuries. 1978 The first Mirage III (CZ) landed at Air Force Base Hoedspruit. The ‘Flying Cheetahs’, i.e. 2 Squadron operated various versions of this ‘delta’ from Hoedspruit till its disbandment, prior to receiving the Cheetah C’s in the 1990’s. 1979 A pair of Canberra aircraft, allocated to 12 Squadron flew two interdiction/strike missions, on targets at Huambango and then later during the day to Henhombe; as part of continued missions in support of Operation SAFFRAAN / REKSTOK. Futhermore, three sorties were flown hitting targets at Muongo, Vila Franca and Capindi. 1983 During a 32 Battalion operation, Puma helicopters inadvertently flew close-by a newly established SWAPO camp (200-man), fearing an attack, the SWAPO elements hastily vacated the camp, soon after the SADF realised this, elements moved in to capture a vast amount of SWAP equipment and documents.

Author:	Spice [ 09 Mar 2019, 09:19 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
09 March 1938 Aircraft Deliveries Hart 1: K3053 and K3839. 1940 Aircraft Deliveries: Tiger Moth: (Shipped to Union) 526 to 538 1941 Sorties Unidentified Squadrons: Nine Hartbees aircraft were ferried to Moyale (Kenya – most likely 41 Squadron (?). 1 Squadron: A Test Flight was conducted on a Hurricane. An aircraft was also ferried to a deployment in the Port Sudan area. A single intercept mission was flown as well, it was unsuccessful. 2 Squadron: Two Furies arrived on a ferry mission at Moyale. 3 Squadron: Three Hurricanes (B2 Flight), ferried from Mogadishu to Gorrahei, via Belet Wen. 51 Flight: A Ju-52 flew an Air Support mission from Nairobi to Mogadishu. 1942 General Information 1 Squadron re-commenced flight operations at Sidi Haneish (part of 234 Wing), after a period of ‘R&R’ following combat operations. 1943 Deployment and Allocation Updates 1 Squadron deployed to Hazbub. 1945 Sorties 30 Squadron: Ten Marauder Interdiction sorties were flown to marshalling yards, furthermore two General Flying sorties were flown. 1949 General Information The first test flight of the prototype Shackleton GR.1, serial VW135, took place at the hands of Chief Test Pilot J.H. "Jimmy" Orrell. The GR.1 was later re-designated "Maritime Reconnaissance Mark I" - MR.1. The aircraft was designed by Roy Chadwick as the Type 696. It was based on the Lincoln bomber and Tudor airliner, both derivatives of the successful wartime Lancaster heavy bomber, one of Chadwick's earlier designs which was the then current Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft. The design took the Lincoln's centre wing and tail, Tudor outer wings and landing gear and a new wider and deeper fuselage, powered by four Rolls Royce Merlin engines. The aircraft was initially referred to during development as the Lincoln ASR.3. 1979 Sorties Various Canberra interdiction missions were flown, against targets at Henhombe (two sorties), Huambango and Oshono – Angola. (OP REKSTOK / SAFFRAAN) 1981 Aircraft Deliveries Impala Mk II: 1080 / 1081. 1992 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 223 at Langebaanweg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.

