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PostPosted: 18 Jan 2019, 09:28 
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18 January

1918

General Information:

W.L. Jordan, a South African , serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, flying a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down a German Albatros DV (‘Kill # 13’).

1941

General Information:
The ‘Ethiopian Offensive’ commenced (WW2 East African Campaign – aka EAC), as well as the Eritrean Campaign with attacks on Kasala Rail Junction. Allied forces (mainly South African) captured the towns of El Jibo and Jumbo.

Operations and Operational Statistics:

All Furies Detachments instructed to return aircraft to Nyeri to undergo Oil Cooler Modifications

Sorties:
Unidentified Squadrons: A Gauntlet conducted an Air Support mission, inbound to Lokitaung airfield.
1 Squadron: Two unspecified aircraft reported to have departed on an Escort mission. Furthermore, four Hurricanes and four Gladiators conducted Escort missions. A Gladiator also conducted a Tactical Reconnaissance sortie.
3 Squadron: A Hurricane flew a liaison mission from Bura to Nairobi. A Hurricane deployed at Garissa conducted a Test Flight.
11 Squadron: A Battle flew a Communications sortie from Archer’s Post to Garissa.

1943

General Information:
Navigation Reconnaissance Course # 08 commenced at 43 Air School.

Accidents / Losses:
A Fairy Battle (989) crashed during a forced landing in the Kleinmond River mouth - the aircraft belonged to 43 Air School.
An Airspeed Oxford (3511), suffered an engine failure whilst on a mission, and executed a forced landing, unfortunately the aircraft was written-off.
Two Masters were lost due to accidents: “2949” was written-off following an engine failure upon landing. One fatal injury reported. “2699” was written-off in the Bloemfontein area, one crew member sustained fatal injuries.
Two Boston aircraft were lost during combat operations: “Z2430” reported missing following a strike mission. “Z2271” crashed during a forced landing, possibly due to fuel starvation, approximately 18 nm south of Sirte (Libya).

1944

Accidents / Losses:
Anson “1986” and “3330” were involved in a fatal mid-air collision in the Kimberly area.
Anson “3827” was involved in a fatal accident; apparently a cowling came off during flight.

1945

Accidents / Losses:
Two Ansons were lost in separate, unrelated accidents: “3272”, crashed during take-off from Port Elizabeth. “4265”, suffered an engine failure after take-off from George Airport. The aircraft ditched into the ocean.
Two Hurricanes (5338 / 5349) were involved in a fatal mid-air collision. Both crew sustained fatal injuries.

2001

General Information:
Increasing diplomatic intervention in foreign countries, coupled to the declining rand, has been blamed for VIP jets of the Air Force having already begun two months ago to exceed their flight quota for the current financial year. The jets are mainly used by the President and ministers for domestic and international flights. Meanwhile, fuel destined and budgeted for other operational flights were being used to meet the shortfall; this could lead to the grounding of some aircraft soon because of the lack of fuel. In fact, fuel tanks at the Waterkloof Air Force base in Centurion, the home base for VIP jets, were running so low that it has become impossible to refuel the Boeings of 60 Squadron. On at least one occasion, a Boeing had to divert to the Louis Trichardt Air Force Base to refuel.


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PostPosted: 19 Jan 2019, 07:43 
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19 January

1941

General Information:

Allied forces entered Kasala en-route to Agordat (WWII East African Campaign).

Sorties:
1 Squadron: Three aircraft were scrambled on an intercept mission which was unsuccessful. Two Gladiators and eight Hurricanes performed Combat Air Patrols. Four Gladiators also conducted ferry flights.
2 Squadron: Three Furies flew a ferry mission to Nanyuki from Lokitaung.
3 Squadron: A Hurricane was scrambled from Bura on an unsuccessful intercept mission. Two Hurricanes deployed at Garissa conducted intercept training.
11 Squadron: A Battle returned to its home base at Archer’s Post from a deployment to Garissa.
41 Squadron: A Hartbees conducted a Tactical Reconnaissance mission.

