South African Military Air Operations Diary: January

South African Military Air Power through

the 20th & 21st Century

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
INTRODUCTION
We’ll 2014 has arrived! Herewith the 2014 copy of my ‘Air Ops Diary’.

Rev 3.30 contains updated, new and supplementary information. Every endeavour will be made to forward
the applicable month’s updated copy by month end, therefore keep watching your inbox!! I am currently
sending the LOW RESOLUTION version via the e-mail list. Should you wish to have a HIGH RESOLUTION
version, I can provide it, via ‘DROPBOX’, on request, then I’ll invite you via your supplied e-mail to the
applicable ‘DROPBOX’.

Thanks for all the input and positive feedback from all of you during 2013, it was a pleasure doing this and
remains as such this year.

The information contained in this document has been obtained from open sources during extensive research
over a number of years and is based on my interpretation of the information presented. Any omissions or
incorrect data (e.g. dates) is not deliberate and supplementary information and corrections will be
appreciated. Furthermore, images1 used are all available in the public domain and may, therefore, not
necessarily be of an actual South African aircraft – it is used for illustrative purposes only, due to the fact
that limited South African specific images are available in the ‘public domain’. This document therefore,
does not express the opinion of any organization or individual other than mine.
The information regarding aircraft losses, albeit Combat Losses (C/L) or Accident/Incident (A) / (I) may
contain unintentional errors due to the lack of sources to verify all related information; therefore any
corrections will be appreciated.
Place names and their locations are based on the best interpretation of names obtained from various
sources, the different spelling of place names has made it a difficult task to determine more detail, anyone
with information, please feel free to pass it to me so I can attempt to have the information as correct as
possible. In some instances, a place may have been referred to by two and sometime three names.
The focus of the document remains, the South African Air Force, however, this year’s issues (2014) have
Information Notes within the main document. These notes are provided as supplementary/background
information on events etc. that took place in the broader environment of military operations. One area
that is addressed is the ‘SA Nuclear’1 program, e.g. the SAAF would potentially become a ‘delivery’
mechanism for such weapons. Furthermore, events in the global arena and more specifically the African
continent took place which would at some point in time ‘intercept’ paths with the air force, e.g.
operations into neighbouring countries. Furthermore, I have included references / events in the ‘broader’
context of the Border War; the latter reference to the Border War includes all events external to South
Africa. Furthermore, many South African’s participated in World War 1, as pilots in the e.g. Royal Flying
Corps, to great success, I have included such operations, based on the fact that these members are the true
‘pioneers’ of ‘South African’ aviation/airpower in my point of view. In essence, military ‘Airpower’ in my
definition is the ability of a nation to project aviation capabilities (hardware and or resources – e.g. human)
to employ air capabilities in all aspects of air operations (peace or war), whether on South African soil or
abroad This year also includes information on the South African Aviation Corps (SAAC), which was the first
true entity in the Union to apply airpower. I’ll also include events related to No 26 (South African)
Squadron – Royal Flying Corps, as this unit was formed using former SAAC staff.
Where possible, I have provided a record of daily operational missions flown during WWII by SAAF
Squadrons. This is based on my interpretation of Operational Diaries that are ‘legible’ from the scanned
documents. Sorties are total for the ‘day’ if multiple missions were listed, without ‘timing detail’.
The use of ‘endnotes’ have been made, to provide supplementary information gained from other sources
(publications and the worldwide web2).

1
All images/pictures that are not acknowledged in the endnotes are © Vernon Vice. Images from www and other
sources – see acknowledgements (end of document). In the event of a photo not being acceptably credited, please e-
mail me and I’ll place the correct credit(s) and photographer’s name (if available), alternately I’ll remove it from the
pdf on request.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
Information also obtained from www.saairforce.co.za is indicted by “ ”. Ack Dean Wingrin, thanks!!

Firsts

Attempt to place national insignia/roundel on South African aircraft.

1st Air Depot established at Robert’s Heights.
1st Successful employment of the H2 Smart Bomb.
19 Squadron became the 1st squadron to receive the new Oryx helicopter.
The 1st JAS-39D (SA-01) entered the final assembly stage in Sweden.
2 Squadron received its 1st Cheetah C aircraft.
Hawk (251) became the 1st aircraft (of type) to fly in South African skies.
The 1st De Havilland Devon aircraft delivered to South Africa.
The 1st DC-4 Skymaster was delivered to the Air Force.
The 1st C-130B Hercules was delivered to the Air Force.
The 1st De Havilland Vampires were delivered to the Air Force.
A pilot (1 Sqn) became the first SA pilot to fly a Bf-109.
2 Squadron received their 1st F-86F Sabres in Korea.
The 1st SA C-160Z production aircraft flew.
The 1st PC-7 Mk II Wings Course qualified.
The 1st operational deployment of T-6 Harvard to SWA took place.

Lasts

The last batch of Hawker Fury aircraft was delivered.

15 Squadron flew their last Martin Maryland missions.
The last operational Venturas allocated to 27 Sqn ‘WWII Ops’ were withdrawn from Theatre and
deployed to the Union.
The C-160Z aircraft were finally withdrawn from service (28 Squadron)

My contact address is: [email protected]

The information is also posted (not-all) on a number of internet aviation forums, on a daily/weekly basis.
These forums are on: www.avcom.co.za / www.flyafrica.info / www.saairforce.co.za

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January

Part 1: History Today…

“When my brother and I built the first man-carrying flying machine we thought that we were introducing into
the world an invention which would make further wars practically impossible.”