Author:	Spice [ 10 Mar 2019, 03:57 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
10 March 1918 General Information W.L. Jordan, a South African, serving in the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corps during World War 1 was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross. Samuel M. Kinkhead, a South African, 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 #15). 1922 Operations and Statistics Martial Law was declared and the South African Air Force was called out to do reconnaissance missions over the towns of Benoni and Brakpan (Rand Revolt). Accidents and Losses A De Havilland DH.9 was involved in a fatal accident, it is presumed to have been attributed to an operational mission loss – Rand Revolt. (Possible ‘first SAAF’ combat loss) 1936 General Information The first Fairy Battle aircraft made its maiden flight, representing a significant step-up in performance over the Hart, which it was designed to replace. However, when World War II began only three years later the type was already obsolete and the RAF was to learn, like the Luftwaffe with the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka, that it could only operate safely where air supremacy had been achieved. Designed by Marcel Lobelle, the prototype Fairey Day Bomber, as it was then known, originated as the company's submission to Specification P.27/32 for a two-seat single-engine monoplane bomber capable of carrying 1,000 lbs (454 kg) of bombs for 1,000 (1609 km) at 200 mph (322 km/h) which was ordered as a prototype on June 11, 1934. Provision for a radio operator/air gunner was made later, to man a Lewis or Vickers 'K' dorsal machine-gun. This performance was to be bettered by Fairey's aircraft, which was competing against design proposals from Armstrong Whitworth, Bristol and , but only the Armstrong Whitworth's A.W.29 joined Fairey's prototype in receiving orders. Fairey's contender won the competition, but a first production contract for 155 aircraft, to the revised Specification P.23/35, had been placed in 1935 even before the prototype had flown. The Battle had accommodation for a crew of three comprising pilot, bomb-aimer/observer, and radio operator/gunner. 1941 Sorties 1 Squadron: A Test Flight was conducted on a Hurricane in the Port Sudan area. 3 Squadron: A Hurricane conducted an unsuccessful scramble/intercept mission whilst a second conducted an Escort sortie. Both aircraft flew from Gorrahei. 51 Flight: One Ju-52 conducted an Air Support mission from Nairobi to Germiston, a second aircraft deployed to Khartoum from Nairobi. Accidents and Losses Two Tutor aircraft (709 and 723) were involved in a fatal mid-air collision. 1942 Accidents and Losses Two Airspeed Oxfords (1981 and 3546) were involved in a fatal mid-air collision. There were four crew members on-board the aircraft. 1943 Deployment and Allocation Updates 1 Squadron. Redeployed to Hazbub Landing Ground. Accidents and Losses An Anson (1168) ditched in the ocean in the area of Mossel Bay, after a propeller detached whilst flying. 1944 Accidents and Losses An Anson (1131), crashed at Youngsfield during landing. A Baltimore (unknown registration) crashed – four fatalities. 1945 Sorties 30 Squadron: Ten Marauder Interdiction sorties were flown to marshalling yards, furthermore two General Flying sorties were flown. Accidents and Losses 26 Squadron’s operations in West Africa continued with ‘U-Boat’ sweeps, during one such mission, a Wellington Mk XI (MP681) was lost, presumably all crew sustained fatal injuries. An Anson (4373) crashed during landing at night (strong winds), at Younsfield – it is reported that the undercarriage collapsed. A Supermarine Spitfire (PT897), allocated to 7 Squadron crashed during a strafe run on a target, 5nm East of Adria. The pilot – Prisoner of War. 1951 Accidents and Losses An F-51 Mustang (321), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an operational sortie in the area of Yandonwon-Ni, fatally wounding Capt. Davis. 1964 General Information The third Canberra ferry crews departed to the United Kingdom. 1971 Sorties Four Buccaneers conducted an Anti-Shipping strike against the vessel ‘Wafra’. Each aircraft was armed with two AS-30 Air to Surface Missiles. 1984 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 85 at the Military Academy, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft. 1995 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 315 at Pretoria, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.

Author:	H1017412 [ 10 Mar 2019, 22:29 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
Spice wrote: 10 March 1971 Sorties Four Buccaneers conducted an Anti-Shipping strike against the vessel ‘Wafra’. Each aircraft was armed with two AS-30 Air to Surface Missiles. Presumably this was a derelict / scrapped vessel used as a target and not an operational strike?

Author:	Spice [ 11 Mar 2019, 03:52 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
H1017412 wrote: Spice wrote: 10 March 1971 Sorties Four Buccaneers conducted an Anti-Shipping strike against the vessel ‘Wafra’. Each aircraft was armed with two AS-30 Air to Surface Missiles. Presumably this was a derelict / scrapped vessel used as a target and not an operational strike? Yes, planned exercise strike - non operatational

