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Oops. Will post.

09 January

1941
Sorties:
- 1 Squadron: Six Gladiators/Hurricanes departed from Azaza on an outbound ferry flight. Five Gladiators/Hurricanes conducted Armed Reconnaissance over Azaza. Three Gladiators/Hurricanes conducted an unsuccessful intercept mission over the Azaza area too.
- 2 Squadron: Two formations (two Fury each) arrived at Wajir and Archer’s Post respectively on ferry flights.
- 11 Squadron: Six Battles conducted an Interdiction mission from Archer’s Post to Yavello – three Ca-133 aircraft reportedly destroyed during the attack.

1942
Aircraft Delivery to SAAF: Hawker Hart (Trainer): K4974 and K6527

1943
Accidents / Losses:
An Anson (3101), overshot the runway at Port Elizabeth, and crashed.

1944
Accidents / Losses:
A 2 Squadron Spitfire (JK388), reported engine trouble and subsequently crashed into the ocean. The pilot did not survive the accident.

1945
Sorties:
22 Squadron conducted a Search and Rescue mission from Gibraltar, for a French Vessel, the l’Enjoue – reported to have sunk - (this search continued for a couple of days – no results reported in the operations reports).
Accidents / Losses:
A Ventura (6439), allocated to 23 Squadron, crashed due to an engine failure after take-off, there were four fatalities.

1965
Buccaneer ‘411’ conducted its maiden flight in Scotland.

1979
Accidents / Losses:
A 24 Squadron, Buccaneer S.Mk-50 (424), crashed in the Roetan area, whilst conducting a night flying sortie. Capt. P.B. Duncan and Lt P.P. Wahl were fatally injured.

1980
Accidents / Losses:
An S-316 Alouette III (45), deployed on operations in Rhodesia, crashed.

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

11 January

1941

Sorties:
- 1 Squadron: One Hurricane conducted an unsuccessful intercept mission in the Port Sudan area. Six Gladiators/Hurricanes ferried outbound from Azaza. Two Gladiator/Hurricane aircraft flew a Combat Air Patrol mission over Azaza.
- 2 Squadron: Two formations (three Furies each) arrived at N’gedes and Archer’s Post. Four Furies (‘2C’ Detachment at Lokitaung) flew to Marsabit airfield. Two Furies (‘2C’ Detachment at Lokitaung) flew to North Horr airfield.
- 3 Squadron: One Hurricane flew a Combat Air Patrol over its home base ‘Bura’. Two Hurricanes stationed at Nairobi flew a Gunnery exercise training mission.
- 60 Squadron: An Anson conducting an ‘Air Support’ mission from Nairobi to Lokitaung, conducted a forced landing at Marsabit due to an oil problem.

1942

Accidents / Losses:
During a formation ‘dust’ take-off, a Tomahawk (AK572) crashed.

1944

Accidents / Losses:
- Harvard 7198, had an engine failure and executed a forced landing at Nooitgedacht, the aircraft was written-off.
- Harvard 7262, overturned after landing at Grand Central airport.

1945

Accidents / Losses:
A Marauder (HD569), allocated to 30 Squadron crashed during take-off. Six crew members sustained fatal injuries.

1973

The Multi-Engine Conversion Unit, was renamed to 86 Advanced Flying School, based at Air Force Base Bloemspruit.

1981

Information Note: Angola claimed the South African Air Force had commenced tactical reconnaissance operations, followed by a land-force crossing of a Motorized Infantry Company to attack a base at Chiede.

1985

Accidents / Losses:
A Mirage IIIDZ (839) was written-off during an accident in the Pietersburg area. The aircraft was operated by 85 Advanced Flying School.

1991

Accidents / Losses:
An Alouette III (620) ditched into the sea in the Cape St Francis area close to Port Elizabeth, the crew safely escaped from the aircraft, which was later recovered from the ocean. It is presumed to have been allocated to 16 Squadron.

2005

The South African Air Force’s first JAS-39D “SA 01” Gripen entered the final assembly stage at Saab’s facilities in Sweden.

2006

A Falcon 50, ZS-CAQ, allocated to 21 Squadron was flown to the United States of America to undergo a major avionics upgrade, under Project DOLOROSA. Both Falcon 50s underwent this upgrade.

12 January

1937

Accidents / Losses:
A DH-9 (109), crashed.