— Orville Wright, 1917.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
Events: Date Unknown

1921
The first attempt to place national insignia3 on a South African aircraft was made
when a South African roundel was painted onto an Avro 504K aircraft.

1941
The last batch of Hawker Fury aircraft, totalling 16 deliveries since October 1940, finally arrived and was
introduced into South African Air Force service. It is assumed that all these aircraft were delivered to 1
Squadron, that had been reported to have received a batch of Hawker Furry (January 1941) and deployed
with these aircraft to the Sudan (‘Azzoza’4 and Port Sudan), the re-deployed to Teseney5 (Eritrea).

1942
The following Squadron movement/deployments took place:

• 1 Squadron ceased its operational deployment at Derna6 (Libya) and re-deployed to Ghazala III
(Egypt - ?).
• 2 Squadron deployed from Msus7 (Libya) to Martuba8 (Libya) then on to El Adem9 (Libya).
• 12 Squadron deployed from Landing Ground 24 to Landing Ground 99 during which period the unit
was re-equipped with Douglas Boston aircraft.
• 21 Squadron deployed from Bu Amud10 (Libya) to Landing Ground 89.
• 24 Squadron deployed from Landing Ground 130 to Landing Ground 21 and then to Kasfareet11
(Egypt).
• 60 Squadron deployed to Heliopolis Airbase (Cairo; Egypt) from Tmimi12 (Libya).

15 Squadron flew its last operational missions using Martin Maryland aircraft, prior to receiving new
aircraft.

1942
The operational deployment of South African Air Force units to various World War 2 Theatres of Operations
continued, with 15 Squadron being deployed from the Union to Cyprus, to be utilized to conduct Anti-
Submarine Warfare Missions in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations.

The following Squadron movement/deployments took place:

• 1 Squadron ceased operations at El Chel13 (Libya), re-deployed to Hamraiet Main14 (Libya) and then
on to Wadi Siru15 (assumed to be the Siru in the Sudan).
• 2 Squadron deployed from Martuba to Belandah16 (Libya) to Hamraiet Main (Libya) and finally to
Darragh17 East
• 5 Squadron deployed from Antelat (Libya) to Belandah (Libya) to Hamraiet (Libya) and finally to Bir
Darragh, during this period the unit ceased its flight operations using Curtiss Tomahawk Mk IIBs and
received Curtiss Kittyhawk Mk IIIs.
• 12 Squadron re-deployed from Benina18 Airfield (Libya) to (Alem el) Gezina (Libya).
• 17 Squadron was equipped with Bristol Blenheim Mk V and deployed to Little Aden.
• 21 Squadron deployed from Landing Ground 98 to El Chel/Gezina (Libya).
• 24 Squadron deployed from Benina Airfield (Libya) to (Alem el) Gezina (Libya).
• 60 Squadron deployed from Benina Airfield (Libya) to Marble Arch (Libya) to Darragh.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1944
12 Squadron’s Douglas Boston aircraft were replaced with Martin Marauder Mk IIs.

1945
South African Air Force officers continued to serve in senior posts in the Royal Air Force. The following
Royal Air Force operational squadrons were commanded by South Africans during 1945; namely: 73
Squadron19, 92 Squadron20, 93 Squadron21, 132 Squadron22, 208 Squadron23, 229 Squadron24, No 10 Ferry
Unit, No 4 Air Defence Unit, 205 Group and 324 Wing.

17 Squadron deployed from Rosignano25 Airfield (Italy) to Algiers26 (Algeria).

All remaining 27 Squadron Lockheed Ventura aircraft were returned to the Union of South Africa from Egypt
after completing their last ‘in theatre’ operations.

28 Squadron was equipped with Avro Anson aircraft.

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

1963
41 Squadron was re-established at Grand Central Airport27 and equipped with the newly acquired Cessna C-
18528 Skywagons29; reports also indicated that a number of Auster aircraft were on strength too. The
primary role of the reinstated 41 Squadron was to conduct light utility and reconnaissance missions.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
The South African Air Force placed an order for 16 Buccaneer aircraft from the United Kingdom, the
aircraft were designated ‘S.Mk-50’30. Therefore, In January 1963, even before the S.2 version entered
Royal Air Force squadron service, South Africa had purchased 16 Spey-powered Buccaneers.

The aircraft order was part of the "Simonstown Agreement31", in which the United Kingdom obtained use of
the Simonstown Naval Base in South Africa in exchange for maritime weapons. The South African Air Force
required the Buccaneer to fulfil the anti-shipping strike mission role.

1967
1 Squadron commenced its re-location to Air Force Base Pietersburg from Air Force Base Waterkloof.
Equipped with Canadair CL-13B Sabres, 1 Squadron became first operational fighter squadron to be
deployed to Pietersburg.

1968
The Multi-Engine Conversion Unit was established to take responsibility for all multi-engine aircraft training
in the South African Air Force.

1970
It was reported that a ‘Mr Jackal’, a known international arms dealer, approached South Africa on behalf of
the French aircraft manufacturer ‘Dassault’, to offer the sale of aircraft (most likely the new Mirage F-1
series), to the South African Air Force.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1973
4 Squadron was relocated to Lanseria airport, where it continued operations until the unit’s final closure in
the mid 1980’s.

1974
11 Squadron was re-established at Air Force Base Potchefstroom and equipped with the Cessna C-185’s
previously attached to 41 Squadron.