Accidents and Losses:
A 27 Squadron, Ventura (6401) crashed in the Begha River Mouth.

1943

Deployment Updates:
1 Squadron deployed to Wadi Sirru, due to constant strafing attacks on the airfield by enemy aircraft. The unit’s primary mission was to conduct Fighter Sweep sorties, west of Tripoli (Libya).

Accidents and Losses:
A DH.82 Tiger Month (2132), crashed after experiencing engine failure during landing, and then the aircraft subsequently hit a telephone pole, fatally injuring both on-board.
An Airspeed Oxford (3491) had a low-level engine failure and crashed “write-off”.

1944

Accidents and Losses:
Two Harvards were written-off in two separate incidents. Harvard 7074 was involved in a fatal accident, when it collided with a tree during low-level flying, the second aircraft; Harvard 7440 crashed during a night flying sortie.

1963

Aircraft Deliveries:
The South African Air Force took delivery of the C-130B Hercules aircraft (serials 401 to 405). The aircraft have subsequently been re-designated in the South African Air Force to “C-130BZ”

1982

Accidents and Losses:

An S-316 Alouette III (49) crashed in the vicinity of Greytown, fatally injuring Flight Sergeant Williams. It is presumed to have been an aircraft allocated to 16 Squadron.


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PostPosted: 20 Jan 2019, 10:29 
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20 January

1937

Accidents and Losses:
A Wapiti (629) was involved in an accident in Hartbeespoort Dam area and subsequently written-off.

1941

Sorties:
1 Squadron: Two Hurricanes and six Gladiators conducted Combat Air Patrols. Seven additional Combat Air Patrols were flown – no detail on aircraft types.
3 Squadron: One Hurricane performed a VIP Escort mission, a second aircraft was scrambled – unsuccessful intercept from Garissa and a third returned as a ferry flight.
11 Squadron: Nine Battle aircraft performed interdiction missions to Yavello Airfield (target). Two Ca-133 reportedly destroyed.

1943

Accidents and Losses:
A Boston (Z2254) was shot-down by hostile anti-aircraft artillery in the Wadi az Zarkin (Tunisia) area.

1944

Accidents and Losses:
A 4 Squadron Spitfire (JG867) crashed in the Sangro area due to engine failure.

1945

Accidents and Losses:
A Harvard (7474) was written-off during an accident.
A Mosquito (NS649); presumably allocated to 60 Squadron, crashed during an operational sortie. It is reported to have belly-landed.

1950

Accidents and Losses:
A Spitfire (5531) crashed during landing, presumably at Langebaanweg.

1970

Sorties:
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 11, Air Force Base Waterkloof.

1982

Aircraft Deliveries:
Impala Mk II serial 1090.


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PostPosted: 21 Jan 2019, 05:55 
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21 January

1929

Accidents and Losses:
A SE.5A (309) was involved in an accident, and subsequently reported to have been written-off.

1937

Accidents and Losses:
A de Havilland D.H.9 (106) was written-off following an accident.

1941

Sorties:
1 Squadron: Two Hurricanes and five Gladiators conducted Combat Air Patrols. Five Gladiators reportedly conducted an unsuccessful intercept as well. Eight Hurricanes and two Gladiators conducted ferry flights.
11 Squadron: Six Battles conducted interdiction missions from Archer’s Post to an unidentified target (most probably Yavello Airfield).
60 Squadron: A photo reconnaissance mission was flown from Nairobi using an Anson aircraft.
Accidents and Losses:
A Audax Mk 1 (1811) crashed in the Vereeniging area.

1942

General Information:
The first Night Flying Phase commenced at No 44 Air School.

Accidents and Losses:
A De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth (580), crashed after take-off, whilst turning. The accident took place at Randfontein.
A Master (2604) overshot the runway during landing, one fatal injury reported.

1943

Accidents and Losses:

A Boston (Z2247) was reported missing, the three crew members were presumed dead.