1941

Sorties:
- Unidentified Squadrons: One Valentia (50 ‘Transport’ Sqn?) conducted an Air Support mission for 2 Squadron’s ‘B1’ Detachment.
- 1 Squadron: Three Gladiators/Hurricanes on a routine Combat Air Patrol, intercepted seven enemy aircraft in the Azaza area (results unknown). Five Gladiators/Hurricanes were scrambled to intercept an enemy aircraft over the Azaza area (unsuccessful). Three Combat Air Patrols were flown over the Azaza area.
- 2 Squadron: Two Furies conducted General Flying Training from Lokitaung (C-2 Detachment)
- 3 Squadron: One Hurricane conducted a Gunnery exercise and a second conducted an Air Support mission, both from Garissa airfield.

Accidents / Losses:
Gladiator ‘5822’ was shot down. The pilot suffered fatal injuries.

1942

22 Squadron received official notice that plans were underway to close the unit’s ‘La Senia’ deployment.
7 Squadron was established at Air Force Base Zwartkop and equipped with Harvard and Mohawk aircraft

Accidents / Losses:
A Hartbees (829) written-off during an accident at low-level.

1943

Accidents / Losses:
- A Fury (205) was involved in a fatal crash at Paarlvlei.
- A Fury (210) reportedly crashed in the Faure area, following a stall during a low-level attack (training sortie).
- A DH.82A Tiger Moth (569), crashed in the Boskop area (Potchefstroom).
- Two Boston aircraft were involved in a mid-air collision in the area of Benghazi (Libya). There were nine fatalities. The aircraft involved were ‘Z-2178’ and ‘Z-2274’.
- A 1 Squadron Spitfire (EP655) crashed – the pilot had inhaled ‘glycol fumes’

1944

Accidents / Losses:
A Kittyhawk, FR498 crashed.

1945

Accidents / Losses:
The following accidents involving Airspeed Oxford AS-10 aircraft took place: Aircraft ‘3314’ experienced a major structural failure event – the port wing detached from the fuselage, whilst flying approximately 12nm East of Nigel (South Africa) - 1 fatality reported. A mid-air collision between 3580 and 3704 resulted in a single fatality.

1951

Accidents / Losses:
A Spitfire (5611), presumably stationed at Langebaanweg, crashed due to engine failure.

1965

Accidents / Losses:
A Harvard (7713) was involved in a fatal accident, when the aircraft crashed in the Bulwer area whilst on a night flying sortie. Only the pilot was on-board the aircraft.

1966

The South African Air Force’s only Cessna 320C Skynight (771) was handed over to the South African Police Air Wing, as ZS-EJL.

1978

Accidents / Losses:
An Alouette III (49[1]) allocated to support operations in Rhodesia was shot down by hostile ground-to-air elements. The aircraft was reported to have been repaired in South Africa.

1981
Angolan news reports claimed the South African Air Force had attacked Cuamato (Southern Angola) with Mirages, and support was provided by six Puma helicopters. This attack had indeed taken place.

13 January

1923

Accidents / Losses:
A de Havilland D.H.9 (103) was written-off following an accident.

1941

Sorties:
- 1 Squadron: Four Gladiators conducted ferry flights whilst one aircraft performed a test flight.
- 2 Squadron: A Fury conducted a ‘liaison’ mission. One Fury from the C-2 Detachment (Lokitaung) conducted an unsuccessful intercept mission.
- 3 Squadron: A Hurricane performed a Gunnery Exercise training sortie.

1942

21 Squadron withdrew from Egypt in preparation to receive their Baltimore aircraft (these aircraft were only received later in 1943).

1943

Accidents / Losses:
Three Baltimore aircraft, allocated to 21 Squadron were lost due to hostile actions: Serial No ‘AG842’ was reported missing following an operational mission, the pilot was not found, presumed dead. Serial No ‘AG933’ was reported ‘crashed’. Serial No ‘AG873’ was shot down by a Luftwaffe Bf-109, the pilot was fatally wounded.

1945

22 Squadron received a replacement Ventura (FP614) at Gibraltar, following the loss of 6460 in December 1944. The squadron also commenced Air Sea Rescue activities to assist in a search for a ‘Catalain’ that ditched in the area of Cape Finisterre, from their base in Gibraltar.

1952

Accidents / Losses:
A 2 Squadron Mustang (358) was hit by AAA, engine quit, bailed out successfully over Korea.