1975
International Cooperation: It was reported that Israel Defence Force/Air Force officials visited South
Africa to explore methods of gaining access to the country’s largely untapped defence market.

1976
Information Note (Operation SAVANNAH): South African Defence Force forces deployed in Angola
withdrew after the conduct of Ops Savannah.

1985
41 Squadron was relocated to Air Force Base Zwartkop from Lanseria.

The Project (CARVER) Study Report as well as the Acquisition Study to commence a project to procure an
interim fighter was submitted for approval. This project was aimed at delivering an interim fighter before
the so-called ‘CAVA’ fighter32 would be introduced into South African Air Force service. This ‘interim’
Programme acquired the Cheetah series of fighters, which were eventually replaced not by ‘CAVA’ but the
JAS-39 C/D Gripen Advanced Light Fighter Aircraft.

1986
Information Note (Foreign Forces): It was estimated that the size of the Cuban Expeditionary Force
totalled 45,000 troops in Angola.

1990
The year heralded the start of the Air Force’s rationalization programme following the cessation of
hostilities in South West Africa/Namibia and the subsequent withdrawal of South African Defence Force
units deployed in South West Africa/Namibia. The Initial plans announced early in 1990 by the Chief of the
Air Force were as follows:

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
Aircraft Identified to Be Phased Out

Unit Closures: 3 Squadron (Mirage F-1CZ), 4 Squadron (Impala Mk 1 and Mk 2), 5 Squadron (Impala Mk 1 and
Mk 2), 10 Squadron (Gharra), 12 Squadron (Canberra), 16 Squadron (Alouette III), 24 Squadron (Buccaneer),
25 Squadron (C47 Dakota), 27 Squadron (Albatross), 30 Squadron (Puma), 31 Squadron (Puma and Alouette
III), 42 Squadron (Bosbok), 107 Squadron (various) and 114 Squadron (various).

Base Closure: Air Force Base Port Elizabeth, together with 16 Squadron.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1997

No 1 Squadron (Royal Air Force) staff members visited 1

Squadron (South African Air Force) at Air Force Base
Hoedspruit to engage in exploratory discussions regarding a
possible deployment of 1 Squadron (Royal Air Force) Harrier
aircraft to Hoedspruit for cooperative training and exercises.
Unfortunately the deployment never materialized.
1 Squadron33 RAF operated Harrier GR.934 aircraft.

1999
All the Cessna C-185 aircraft moved from Air Force Base Zwartkop to Air Force Base Waterkloof, and
allocated to 44 Squadron as ‘Bravo-Flight’.

16 Squadron was re-activated at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in anticipation of receiving the new Atlas AH2A
Rooivalk helicopters at a future date.

2009
Colonel Cowan appointed as the new Officer Commanding Air Force Base Ysterplaat.

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01 JANUARY

1918
Information Note: W.L. Jordan35, a South African citizen, serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, whilst
flying a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down a German Albatros DV (‘Kill # 09’).

1920
The Union of South Africa’s first Aircraft Depot was established at Robert’s Heights under the command of
Captain Welch.

1940
40 Squadron was re-established at Air Force Base Bloemspruit as an operational unit equipped with North
American Harvard aircraft.

The School of Photography was formed at Zwartkop Air Station [ZAS] on 1st January 1940 with 2 Air Speed
Envoy [AS Envoy] aircraft under the Officer Commanding Captain James Ireland Low, the unit consisted of a
Headquarters and one flight.

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 3 Hurricane Intercept - Port Sudan Area
1 4 Gladiator or CAP - Azaza area
Hurricane
1 4 Gladiator or Air-to-Ground - Training – Azaza Area
Hurricane
2 1 Fury Change-Over - Fury 5670 (208) – Inbound
2 1 Fury Change-Over - Fury 200 – Outbound
2 1 Fury Ferry N’Gedes Nest B.2 Detachment; Inbound
3 1 Hurricane ACM Exercise Garrisa Practice ACM tactics on
‘Double Eagle’ acting as
target.

The 3 Squadron deployment at Garrisa, sent a salvage team to search for a Caproni, that was shot-down
during November 1940.1942

Lt Fisher and A/M de Villiers were fatally injured when the Hawker Hartbees (807) they were flying crashed
15nm from Yavello. (A)

1943
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A Miles Master (2645) crashed at low level during a routine mission, both crew sustained fatal
injuries. (A)
• A Douglas Boston crashed during an attempted forced landing. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1945
22 Squadron remained deployed at ‘The Rock’, i.e. RAF Station – Northern Front – Gibraltar, the New Year
also saw five new aircrew members join the unit from South African Air Force Base Depot Station ‘Almaza’.

1951
The following unit changes (re-numbering, re-equipping; closure and or activation) took place:

• 1 Squadron’s Citizen Force element, operating North American Harvard and Spitfire aircraft became
the nucleus of the new 4 Squadron.
• 24 Squadron’s active Citizen Force element, operating North American Harvard became a new
operational unit, namely 8 Squadron, following the closure of 24 Squadron.
• 25 Squadron was established at Air Force Base Zwartkop operating Lockheed Ventura aircraft when
21 Squadron was re-numbered 25 Squadron.
• 27 Squadron equipped with Lockheed Ventura aircraft was re-established at Air Force Base
Ysterplaat.

1952
A North American Mustang (350), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an operational
sortie. (C/L)

1953
40 Squadron was re-activated as an Active Citizen Force squadron at Air Force Base Bloemspruit, the unit
received North American Harvard aircraft.