1944

Accidents and Losses:
Two T-6 Harvards were involved in two separate fatal accidents (one fatality each). The aircraft serial numbers: 7195 and 7481.

1945

Operations and Operational Statistics:
22 Squadron assisted in the search for and intercept of a Spanish 3000t merchant marine vessel, the Monta-Ayaia, and escorted it to Gibraltar. This was in line with the unit’s role to conduct ‘Contra-Ban’ operations.

1950

Aircraft Deliveries:

The South African Air Force took delivery of their first batch (ten) De Havilland Vampire FB.5’s, that arrived in Cape Town by sea. This was the first operational jet to enter operational service with the South African Air Force; however, the first jet to be operated in South Africa was a Gloster Meteor III EE 429, which flew in the country for evaluation purposes for a period of two years, before being returned to the United Kingdom. Based on the experience gained the South African Air Force selected to purchase the DH Vampire aircraft instead. The FB.5 was the single-seat “Fighter-Bomber” (FB) version, powered by the Goblin 2 turbojet (3,000lb). 930 FB.5s were built for the Royal Air Force and a further 88 for the export market. These aircraft were destined to equip 1 Squadron.

1966

Aircraft Deliveries:
The South African Air Force took delivery of a further two DC-4-1009 (civilian version with a capacity to carry 44 passengers); serial: 6903 and 6904.


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PostPosted: 21 Jan 2019, 15:54 
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Hi Spice. How do we pm you here. Can you please include me in your monthly summery
Thx
Stefaan


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PostPosted: 21 Jan 2019, 16:27 
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Stefaan wrote:
Hi Spice. How do we pm you here. Can you please include me in your monthly summery
Thx
Stefaan


Bottom left of my post there is a 'PM' button. :smt023


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PostPosted: 22 Jan 2019, 04:10 
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22 January

1941

Operations and Operational Statistics:
1 Squadron conducted various air-to-ground missions resulting in the following aircraft (Italian Air Force) being destroyed/damaged on the ground: three Ca.133s destroyed and one damaged.

Sorties:
1 Squadron: Five Hurricanes and five Gladiators conducted Combat Air Patrols. Two Hurricanes conducted ferry flights. Four aircraft conducted an intercept and shot-down an enemy aircraft. Two interdiction missions were flown as well.
3 Squadron: The squadron conducted an intercept mission on an enemy aircraft involved in dropping pamphlets

Accidents and Losses:
A Hartbees was involved in a fatal aircraft accident. Both crew suffered fatal injuries.

1942

Accidents and Losses:
A Tomahawk (AN224), suffered engine failure after take-off.

1943

General Information:
A Passing-Out Parade was held for the 18th Air Gunner’s Course (43 Air School). 19 SAAF Officers departed the unit too following the completion of Navigation Course #5.

Accidents and Losses:
A Master (2717) was involved in a fatal accident.
A Hurricane (HV313) was involved in a fatal accident, whilst conducting a night flying sortie.

1944

Sorties:
1 Squadron. Five Spitfires conducted an Anti-Ship sortie against a German Cruiser of the Dalmatian Coast.

Accidents and Losses:
A Spitfire (ES289) crashed during an operational mission whilst on a strafing run, belonging to 2 Squadron.

1945

General Information:
22 Squadron completed the development of a ‘Ventura Signals/Communications System Trainer’, to train airborne radio operators to use the aircraft’s communication system. The squadron built a complete system representative of the actual aircraft’s system, from salvaged Ventura spares.

Operations and Statistics:
A Ventura Mk V (22 Squadron) reported a submarine sighting whilst on a Maritime Patrol Mission launched from Gibraltar.

Accidents and Losses:
A Hurricane (5273) was involved in a mid-air collision.


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PostPosted: 23 Jan 2019, 04:05 
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23 January

1939

General Information:
The Douglas Boston prototype conducted its first flight. The South African Air Force operated these aircraft during World War II.