Author:	Spice [ 11 Mar 2019, 03:53 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
11 March 1918 General Information J. Bell, a South African , serving in the and Royal Flying Corps, flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #04). 1922 Operations and Statistics During the Rand Revolt; permission was granted to arm Air Force aircraft in anticipation of operations against the revolting miners, Pierre van Ryneveld was also authorized to use the aircraft in operations to suppress the revolting miners in the area of operation. This heralded the first operational employment of South African Air Force in ‘offensive’ missions, albeit against South Africans on home territory 1927 Accidents and Losses A de Havilland DH-9 (139) was written-off during an accident. 1939 Sorties The first South African Air Force ‘evaluation’ Bristol Blenheim Mk1 (401) was test-flown in Cape Town, crewed by Colonel Sir Pierre van Ryneveld and Lt Col HC Daniel. 1941 General Information 3 Squadron received instructions stating all flying officers that have been in the operational area for longer than six months, should return to the Union Sorties 1 Squadron: 1 Squadron, attacked ground targets in the Keren Airfield (Kenya) area, three Hurricanes were used to strafe an Italian S-79 and one unidentified bi-plane aircraft that were on the ground. The S-79 is presumed to have been destroyed. 3 Squadron: The squadron conducted a Maritime Interdiction mission from Mogadishu, to stop and intercept a marine vessel, using Hurricanes. 51 Flight: A Ju-52 ferried from Nairobi to Khartoum. An Air Support mission flew from Nairobi to Mogadishu, and two Ju-52’s returned from Mogadishu to Nairobi. 1942 Sorties Combat Air Patrols were flown by Tomahawk IIB formations from 5 Squadron which engaged enemy aircraft. One of the Tomahawks (AN448/GL-H) successfully engaged a Luftwaffe Junkers Ju-88, 75nm North of Gambut, the aircraft was destroyed. 1943 Accidents and Losses A de Havilland Tiger Moth (2414) crashed in the Randfontein area, this aircraft was later exported to India. One fatal injury was reported. The crew of an Anson (3237), reported suffering fuel starvation, cut the engine and executed a forced landing, collapsing the undercarriage at Butterworth. 5 Squadron reported the loss of a Curtiss Kittyhawk (ET865) due to an engine failure after take-off. 1944 General Information 44 Squadron formed when 43 Squadron was renumbered at Cairo West, Egypt. Accidents and Losses A 17 Squadron, Ventura (FN971) ditched in the Mediterranean Sea. A 4 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire Mk VC (JK456) was shot down fatally wounding the pilot. 1945 Sorties 30 Squadron: A Marauder flew a ‘Wind Finder’ (i.e. weather reconnaissance) mission. Furthermore, 11 Marauders conducted interdiction sorties on various marshalling yards. 1970 General Information The ‘Tip-to-Top’ Air Race took place, consisting of various fast jet squadrons. The route: JNB – DBN – CTN - JNB 1971 Sorties Four Buccaneers conducted further Anti-Shipping strikes against the vessel ‘Wafra’. Each aircraft was armed with two AS-30 Air to Surface Missiles. 1976 Aircraft Deliveries Impala Mk II: 1021. 1988 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 141 at Langebaanweg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft

Author:	Dean [ 11 Mar 2019, 07:26 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
Spice wrote: H1017412 wrote: Spice wrote: 10 March 1971 Sorties Four Buccaneers conducted an Anti-Shipping strike against the vessel ‘Wafra’. Each aircraft was armed with two AS-30 Air to Surface Missiles. Presumably this was a derelict / scrapped vessel used as a target and not an operational strike? Yes, planned exercise strike - non operatational It is still a matter of great debate between the fans of the Buccaneer and the Shackleton! The claim is that the Buc crew were essentially operating with one hand behind their backs, in that they were tasked to hit the ship fore/aft, essentially making it a very difficult target to hit. As a result, many missiles missed and the Wafra was only damaged when a fire started. After burning for two days, a Shackleton sunk her with depth charges. It is reported that the tanker was struck by seven AS-30 missiles, whilst the Shackleton (1721) dropped nine depth charges. BTW Spice, you have the strikes noted on both 10 and 11 March. I think there were two strike missions?