1964

The South African Air Force’s helicopter capability was improved with the establishment of No 22 Flight
(became 22 Squadron some years later), after it had received its first batch of newly acquired Westland
Wasp helicopters. The primary missions of the helicopters were to embark on the South African Navy
frigates to conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare missions.
The unit was only upgraded to a ‘Squadron’ once all the aircraft were on strength. The Westland Wasp
continued to serve till the late 1980’s. It took more than two decades to replace the capability in the
South African Air Force with the Lynx helicopters in 2007.

1973
Helicopter Conversion Unit (HCU) was re-named 87 Advanced Flying School.

1974
11 Squadron was re-established at Air Force Base Potchefstroom, the fourth time since its original
inception.

1982
It was reported that the South African Air Force had destroyed a Russian supplied helicopter (presumably a
Mi8/17 Hip) during an air-strike on enemy positions in Angola.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1993
2 Squadron was re-established at Air Force Base Louis Trichardt, this time equipped with newly acquired
Atlas Cheetah C multi-role fighters.

1966
The first ‘firm’ evidence that the South African Air Force (SAAF) has acquired the Israeli Rafael Python 3
short-range infra-red air-to-air missile (AAM) has emerged in photographs of an air force Dassault Mirage F-
1CZ, belonging to 3 Squadron.

1999
The three Lockheed C-130F Hercules aircraft, received by the South African Air Force, were put up for sale.

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02 JANUARY

1914
The Union’s Defence Headquarters purchased the Paterson Aviation Syndicate School, with the aircraft and
its entire spares. Defence Headquarters, Pretoria, intimated that authority had been received to take over
the reconstructed ‘Paterson Biplane No 36’, but it was not put to any use, and it eventually disappeared
many years later, having last been seen in the Cape Town Drill Hall according to Kenny van der Spuy. The
subsequent fate of the aircraft has since not been established.

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 1 Gladiator / Hurricane Intercept - ‘Allied Aircraft’
1 5 Gladiator / Hurricane Escort - -
2 1 Fury Scramble - No Joy
3 2 Hurricane ACM Training Garrisa Practice ACM tactics on
‘Valentia’ acting as
target.

1942
A Miles Master (2703) crashed during final approach in the Uitkyk area. (A)

1945
Two Hawker Hurricanes36 were written-off in two separate accidents. The first – serial 5280 and second –
serial 5288 were lost due to a forced landing and ‘heavy’ landing, respectively. (A)

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03 JANUARY

1918
Information Note: Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor37, became the first South African national to successfully
have engaged and shoot-down an enemy aircraft, whilst serving as a South African, in the Royal Flying
Corps’ 84 Squadron, operating S.E.5a38 aircraft. A German aircraft was shot-down by him over French
territory. By the end of World War one he had become the RFC’s top Ace, with 54 kills confirmed, as well
as the top scoring Balloon-Buster in the British Empire!

Information Note: W.L Jordan, a South African citizen, serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, whilst flying
a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down a German Hannover C (‘Kill # 10’).

Information Note: L.A. Payne, a South African citizen, serving in the RFC/RAF, flying a Bristol Fighter,
shot-down a German LVG-C.

1943
1 Squadron deployed to Hamraiet.

1944
A Supermarine Spitfire (MA294), belonging to 7 Squadron was involved in a fatal accident when the pilot
performed a low-level roll. The accident occurred at Gamil (Egypt). (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1945
22 Squadron reported the withdrawal from service (replacement) of a Lockheed Ventura (6407), which was
replaced with a new aircraft.

Three Supermarine Spitfires (RR189 [2 Squadron]; MH657 [7 Squadron] & PT647 [7 Squadron]) were lost
during operational missions, these aircraft were shot-down by hostile Anti-Aircraft Artillery fire, resulting in
one fatality and one pilot being taken Prisoner of War. (All C/L)

1952
A North American Mustang39 (368), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an operational
sortie. (C/L)

1975
Information Note: The first deployment of Cuban forces to Angola took place, when these forces arrived in
Angola, via Lusaka (Zambia).

1984
Operation ASKARI reached its high point, amongst these was the Air Interdiction/ strike on the Angolan
town of Cuvelai. The strike package consisted of ten Impala Mk II and four Canberra aircraft. The
combined formation of attack aircraft, delivered the following weapons on pre-planned targets: 60 x 120kg
(Mk 81 bombs); 18 x 250kg (Mk 82 bombs); four x 450kg bombs and 600 Alpha bomblets, the latter two
weapons system types were most likely to have been from the English Electric Canberra aircraft from 12
Squadron.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January

A number of Impalas conducted strikes on a fire control radar, east of Cuvelai. The anti-aircraft site was
equipped with ZSU-57-2s and the associated Fire Can radars.

During the egress from the target area Joe v/d Berg’s Atlas Impala was hit by a SA-9 (NATO Code Name:
“GASKIN”) missile40. He decided to attempt an emergency landing at Ongiva, in Angola; (recently re-
surfaced by 400 AMU) instead of Air Force Base Ondangwa. He made a safe landing at Ongiva.

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1988
At approximately 05h45Z, a formation of Buccaneers (24 Squadron) departed from Air Force Base
Grootfontein, South West Africa/Namibia armed with a classified long-range/glide ‘smart-bomb’ commonly
referred to a “H-2”41 and “HANTO”, for a first attempt of the day to destroy the Cuito Cuanavale Bridge –
it was aborted.

The second attempt saw the aircraft take-off at 09h40Z42 and the FAPA (Angolan Air Force) launched a
flight of MiG-23 Floggers to intercept (this never took place) and the Buccaneers successfully launched ‘H2’
and destroyed the Bridge at 10h31Z.