1941

Sorties:
1 Squadron: Two Hurricanes conducted intercept missions – no results. Six Hurricanes and five Gladiators conducted Combat Air Patrols. Five Hurricanes conducted ferry flights.
60 Squadron: A photo reconnaissance mission was flown from Nairobi using an Anson aircraft.

1942

Accidents and Losses:
A Hartbees (836) was written-off during an accident in the Carlolina area, fatally injuring 2Lt Ortlepp and A/M Goldschmidt - no further information available.

1943

General Information:
42 Squadron formed as an Air Observation Squadron.

Accidents and Losses:
A 60 Squadron, Baltimore (AG830), was written-off following an in-flight engine fire, during an operational mission. One fatality was reported.
A Spitfire allocated to 1 Squadron was involved in an accident.
A 4 Squadron, Spitfire (ES292) was lost due to enemy anti-aircraft artillery. The pilot was fatally wounded.

1945

Operations and Operational Statistics:
22 Squadron commenced Search and Rescue activities following the reported disappearance of a De Havilland Mosquito aircraft, in the area North West of Gibraltar. The search was called-off when the crashed aircraft was found by other assets along the coast of England, at Land’s End.

Accidents and Losses:
A Mustang (KH58Z) did not return from a fighter sweep mission in the Zagreb (Croatia) area, the pilot was also presumed dead.
Two Spitfires, allocated to 1 Squadron were lost due to accidents: PT541 was written-off after a forced landing and MH711 was written-off – the pilot was fatally wounded, after reporting smoke in the cockpit whilst conducting a strafing run on a target.


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PostPosted: 24 Jan 2019, 12:28 
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24 January

1918

General Information:
W.L Jordan, a South African , serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, flying a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down two German Albatros DVs (‘Kill # 14 & 15’).

1941

General Information:
Allied forces invaded Italian Somaliland from Kenya (WWII East African Campaign).

Operations and Operational Statistics:
A 1 Squadron Hurricane (V7655) conducted a strafe run on an Italian aircraft (Ca.133), 40mn West of Argodat – it was reported destroyed.

Sorties:
Unidentified Squadrons: A Rapid flew an Air Support mission to Lokitaung.
1 Squadron: Six Hurricanes conducted ferry flights. Four Hurricanes and seven Gladiators performed Combat Air Patrols, while another eight aircraft from the squadron conducted unsuccessful intercepts.

Accidents and Losses:
A Hurricane, piloted by Lt J Howiston (fatally wounded), was shot down by anti-aircraft artillery during operations. It was reported to have been serial 282.

1942

General Information:
Maj Osler became the first South African Air Force pilot to fly a captured Luftwaffe Bf-109F (“Friedrich”), he was a member of 1 Squadron. This mission was flown by him to celebrate the DFC that had been awarded to him on 7 January 1942. The Bf-109 had been made serviceable to fly by the Squadron’s ground crew. His comment after the flights: "Give me a Hurricane any day", was his loyal comment to the old Hurribus. He found the view from the Bf109 poor, and flew it to Heliopolis on the first stage of its journey to England. Bennie, therefore became the first Commonwealth pilot in the desert to fly the Bf109, and 1 Squadron was pleased at this distinction. The aircraft “Yellow 2” was operated by the Luftwaffe’s III/JG27. The aircraft was captured during the Allied occupation which took place at ‘Derna’ airfield, when 1 Squadron, South African Air Force arrived there. The aircraft (Bf109) was taken to Heliopolis.

Accidents and Losses:
An Airspeed Oxford (3359) was involved in a fatal accident, caused by structural failure. The accident occurred in the Kimberly area.