Author:	Spice [ 12 Mar 2019, 06:03 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
12 March 1918 Information Notes Horace D. Barton, South African serving as a pilot during World War 1, in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, flying a SE5A, successfully engaged and shot-down a German Albatros D-V (Kill # 03). L.A. Payne, a South African pilot, serving in the RFC/RAF (World War 1), flying a Bristol fighter, shot-down a German Fokker DR I (Kill # 06/11). 1922 Accidents and Losses Two de Havilland DH-9s were involved in separate accidents, namely aircraft number H-5685 and 121. The one aircraft reportedly crashed when it flew at low-level and hit a tree. 1928 Information Note Samuel M Kinkhead, a South African pilot, whom became an Ace during WW 1 whilst flying in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service was fatally injured when his Supermarine Spitfire S-5 crashed during an attempt at the World Airspeed Record. 1941 Sorties 3 Squadron: A single Hurricane flew a Combat Air Patrol over Dagah Bur area from its base at Gorrahei. 51 Flight: Two Ju-52s flew Air Support from Nairobi to Mogadishu, a single aircraft returned on completion of the mission. An Air Support mission was also flown from Broken Hill to Nairobi. Accidents and Losses A de Havilland Tiger Moth (1466, ex ZS-AIN) crashed in the Randfontein area, after suffering engine failure. It was an impressed aircraft. 1942 Accidents and Losses A De Havilland Tiger Moth (542), crashed (location unknown). The cause was reported to be a ‘bad weather - storm’. 1943 Accidents and Losses A Hind (123) collided with a Harvard Mk IIA (7099) during landing. The Harvard reportedly belonged to 23 Air School. It is reported that the Harvard was later exported to the United Kingdom. 1944 Accidents and Losses A Bristol Beaufighter Mk X, allocated to 16 Squadron suffered engine failure during an operational mission. The crew of two did not survive the ditching into the sea off Kimolos Island. Serial number reported to have been NE-248 ‘D’. 1945 Sorties 30 Squadron: A B-26 flew a General Flying sortie from Lesi. Eleven interdiction missions were flown too, the targets: ‘marshalling yards’. 1953 Sorties The first 2 Squadron jet combat missions were flown along Yalu River, ‘Mig Ally’ (Korea), with their newly delivered F-86-30F Sabres. 1955 The SE 3130 first flew on 12 March 1955 and within 3 months on a pre-production Alouette II flown by Jean Boulet set a new helicopter altitude record of 8,209 m (26,926 ft). On 13 June 1958 one, again flown by Boulet, re-took the record, reaching a height of 10,984 m (36,027 ft). The Alouette II gained its domestic certificate of airworthiness during 1957. Production started initially to fulfil orders from the French armed forces and civilian customers. It made military history by being the first helicopter worldwide to be equipped with anti-tank missiles, and by the time production ended in 1975 with over 1500 Alouette IIs had been built and in use in over 80 countries including 47 armed forces. It is/was also licence built in Brazil, Sweden, and India and in the United States. The South African Air Force operated only eight (8) of the helicopters. 1962 Accidents and Losses A Dornier DO-27 (5431) was involved in a fatal accident in the Belfast area. 1971 Sorties A Shackleton conducted an attack on the WAFRA, successfully sinking it. Four Buccaneers also tasked to strike, aborted after the vessel sunk following damage caused by the Shackletons. 1975 Accidents and Losses An S-316 Alouette III (23), whilst deployed in South West Africa, was involved in an accident, which fatally injuring two crew and two passengers. A Harvard IIA (7137) crashed in the Oudtshoorn area, one fatality was reported. 1982 Aircraft Delivery Impala Mk II serial 1092. 1983 Deployment and Allocation Updates Four Puma and four Alouette (presume Gunships), deployed to Xangongo prior to commencement of support to Operation FAKKEL. 1987 Sorties The first night Air-to-Air Refuelling using a B-707 to refuel a Buccaneer took place. 2013 General Information Reports surfaced that 12 x SAAB JAS-39 Gripen were placed into ‘long term storage’.