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04 JANUARY

1918
Information Note: W.L Jordan, a South African citizen, serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, whilst flying
a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down a German DFW C (‘Kill # 11’).

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 10 Gladiator / Hurricane Escort - Azaza area, 6 x Hardy
1 1 Gladiator / Hurricane Nav Escort - Azaza area, assisted allied
aircraft (lost) to home base.
2 1 Fury Test Flight - Guns (208)

1943
A Miles Master43 (2991) crashed after it struck a fence following a stall-turn in the Donkerhoek area. One
fatality was reported. (A)

1944
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• An Avro Anson (3225), crashed in the Grahamstown area after running-out of fuel during a mission,
most likely from Port Elizabeth. (A)
• A Martin Baltimore (FA633), allocated to 15 Squadron crashed whilst conducting air-to-ground
attack training. All four crew members aboard the aircraft were fatally injured. (A)
• The following Supermarine Spitfires were lost due to hostile action and non-hostile incidents:
o MH901, allocated to 1 Squadron, reportedly had an engine fire during start-up. (A/I)
o RR184, allocated to 4 Squadron was involved in a fatal accident – engine failure after a
spin. (A/I)
o PT900, allocated to 7 Squadron was shot-down by hostile anti-aircraft artillery. (C/L)
o MH891, allocated to 7 Squadron was reported missing following a Close Air Support Mission
and the pilot is believed to have been fatally wounded. (C/L)

1945
Two Lockheed Ventura Mk V (22 Squadron) reported a submarine sighting44 whilst on a Maritime Patrol
Mission launched from Gibraltar.

A Hawker Hurricane (5277) was involved in a fatal accident in the Thabazimbi area. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1952
A Supermarine Spitfire (5519), crashed during landing (presumed Langebaanweg). (A)

1973
A Buccaneer S.Mk50 (411) from 24 Squadron, was written-off during an accident in the Ermelo area. It was
reported that the aircraft entered an un-controlled spin, causing the aircraft to crash approximately 8 nm
from Sheepmoore in the Ermelo area. (A)

1976
An Aerospatiale Puma C (122) was written-off during a ‘blue-on-blue’ (fratricide) anti-aircraft artillery
firing incident. The crew, Capt. CD de Wit, Capt. F Immelman and Sgt Kellet together with two passengers
were fatally injured. One passenger survived the accident. (A)

1982
31 Squadron was re-established at Air Force Base Hoedspruit. The unit was equipped with Aerospatiale
Puma and Aerospatiale Alouette III helicopters.

1990
The last Cessna C-208 Caravan (serial ZS-MLR, c/n 208-164) was delivered to the South African Air Force.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
2000
It was reported that Heavy Lift (United Kingdom) had been awarded a contract to the value of
R170,000,000 to market and dispose of the remaining eight C-160Z Transall aircraft, stored at Air Force
Base Waterkloof.

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05 JANUARY

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 2 Hurricane Intercept Port Sudan Unidentified Italian A/C
Own A/C shot at by HMS Shereham

1942
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth (2208), crashed. (A)

• A Northrop Nomad Mk 145, (1265), crashed during a flight – hit telephone wires. (A)

1943
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A Northrop Nomad Mk 1, whilst conducting a Target Towing Mission (Drogue), crashed following a
stall. There were two fatalities. (A)
• A Curtiss Kittyhawk (EV136) crashed resulting in a single fatality. (A)

1944
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A De Havilland DH.82 (2266) was written-off following a fatal accident, apparently the ‘pilot fell ill
during flight’. (A)
• A North American Harvard (7419) was involved in a fatal aircraft accident. The aircraft crashed at
low-level following a stall, in the vicinity of Springbokspruit. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1945
A Bristol Beaufighter (NV151) crashed during an operational mission. One crew member was fatally
wounded and one crew member was reported to have been captured by enemy forces and held as a
Prisoner of War. (C/L)

1948
A Lockheed Lodestar 18-08 (238) crashed in the Palmietfontein area. ZS-ASW Lockheed 18-08 (c/n 2037),
part of a large order for South African Airways was registered in Jan 1941 and delivered directly to the
South African Air Force from the factory. The aircraft became South African Air Force number 238. At the
end of the war she was returned to South African Airways as ZS-ASW (named Sir Benjamin D’Urban” and
was written off at Palmietfontein on 5/1/1948. The aircraft actually ground-looped on landing and went
off the runway - there were no injuries to either crew or passengers. (A)

1982
An Aerospatiale Puma (168) was written-off during a military operation in Southern Angola; after being hit
by Anti-Aircraft Artillery fire, all on board fatally wounded, the aircrew: Capt. John Robinson, Lt Michael
Earp and Sgt Kennie Dalgleish. Reports further indicate it may also been attributed to small arms fire, i.e.
AK-47. (C/L)

1985
It was reported that an Aerospatiale Puma, piloted by J.C. Linde had a ‘tree strike’ in the “Luen(g)a” area
whilst supporting 32 Battalion operations. The new tail rotor was replaced inside enemy territory.

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1918
Information Note: W.L. Jordan, a South African citizen, serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, whilst
flying a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down a German Albatros DV (‘Kill # 12’).