1944

Accidents and Losses:
A De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth (546), crashed (the location unknown). The cause was reported to be a ‘stall turn at low altitude, struck ground’

1945

Accidents and Losses:
A De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth (2445) crashed whilst landing; apparently the aircraft struck a fence.
A Ventura (Y-6438), was written-off at Rabat airfield, the under carriage collapsed during landing. The aircraft was participating in a Search and Rescue mission, launched from Gibraltar, and diverted to Rabat due to bad weather at Gibraltar.
An Anson (4356) was written-off during an attempted forced landing at Beaufort West

1950

Accidents and Losses:
A Ventura crashed at Bloemfontein, serial reported to be 6024

1964

Operations and Operational Statistics:
The second formation of Canberra aircraft, delivery flight was scheduled, but postponed. Serials 453, 454, 455 and 457.

1980

Accidents and Losses:
An Atlas Impala Mk II (1056), piloted by Captain Leon Burger, was tasked to conduct a tactical Armed Reconnaissance (ARMRECCE) sortie in Southern Angola. During the mission, enemy forces launched a SA-7 (NATO Code Name: “GRAIL”) shoulder launched infra-red surface to air missile at the aircraft. The missile struck the aircraft, and in the process when it detonated, the entire ventral fin of the aircraft was lost. Captain Burger continued to fly the aircraft to Air Force Base Ondangwa, and arrived overhead the airfield at night, he was then ordered to eject, rather than risk landing the Atlas Impala at an operational base, where a large number of aircraft were parked, in which the Atlas Impala might have crashed on landing, by losing all directional control once on the runway.

2012

General Information:
An announcement was made that 15 Squadron will re-locate to the King Shaka International Airport.


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PostPosted: 24 Jan 2019, 13:24 
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Spice wrote:
24 January
2012

General Information:
An announcement was made that 15 Squadron will re-locate to the King Shaka International Airport.

And they're still waiting to move!

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


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PostPosted: 25 Jan 2019, 07:14 
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25 January

1918

General Information:
W.L. Jordan, a South African , serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, whilst flying a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down a German Pfalz D III (‘Kill # 16’).
H.W.L. Saunders, a South African, serving in the RFC/RAF, flying a SE-5A, shot-down an enemy aircraft. (Kill # 01/15).

1941

General Information:
Allied forces captured Mogadishu (WWII East African Campaign).

Sorties:
1 Squadron: Fourteen ferry flights were reported comprising of both Hurricane and Gladiator aircraft. Two Gladiators conducted escort duties whilst two Combat Air Patrols were flown as well, with unidentified aircraft types.

1942

Accidents and Losses:
A Tomahawk (AM407) crashed during landing.

1943

Accidents and Losses:
An Oxford (3324) was involved in a fatal low-level accident approximately nine nautical miles North East of Alice.

1944

Accidents and Losses:

A Kittyhawk (5001), crashed due to engine failure at a place called ‘Stukgrond’ (Eng: Piece of Ground).

1950

Accidents and Losses:
A Spitfire was written-off during a ‘wheels-up’ landing.

1952

Accidents and Losses:
A Spitfire (5503) was involved in a fatal accident in the Tulbach area. It is reported to have been due to engine failure.

1977

Accidents and Losses:
A C-185A (730) crashed in the Mussina area.

1983
Accidents and Losses:
A C-4M Kudu, (961) was involved in an accident, the cause, location and fate of the crew is unknown.

1987

Operations and Operational Statistics:
Seven Alouette III Gunships and four Atlas Impala Mk II’s struck targets in the Mongua area. Similar missions were conducted on the following day too.

2010

Accidents and Losses:
A 28 Squadron C-13BZ Hercules (404) was involved in a landing accident, the nose undercarriage collapsed at Air Force Base Waterkloof.


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PostPosted: 26 Jan 2019, 16:20 
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26 January

1941

Sorties:
Unidentified Squadrons: A Ju-86 conducted an Air Support mission via Archer’s Post.
1 Squadron: Eight Hurricanes conducted ferry flights, and a further five similar types flew Combat Air Patrols. Gladiators flew two Combat Air patrols and two Escort missions.
2 Squadron: A Fury was scrambled from Archer’s Post to intercept a Ju-87, it was unsuccessful.
60 Squadron: An Anson conducted a Photo Reconnaissance mission from its base at Nairobi (it is not clear whether or not this is ‘1127’ - an Anson was reportedly lost in an accident in ‘East Africa’).