1993

The first two Atlas Cheetah C aircraft were delivered to Air Force Base Louis Trichardt. The pilots were Commandant Clive Turner and Major Johan du Plessis.

1996

Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 332, Soweto/FNB Stadium; opening Africa Cup Soccer.

2005

A Hawk Mk 120 made its first flight in South African skies, during its first test-flight from the Denel facilities at O.R. Tambo International Airport, with the South African Air Force serial 251.

I have this as Lt Rex C Earp-Jones being shot down on 31 January, becoming a POW. I've been privileged to have chatted with him.

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

14 January

1941

Sorties:
- 1 Squadron: Two Hurricanes performed an intercept on an unidentified aircraft in the Port Sudan area, during the identification phase it was reported to be an allied Blenheim.
- 2 Squadron: One Fury conducted a ‘liaison’ flight. One Fury conducted General Flying Training. One Fury (C-2 Detachment at Lokitaung) performed a ‘Communications’ sortie.
- 3 Squadron: A Hurricane conducted a Gunnery Exercise from its home base ‘Bura’.
- 60 Squadron: An Anson flew a support mission between Nairobi and Archer’s Post.

1942

Accidents / Losses:
A Tiger Moth (2124) spun in and crashed in the Wonderboom area. One fatality reported.

1943

Aircraft Delivery to SAAF:
The first of two De Havilland Devon aircraft (103) was delivered.

Accidents / Losses:
A 21 Squadron Baltimore ‘AG879’, crashed. One fatality reported.

1945

Accidents / Losses:
An Anson aircraft had a catastrophic structural failure, when it broke-up in flight, during a night flying sortie in the Port Elizabeth area. All four crew on-board suffered fatal injuries. Aircraft serial: 3252.

1952

Accidents / Losses:
A 2 Squadron P-51 Mustang (376), damaged during strike on the North West edge of Punchbowl, suffered engine trouble, after which the pilot performed a wheels up landing on friendly territory, the aircraft was a total loss.

1966

Aircraft Delivery to SAAF:
The air force took delivery of its first DC-4-1009 Skymaster. The first aircraft to be delivered was serial 6902, which is currently on static display at the South African Air Force Museum (SWKP). The arrival of these aircraft heralded the strengthening of 44 Squadron, which had previously been re-established in 1953 as a Citizen Force Transport Squadron.

15 January

1941

Sorties:
- Unidentified Squadrons: A Valentia flew an ‘Air Support’ mission, another conducted a ‘Communications’ flight to Archer’s Post. A Rapide also conducted a sortie via Archer’s Post.
- 1 Squadron: A Hurricane conducted an unsuccessful intercept mission in the Port Sudan area. A Gladiator conducted a ‘Liaison’ mission.
- 2 Squadron: A Fury conducted a ferry flight to Nanyuki (C-2 Detachment).
- 3 Squadron: A Hurricane conducted Gunnery Exercise training from Bura airfield.
- 60 Squadron: An Anson conducted a routine support mission from its home base at Nairobi to Marsabit and Archer’s Post.

1942

General Information.
No 44 Air School received its first aircraft an Avro Anson (4929).

1944

Accidents / Losses.
- A fatal accident, involving four crew members was reported to have occurred in the Eshowe area, when a Ventura (6026) crashed.
- A second Ventura (6408), belonging to 22 Squadron, reported an in-flight fire and ditched, all four crew suffered fatal injuries.

1945

Accidents / Losses
A Beaufighter ‘NV-350’ ditched close to Kornat Island, after a reported engine failure.

1952

Sorties.
- 29 Squadron: One Ventura conducted a Locate and Identification mission from M’tubatuba (Natal) for a surface vessel of the Natal Coast.

Accidents / Losses.
- 2 Squadron. A Mustang (371), was shot down by anti-aircraft artillery. The pilot was taken Prisoner of War.

1985

Accidents / Losses.
An Atlas Impala Mk II (1006) was written-off after take-off at AFB M’Pacha.

2008

Accidents / Losses.
A Pilatus PC-7 Mk II was involved in a fatal crash in the Bredasdorp area close to the Overberg Air Force Base; the pilot was Lt Col Chris Meiring.

Thanks Dean

Sad one, it crashed when the aircraft rolled inverted after Meiring suffered a severe heart attack on take-off.

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

16 January

1941

General Information:
An instruction was issued to ground all Fury aircraft.