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 7 Gladiator or Hurricane Intercept - Azaza area, unsuccessful
1 2 Gladiator or Hurricane Ferry - Azaza, Outbound

1942
A Nomad Mk 1 (1267) crashed whilst conducting low-level flying, fatally injuring the pilot. (A)

1945
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A Lockheed Ventura, allocated to 22 Squadron, crashed following a reported engine failure during
landing at Gibraltar, on return from a Convoy Escort sortie. The aircraft serial: ‘R’ 6451. (A)
• An Avro Anson (4243) was written-off, when it crashed into a gate during an attempted forced-
landing in Hanover. It is presumed to have been due to fuel starvation, because the aircraft was
reportedly ‘lost’. (A)
• A Supermarine Spitfire46, allocated to 3 Squadron was also written-off following an accident whilst
on an operational mission. (C/L)

1952
An F-51 North American Mustang (353), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an
operational sortie, the pilot Lt R.W. Parsonson was fatally wounded. (C/L)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1967
16 Squadron was relocated from Air Force Base Ysterplaat to Air Force Base Durban47; the unit at that time
was equipped with newly acquired Aerospatiale Alouette III helicopters.

1978
An Aerospatiale Alouette III (58) was written-off near the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam. (A)

1981
The first Super Frelon48 (aka “Super Hornet/Wasp”) helicopters allocated to 30 Squadron arrived at Air
Force Base Ysterplaat.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
07 JANUARY

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 1 Gladiator or Hurricane Liaison - Azaza area
2 2 Fury General Flying - -
3 3 Hurricane Ferry Nairobi Temporary allocation to 1
Squadron based in Khartoum.

A Hawker Hartbees (832) was written-off during an accident, reportedly caused by an engine failure at low-
level, both crew were fatally injured. (A)

1942
The South African Air Force lost a total of seven (7) Curtiss Tomahawk aircraft during operations, mainly
due to hostile air-to-air actions, the detail of the losses are as follows:

• Mk IIB / AR294: Shot down by a Luftwaffe Bf-109, approximately 10nm north of Agedabia (capital of
the Al Wahat District, NE Libya), the pilot was fatally wounded. (C/L)
• Mk IIB / AK518: Shot down by a Luftwaffe Bf-109, fatally wounding the pilot. (C/L)
• Mk IIB / AK525: Shot down by a Luftwaffe Bf-109, in the vicinity of Agedabia (capital of the Al
Wahat District, NE Libya), the pilot was captured and listed as a Prisoner of War. (C/L)
• Mk IIB / AN411: Reportedly lost due to an engine failure, North East of Agedabia. (A/I)
• Mk IIB / AK40’: Shot down by a Luftwaffe Bf-109, in the vicinity of Agedabia (capital of the Al
Wahat District, NE Libya). (C/L)
• Mk IIB / A further two aircraft - serial ‘unknown’: Shot down by a Luftwaffe Bf-109, one of which
the pilot had been fatally wounded. (C/L)

1943
An Airspeed Oxford (3477), whilst conducting a target tow mission, reportedly lost control and crashed,
fatally injuring all four crew on-board the aircraft. The location of the accident was off-the coast at
‘Kenton-On-Sea’. Conditions at the time were also reported as ‘bad weather’. (A)

1945
A replacement Lockheed Ventura (FN982) arrived and joined 22 Squadron deployed at Gibraltar, it is
assumed to be the replacement aircraft for ‘6407’.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1969
A Cessna C185D (734) was written-off following an accident at Kutanga Range (Rhodesia). Lt J.H. van
Heerden and one passenger were fatally injured during this incident. (A)

1981
A South African-321L Super Frelon (315) was involved in an accident at Air Force Base Mpacha (South West
Africa/Namibia). This aircraft was not replaced. (A)

1982
A North American Harvard (7651) was involved in a fatal accident (one crew member) at Dunnottar. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
08 JANUARY

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

- 1 Valencia Air Support - -
1 3 Hurricane Intercept Port Sudan Allied Blenheim
1 3 Gladiator or Hurricane Intercept - Azaza area; Allied aircraft
2 1 Fury Ferry - Inbound
3 1 Hurricane Test Flight Garrisa -

A Junkers Ju-53/3M (668/ex-ZS-ALR) was written-off during an accident approximately 7nm North East of
M’beya. The following crew members were fatally injured: Lt PJ de Villiers, Lt NL Gordon, A/Mechs RG
Edwards and RS Martin. Tragically 11 passengers were fatalities too. (A)

1942
Two Douglas Boston49 III aircraft, allocated to 24 Squadron crashed at ‘LG-124’ due to bad weather
conditions (both ‘A’). Z2161: All crew OK and Z2168: All crew OK.

1944
A Supermarine Spitfire, ‘ES343’, allocated to 4 Squadron, crashed when a tire burst (take-off) at the Tringo
airfield. (A)

1945
Four Lockheed Ventura Mk V (22 Squadron) aircraft reported a submarine sighting50 whilst on a Maritime
Patrol Mission launched from Gibraltar.

1966
An S-316 Aerospatiale Alouette III (56) whilst supporting operations in Mozambique was lost due to a rubber
dinghy being under-slung, hitting the tail rotor, in the Lorenzo Marques area. Capt. GN Shawe, A/Cpl FH
Moolman and three passengers were fatally injured.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1982
An Atlas C4M Kudu (994) crashed in the Potchefstroom area. One fatality reported (A).

A 22 Squadron Alouette III (42) was involved in an accident – the aircraft was rebuilt and returned to
service.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1993
The South African Air Force’s nine C-160Z Transall aircraft, which operated from 28 Squadron, Air Force
Base Waterkloof were withdrawn from active service. One aircraft (337) was donated to the South African
Air Force Museum.