Accidents and Losses:
An Anson (1127) crashed in East Africa, there were four fatalities. (Comment: Possibly 60 Squadron)

1942

Accidents and Losses:
A Hind (143) crashed during an incident in the Kimberly area, fatally injuring the pilot.

1943

General Information:
Major Moodie DFC was appointed Officer Commanding 1 Squadron.

1944

Accidents and Losses:
An Anson (1199), crashed at Aliwall North (South Africa) during the approach phase at night.

1945

General Information:
Major Daphne was appointed as the new Officer Commanding 60 Squadron. He replaced the outgoing Officer Commanding, Major Allam. It is Major Daphne’s forth tour of duty with the unit.

Accidents and Losses:
A Ventura (27 Squadron) was involved in a take-off accident.

1951

Accidents and Losses:
Two Supermarine Spitfires were involved in separate accidents: 5609, was involved in a fatal accident when in crashed into the sea in the Paternoster area, during air-to-ground training. 5626, crashed whilst attempting a forced landing at Langebaanweg, due to engine failure.

1965

Accidents and Losses:
A Canadair CL13B Sabre Mk.6 crashed.

1984

Sorties:
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 82, Air Force Langebaanweg.

1990

General Information:
The new JARIC facility was officially opened at AFB Waterkloof.

1991


Sorties:
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 185, De Aar Agricultural Show.


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PostPosted: 27 Jan 2019, 04:08 
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27 January

1941

Operational Statistics:
1 Squadron claimed the following during strike on Gura Airfield: 9 x S79, 7 x S81 and 3 x Ca133 belonging to the Italian Air Force, destroyed during strafe runs. A second strafe run on Adi Urgi Airfield claimed: two S81s destroyed.

Sorties:
Unidentified Squadrons: A Valentia conducted an Air Support mission from N’gedes Nest to Nanyuki to Buna. Three Gauntlets (possibly belonging to 3 Squadron), conducted a ferry flight along the same route as the Valentia, which was most likely providing support to the latter three aircraft.
1 Squadron: Six Hurricanes and six Gladiators, belonging to 1 Squadron, attacked the Gura Airfield. On completion, the formation continued to Adi Urgi Airfield, strafing four S81’s. Two Hurricanes conducted Combat Air Patrols. Ferry flights comprised of six Hurricanes and seven Gladiators. A Hurricane and Gladiator conducted a Base Defence sortie each.
3 Squadron: A Hurricane conducted a Combat Air Patrol over Garissa.
60 Squadron: An Anson conducted a test flight, whilst a second aircraft conducted a Search and Rescue mission for the aircraft ‘1127’ which was reported lost on 26 January. Both missions launched from Nairobi.

1943

Accidents and Losses
:
An Oxford (3478) was involved in a fatal accident in the Zebidelia area.
A Baltimore (AG804), allocated to 60 Squadron was involved in a fatal accident after reporting engine trouble.

1945

Accidents and Losses:
A Marauder (HD585) allocated to 24 Squadron crashed in the area of Castle Franco. One crew member was fatally wounded. The aircraft is reported to have been shot-down by anti-aircraft artillery.

1953

Aircraft Deliveries:
The South African Air Force deployment in Korea (No 2 Squadron) received its first batch of three United States Air Force F-86F Sabres that the squadron would utilize during their operations in Korea. One aircraft, F86F #52-4352, carried a distinctive orange, white, and blue stripe on the vertical tail, the colours of South Africa, with Springbok insignias on the wings and fuselage. The other two aircraft had 18th FBG tail bands. These aircraft replaced the F-51D Mustangs.

1989

Accidents and Losses:
An Atlas Impala Mk II (1044) was written-off during an accident.


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PostPosted: 28 Jan 2019, 04:13 
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28 January

1918

General Information:
W.L. Jordan, a South African , serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, flying a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down a German Albatros DV (‘Kill # 17’).