Sorties:
- Unidentified Squadrons: A Rapide departed on a Communications Flight from Archer’s Post.
- 1 Squadron: A Gladiator conducted a Test Flight.
- 2 Squadron; Two Furies conducted General Flying training.
- 3 Squadron: A Hurricane conducted a Test Flight from Garissa, and a second aircraft conducted a Gunnery Exercise sortie from Bura.

1942

Accidents / Losses:
- A Tutor (V1272) crashed.
- An Anson (1113) crashed along the Natal coast, in the vicinity of Durban.
- An Anson (1166) crashed in the Willomore area.
- A Tomahawk (AN315) crashed due to engine failure. It was written-off following the forced landing.

1943

General:
Major van Ginkel appointed 26 Squadron Commanding Officer.

1945

Accidents / Losses:
- An Anson (3104) crashed in the Aliwall North area during landing.
- A Hurricane (5431), crashed in the vicinity of Pretoria due to fuel starvation.

1968

Accidents / Losses:
A Harvard (7127) crashed in the Illovo area; there was one reported fatal injury.

1992

Sorties:
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 218, Milnerton (Cape Town); Paris Le Cap Race ‘finish’.

17 January

1922

Operations and Operational Statistics:
Reports indicated that the SAAF’s first operational reconnaissance sortie took place, during 1 Squadron’s operations against the Rand Miner’s Revolt.

1941

General Information:
A delegation from 11 Squadron met the Governor of Kenya.

Aircraft Delivery to SAAF:
Hawker Hart (Trainer): 438

Operations and Operational Statistics:
The Allied invasion of Eritrea began. 1 Squadron was used to escort RAF bombers, and became one of the first Allied units to move into Eritrea, moving to Tessebei airfield during January.

Deployment Updates:
1 Squadron. Reports indicated that the squadron deployed to Oxo (15nm West of Kassala, along the Atbara River) from Port Sudan.

Sorties:
- 1 Squadron: 12 x Gladiators conducted a ferry flight. Two Gladiators conducted Combat Air Patrols, most likely for the RAF’s bombers (see above).
- 3 Squadron: A Hurricane departed on a Ferry flight from Mombasa (home base).
- 60 Squadron: An Anson (1107) arrived at Nairobi on a ferry flight from the Union.

Accidents / Losses:
A DH-82A Tiger Moth (545), crashed in the Baragwanath area. The cause was reported to be a ‘Spin at Low Level – from 500ft AGL’.

1942

Accidents / Losses:
Two Hind aircraft (152 and 154) were involved in a mid-air collision.

1943

Accidents / Losses:
The following Boston losses were reported: Serial ‘Unknown’, one fatality. Serial ‘Unknown”, three crew captured – Prisoner of War. Z2275 burst a tire on take-off and collided with a second Boston (serial AL-713). Two crew sustained fatal injuries. Both aircraft were ‘written-off’.

1944

Accidents / Losses:
An Oxford (3838) was involved in an accident.

1945

General Information:
22 Squadron’s B-Flight commenced trails using a new ‘flare’ system. The aircraft modified is reported to have been code ‘D’.

Accidents / Losses:
A Wellington (HZ709), allocated to 26 Squadron, deployed in the West Africa Theatre of Operations (WWII), departed on a mission from Ikeja (Nigeria) to Kano (Nigeria), unfortunately it crashed approximately 3nm from Ipapa. Nine fatal injuries reported.

1952

Accidents / Losses:
During a Test Flight from K-10, a 2 Squadron Mustang ‘374’ crashed in Chinhae Bay

1966

Aircraft Deliveries:
The SAAF took delivery of its second DC-4 Skymaster (6901). This aircraft was later modified to conduct Electronic Warfare Missions in the 1980’s - the two Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) converted DC-4’s were referred to as the ‘Spook’ (Ghost).

1989

Accidents / Losses:
A Bosbok (945) crashed during take-off from the Alldays airfield.

2008

General Information:
The fleet of Astra aircraft (PC-7 Mk 2) was temporarily withdrawn from service, following a fatal accident.

2013

Accidents / Losses:
A Casa-212-300 (8020) was involved in a landing accident at Tempe airfield.

I have been requested to submit a monthly summary as I done in 2013.
Those interested in receiving a month summary (pdf), please drop me an PM with your e-mail address.
I will endeavour to send it as soon as it has been finalised - may be a couple of days after the close of the previous month.

Awesome, thanks Spice.

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