Author:	Spice [ 12 Mar 2019, 19:05 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
13 March Have a early start tomorrow, so here is an 'Early Post' too 1918 General Information J. Bell, a South African , serving in the and Royal Flying Corps, flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #05). 1940 Aircraft Deliveries Valentia: 269 and 270 Sorties The Valentia aircraft that departed Abu Sueir on 04 March, arrived in Germiston. 1941 Deployment and Allocation Updates 3 Squadron’s HQ and ‘A-Flight’ ordered to redeploy to Dagah Bur on 14 March 1941. Sorties 3 Squadron: A Hurricane conducted an Escort mission and did not return, thereafter a second aircraft was tasked to conduct a search. Two Hurricanes successful intercepted two Savoia aircraft, one enemy shot down. The base at Dagah Bur came under enemy attack as well, a single Hurricane (283) was scrambled on a Base Defence sortie, and it was shot down too shortly after take-off by an Italian Cr42. 51 Flight: Two Ju-52s conducted an Air Support mission from Nairobi to Mogadishu and back to Nairobi. Accidents and Losses A Hurricane (283) was shot-down in the vicinity of Dagah Bur, fatally wounding the pilot, Lt Dudle, during a Base Defence scramble mission’s “take-off” phase. 1943 Aircraft Deliveries: Tiger Moth: (Possible Delivery Date) 2492 to 2494 Accidents and Losses A Hind (189) was involved in a crash as well as a second aircraft (Hind 3022) was lost during an accident. 1944 Accidents and Losses A Harvard Mk III (7452) was involved in a fatal accident, when the aircraft lost height during take-off and crashed in the Standerton area. 1945 Sorties 30 Squadron: A Marauder ‘MkIIIF’ flew from Lesi to Naples on a ‘Change Over’ mission, a second aircraft a Marauder MkIIIG returned to Lesi, the latter aircraft equipped with the new ‘Shoran’ radar aimed at increasing bombing accuracy CEP to <50ft. Accidents and Losses A Hurricane (5343) crashed during aerobatic training due to a reported engine failure. 1954 Accidents and Losses A Harvard AT6B (7635) was involved in a fatal accident. 1970 Aircraft Delivery HS-125 Mercurius: 01 to 03. 1979 Sorties Canberras once again conducted attacks on targets in Angola (OP SAFFRAAN) 1980 Aircraft Deliveries Impala Mk II: 1067 & 1068. 1982 Operations and Statistics It was reported that Operation SUPER commenced. 1984 Accidents and Losses An Atlas C-4M Kudu (991) was written-off during an accident. A Mirage F1AZ (228) – 1 Squadron, crashed in Lydenburg area, Capt. Digby Holsworth ejected safely. 1987 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 111 at Langebaanweg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft. The first Air-to-Air Refuelling of a Buccaneer (414) from a B-707 centreline station took place. 1992 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 224 at the Military Academy, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.

Author:	Spice [ 14 Mar 2019, 04:17 ]
Post subject:	Re: SA Military Air Ops: MARCH 'Today in History'
14 March 1939 General Information No 3 (Comms) Squadron, was disbanded for the first time Sorties The first Blenheim (401) was flown to Waterkloof from Cape Town. 1941 Sorties 3 Squadron: A Hurricane ferried from Mogadishu to Dagah Bur. 51 Flight: A Ju-52 flew an Air Support mission from Nairobi to Mogadishu, a second one returned from Mogadishu later the day. An Air Support mission was also flown from Nairobi to Khartoum. 1942 Operations and Statistics 12 Squadron commenced joint operations with 24 Squadron; both units were equipped with Bostons. Accidents and Losses The South African Air Force lost two 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. 1943 Aircraft Deliveries: Tiger Moth: (Arrived in Union 'Reported') 4603 to 4614 1944 Accidents and Losses 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. Anson ‘4306’, was involved in a fatal accident too, there were four persons on-board the aircraft. 25 Squadron reported the loss of a 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. 1945 Accidents and Losses 30 Squadron reported the loss of two 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’. 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 Accidents and Losses A Harvard (7023) was involved in a fatal accident. 1965 General Information Buccaneer ‘411’ became the first SAAF aircraft to conduct RATO trials at RAF Elvington. 1979 Operations and Statistics During Operation ‘REKSTOK / SAFFRAAN’ 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. A formation of Mirage F1CZ, 3 Squadron conducted Search and Rescue’ support mission for the downed Canberra. 1989 Accidents and Losses An Impala Mk II (1059) crashed during a mission in the Winburg area. 1992 Sorties The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team flew show number 225 at Paarl, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft. 2013 General Information All 11 Rooivalk ‘Block 1F’aircraft were reported operational ready for deployment on operations.

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