1941

Sorties:
Unidentified Squadrons: 2 Hartbees aircraft conducted patrols from Buna airfield, most likely 41 Squadron. Two Gauntlets flew patrols and one Gauntlet conducted a liaison flight (to N’gedes Nest), all originating from Buna airfield – most likely 2 Squadron. A Valentia flew a Support mission to Buna as well.
1 Squadron: Two Hurricanes were scrambled to intercept two Italian Air Force Cr42 aircraft operating over Agordat. Both Cr42 aircraft ‘escaped’, one Hurricane (possibly V7662) was damaged during the engagement. Four Hurricane and one Gladiator ferry missions were reported. One Gladiator conducted a liaison flight. Escort missions were flown by four Gladiators. Four Hurricanes conducted Air-to-Ground missions. Three aircraft (Gladiator/Hurricane) flew Combat Air Patrols, together with intercepts which were unsuccessful. Single Tactical Reconnaissance mission were flown each by a Hurricane and Gladiator.
11 Squadron: Six Battles were placed on ‘standby’ which was cancelled, probably to support the 1Squadron activities.

Accidents and Losses:
A Ventura (FP586) was reported missing after a convoy escort mission off the coast of Cyprus. All four crew were presumed dead.
A Hurricane (V7662) crashed. This may be as result of the engagement detailed above in 1 Squadron’s reports.

1944

Accidents and Losses:
A DH.82 (4626) was written-off following a landing incident at night.
Two Oxfords crashed in separate accidents: ‘3454’, crashed during an attempted forced landing, the pilot reported an in-flight fire and attempted to land at Papkuil. ‘3623’ was also reported to have crashed; no further detail is available on the accident.
A Harvard (7437), was written-off after it landed on top of a Moth Minor at Springbokspruit.

1952

Accidents and Losses:

A Mustang (364), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an operational sortie.

1969

General Information:
The South African Air Force’s first C-160Z Transall was test flown at the factory facilities. The prototype C160 had already flown back in 1963 for the first time.

1972

Aircraft Deliveries:
The South African Air Force’s three replacement HS-125-400 ‘Mercurius’ aircraft arrived in the South Africa from the United Kingdom and joined 21 Squadron, Air Force Base Waterkloof. These aircraft replaced the aircraft that were lost during a flying accident in Cape Town. These were the last HS-125’s to be delivered to South Africa.

1984

Sorties:
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 83, Air Force Base Langebaanweg.

2000

General Information:
Air Force Base Zwartkop was declared a ‘conservation area’, under the national museums Act, no further development is allowed at the facility.

2008

General Information:
Gripen, ‘South African-02’ made history when it became the first Gripen aircraft to surpass the cumulative 100,000 flying hour mark for the Gripen fleet. The pilots were: Mats Torbjornson and Lieutenant Colonel Mike Edwards (South African Air Force).
The Astra fleet was ‘un-grounded’ following a fatal accident (17 January) and returned to service at Langebaanweg.
What should have been a rather sad and sombre function turned out to be a rather joyous occasion, when Brig. Gen. Jakes Msimang announced that the BK-117 helicopters in service with the SAAF would be gradually phased out. Two of the aircraft have already been mothballed at AFB Bloemspruit, but the good news was that a further four are to remain in service with Charlie flight 15 Squadron AFB Port Elizabeth. Msimang made the announcement at an exclusive function which was held on the beach at the Willows in Port Elizabeth


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PostPosted: 29 Jan 2019, 04:11 
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Posts: 3359
Location: In .... S.E.A & M.E.N.A. et al
29 January

1915

General Information:
The South African Aviation Corps (SAAC) was official established through the Union’s Department of Defence’s official proclamation thereof in Pretoria, by Government Notice No 130 dated 29 January 1915, published in the Government Gazette of 5 February 1915.

1929

Accidents and Losses:
A Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a (312) was written-off during an accident.