2001
Top Armscor officials met in Pretoria morning to discuss reports of about R2 billion damages suit against
the state armaments agency. This followed reports that two disgruntled US businessmen had given a local
attorney a brief to launch the suit after a failed deal to purchase nine redundant C160 Transall transport
aircraft from SA Air Force surplus. A Sunday newspaper reported that Roy Segers and Richard Parker
claimed the deal may have been stymied because Joe Modise, former Minister of Defence, and Ron
Haywood, the current chairman of Armscor, wanted to put together their own deal to purchase the planes.
Both Modise and Haywood vehemently denied the claims, the paper said. Segers and Parker alleged that in
September 1998 they were about to then pay R2 billion for the French-built aircraft when they were told by
a Boet van Staden that the planes were no longer for sale, on Modise's orders. Some months later, after
Modise had retired as minister, the two Americans were meeting financiers Incentive Corporate Finance to
secure funding on another deal. They were surprised to be told that Modise and Haywood had just
approached the same institution seeking to raise capital to buy, refit and refurbish the C160s, the paper
said. Meanwhile, a paper reported that a British company had won a tender, put out in May, to purchase
the aircraft.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
09 JANUARY

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 6 Gladiator or Hurricane Ferry - Azaza area, Outbound
1 5 Gladiator or Hurricane Armed Recce - Azaza area
1 3 Gladiator or Hurricane Intercept - Azaza area, unsuccessful
2 2 Fury Ferry Wajir Inbound
2 2 Fury Ferry Archer’s Post Inbound
41 1 Hartbees Army Coop - -

1943
An Avro Anson (3101), overshot the runway at Port Elizabeth, and crashed. (A)

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

1945
22 Squadron commenced 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).

A Lockheed Ventura51 (6439), allocated to 23 Squadron, crashed due to an engine failure after take-off,
there were four fatalities. (A)

1979
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. (A)

1980
An S-316 Aerospatiale Alouette III (45), deployed on operations in Rhodesia, crashed. (Possible C/L).

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
10 JANUARY

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

2 1 Fury Ferry N’Gedes Nest Inbound
2 3 Fury Patrol - -

1944
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth (560), crashed in Southern Rhodesia when it apparently lost
control due to bad (bumpy) weather conditions during approach to the airfield. (A)
• A second De Havilland DH.82 crashed as well on this day, the aircraft number being reported to be
2208. (A)

1945
A Supermarine Spitfire, belonging to 1 Squadron, was shot down by enemy Anti-Aircraft Artillery; the pilot
did not survive the engagement. The aircraft serial number has been reported to be PT971. (C/L)

1950
A Supermarine Spitfire (5521), stationed at Langebaanweg (South Africa), crashed following engine failure.

1972
A North American Harvard (7034) was involved in fatal accident in the George area. (A)

1984
Information Note: The planned start of Operation ASKARI was ‘halted/placed on hold’ by the South African
government.

1991
19 Squadron became the first helicopter squadron to receive the locally manufactured Oryx medium-lift
helicopter; the unit was re-located to Air Force Base Louis Trichardt.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1998
For the sixth time in seven years 22 Squadron at AFB Ysterplaat was been awarded the SAAF Sword of
Peace. The Sword of Peace, the Air Force's highest operational award, honours one unit or squadron each
year for outstanding humanitarian service. The squadron beat about 30 applicants. 22 Squadron operated
11 Oryx and nine Alouette III helicopters.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
11 JANUARY

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 1 Hurricane Intercept - Port Sudan area,
unsuccessful
1 6 Gladiator or Hurricane Ferry - Azaza area; Outbound
1 2 Gladiator or Hurricane CAP - Azaza area
2 3 Fury Ferry N’Gedes Nest Inward (RTU)
2 3 Fury Ferry Archer’s Post Inward (RTU)
2 4 Fury Ferry or Lokitaung 2-C Detachment; To
Comms Marasbit
2 2 Fury Ferry or Marasbit 2-C Detachment; To
Comms North Horr
3 1 Hurricane CAP Bura -
3 2 Hurricane Gunex Garrisa -

1942
During a formation ‘dust’ take-off, a Tomahawk (AK572) crashed. (A)

1944
Two North American T-6 Harvards were involved in accidents::

• 7198, had an engine failure and executed a forced landing at Nooitgedacht, the aircraft was
written-off. (A)
• 7262, overturned after landing at Grand Central airport. (A)

1945
A Marauder (HD569), allocated to 30 Squadron crashed during take-off. Six crew members sustained fatal
injuries. (A)

1973
The South African Air Force renamed the Multi-Engine Conversion Unit, 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
A Dassault Mirage IIIDZ (839) was written-off during an accident in the Pietersburg area. The aircraft was
operated by 85 Advanced Flying School. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1991
An Aerospatiale 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. (A) See picture in ‘Accident/Attrition’ Section of this ‘PDF’ document.

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.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
12 JANUARY

1937
A De Havilland DH-9 (109), crashed. (A)

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

- 1 Valencia Air Support - 2 Sqn B1 Detachment
1 3 Gladiator or CAP & Intercept - Azaza area; 7 x enemy
Hurricane
1 5 Gladiator or Intercept - Azaza area; 1 x enemy aircraft
Hurricane (unsuccessful)
1 3 Gladiator or CAP - Azaza area
Hurricane
2 2 Fury GF Lokitaung C-2 Detachment
3 1 Hurricane Gunex Garrisa -
3 1 Hurricane Air Support Garrisa -

A Gloster Gladiator (5822) was involved in a fatal accident after being shot down. (C/L)

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 North American Harvard and
Mohawk aircraft.