1941

Operations and Operational Statistics:
Extract: No 12 Squadron (SAAF) Operations Order 58
Intent: “Attack motor transport concentration and the bridge over the Dawa River”.
Plan & Allocation: “12 Squadron’s C-Flight will attack the targets, using three Junkers Ju-86 aircraft each loaded with four 250lb and eight 20lb bombs Bomb Damage Assessment (photography) will be performed too using equipment fitted to aircraft 658. The following Ju-86 will be used: 643, 648 and 658.”

Sorties:
Unidentified Squadrons: A Valentia conducted a support mission to Archer’s Post.
1 Squadron: A 1 Squadron mission took off to attack Gura, with six (also reported as seven) Hurricanes flying as top cover (Combat Air Patrols) for five Gladiators, performing air-ground actions. During the run-in to the target the Hurricanes encountered several Italian Air Force S.79s and a large number of CR.42s, which were seen over the airfield, the bombers having just returned from a raid over the front, and the fighters having scrambled at the approach of the South African aircraft. Captain Driver at once attacked an S.79 as it was going in to land, and shot it down. The Gladiators then arrived, and also met the Fiats, 1 Squadron claims to have shot down two of the latter aircraft. The commander of the 412a Squadriglia, was above with two of his pilots, when he saw the Hurricane shoot down the S.79. Upon landing back at the 1 Squadron base, during the mission debriefing it was decided that five had been shot down. A Hurricane flew a two VIP Escort missions as well from its base at Garissa. One liaison flight was reported. Furthermore ten ferry flights were reportedly flown, six Hurricanes and four Gladiators.
11 Squadron: Three Battles conducted Tactical Reconnaissance missions from Archer’s Post. Three Battles conducted an attack on infantry and artillery positions, on completion of the mission the aircraft landed at Buna airfield.
41 Squadron: Four Hartbees missions were flown, two were recorded as Ground Attack, during one of these a Hartbees was shot-down by ground forces.
60 Squadron: Search and Rescue missions (two) were flown to search for the missing aircraft ‘1127’ lost a couple of days prior. The aircraft searched two areas, namely Garissa and Afmadu

1942

Accidents and Losses:
Two Tiger Moths -516 & 535 crashed (location unknown). The cause was reported to be a ‘mid-air collision’. Lt WD Greaves and A/Mech WA Purdham were fatally injured.

1943

Accidents and Losses:
A Ventura (6070) crashed whilst on patrol along the Skeleton Coast.

1945

General Information:

22 Squadron received a replacement Ventura (FP568) at Gibraltar from Bilda. The aircraft replaced R6451, which was written-off earlier by the unit.

Accidents and Losses:
A Curtiss Kittyhawk (FX739) was involved in a fatal accident.

1951

Accidents and Losses:
A Supermarine Spitfire (5510), crashed at Dunnottar. It is reported to have been due to an engine failure after take-off.

1997

General Information:
The first Pilatus PC-7 Mk II “Astra” Pupil Pilot’s Course received their wings at Central Flying School Langebaanweg.

2010

General Information:
The newly delivered IRIS-T air-to-air missile was shown to the public for the first time at the SAAF Parade held at Swartkop airfield on Friday 29 January 2010. It was announced in May 2008 that Diehl BGT Defence of Germany has signed a contract with the SAAF to supply the IRIS-T (Infra-Red Imaging System - Tail control) for integration into the latter's fleet of Gripen fighters. The SAAF had chosen the missile as an interim short range air-to-air missile until development of the South African designed and built A-Darter is complete. Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SAAF, said that "this missile is the state of the art high kill probability short range air missile with unrivalled performance capabilities which, when coupled to a helmet mounted display can engage air threats in the rear quarter of the aircraft as is the case with the SAAF Gripens". The integrated helmet-mounted display (IHMD) referred to by Genl Gagiano is the Cobra, produced by the South African company Cumulus.

2012

General Information:
No 68 Air School, received 2 x Pilatus PC-7Mk II aircraft (2003 and 2006) for use a ‘ground instructional platforms’.


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