A Hawker Hartbees (829) written-off during an accident at low-level. (A)

1943
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A Hawker Fury (205) was involved in a fatal crash at Paarlvlei. (A)

• A Hawker Fury (210) reportedly crashed in the Faure area, following a stall during a low-level
attack (training sortie). Lt K Mc Curdey was fatally injured. (A)
• A De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth (569), crashed in the Boskop area (Potchefstroom). (A)
• Two Douglas Boston aircraft were involved in a mid-air collision in the area of Benghazi52 (Libya).
There were nine fatalities. The aircraft involved were ‘Z-2178’ and ‘Z-2274’. (A)
• A 1 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire (EP655) crashed – the pilot had inhaled ‘glycol fumes’. (A)

1944
A Curtiss Kittyhawk, FR498 crashed.

1945
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 Nigel53 (South Africa). 1 fatality reported. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
• A mid-air collision between 3580 and 3704 resulted in a single fatality. (Both A)

1951
A Supermarine Spitfire (5611), presumably stationed at Langebaanweg, crashed due to engine failure. (A)

1965
A North American 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. (A)

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
An Aerospatiale 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. (C/L)

1981
Angolan news report claimed the South African Air Force had attacked Cuamato54 (Southern Angola) with
Mirages, and support was provided by six Aerospatiale Puma helicopters. This attack had indeed taken
place.

1989
International Cooperation: A report in ‘Nucleonics Week’ claimed that South Africa and Argentina had
embarked on cooperation in the ‘nuclear’ field.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
13 JANUARY

1923
A de Havilland D.H.9 (103) was written-off following an accident (A).

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 4 Gladiator Ferry - -
1 1 Gladiator Test Flight - -
2 1 Fury Liaison - -
2 1 Fury Scramble Lokitaung C-2 Detachment; No Joy
3 1 Hurricane Gunex Garrisa -

1942
21 Squadron withdrew from Egypt in preparation to receive their Martin Baltimore aircraft (these aircraft
were only received later in 1943).

1943
Three Martin 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. (C/L)
• Serial No ‘AG933’ was reported ‘crashed’.
• Serial No ‘AG873’ was shot down by a Luftwaffe Bf-109, the pilot was fatally wounded. (C/L)

1945
22 Squadron received a replacement Lockheed 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.

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.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
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.

2011
The military has deployed a Denel Oryx helicopter and Cessna 210 from one of the South African Air
Force Reserve Squadrons as well as two Operational Emergency Care Practitioners from the South African
Military Health Service to Upington to provide search and rescue (SAR) support to the flood-stricken
Northern Cape Province. Spokesman Siphiwe Dlamini says the South African National Defence Force
rescued eleven civilians in the Keimoes area yesterday and distributed twenty-seven food parcels.
"Currently the SANDF, in support of the Provincial Disaster Management Committee, are assessing the
situation. Any further developments will be communicated as and when they happen," Dlamini says in a
statement. A 1998 Green Paper on Disaster Management notes the military "may be employed for service in
the preservation of life, health, or property and for service in the provision or maintenance of essential
services and can be requested to provide support by other government departments. "The SANDF has
resources, though limited, to carry out search and rescue operations at land, sea and air, to provide
medical support, to transport relief provisions such as food and water, and to undertake the building of
bridges, earth removal and road-building. The SANDF can also have access to military assistance in disaster
relief operations from the other members of the Southern African Development Community. The SA Air
Force also forms part of the SA Search and Rescue Organisation, a directorate of the Department of
Transport."

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
14 JANUARY

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 2 Hurricane Intercept - Port Sudan area; Allied Blenheim
2 1 Fury Liaison - -
2 1 Fury General Flying - -
2 1 Fury Comms Lokitaung C-2 Detachment
3 1 Hurricane Gunex Bura -

1942
A De Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moth (2124) spun in and crashed in the Wonderboom area. One fatality
reported. (A)

1943
The first of two De Havilland Devon aircraft (103) was delivered to the South African Air Force.

A Martin Baltimore (21 Squadron), ‘AG879’, crashed. One fatality reported.

1945
An Avro 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. (A)

1952
A North American F-51 Mustang (376), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an
operational sortie. (C/L)

1966
The South African 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 (Zwartkop) – see
below. 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.

1996
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 333, Centurion.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
15 JANUARY

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

- 1 Valentia Air Support - -
1 2 Hurricane Intercept - Port Sudan area, unsuccessful
1 1 Gladiator Liaison - -
2 1 Fury Ferry - C-2 Detachment; To Nanyuki
3 1 Hurricane Gunex Bura -

1944
The following aircraft losses were reported:

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

1945
A Bristol Beaufighter, NV-350, ditched close to Kornat Island55, after a reported engine failure. (A)

1952
A North American Mustang (371), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an operational
sortie, the pilot was taken Prisoner of War. (C/L)

1975
Information Note: The ‘Treaty of Alvor’ was signed by parties in Angola, which set 11 November 1975 as
the Angolan Independence Day.

1985
An Atlas Impala Mk II (1006) was written-off during an accident, in the Operational Area (South West
Africa). (A)

2002
The fuel supply at the Waterkloof Air Force Base was so low that fuel had to be borrowed for some
flights recently undertaken by President Thabo Mbeki. Only certain VIP, emergency and emergency
maintenance flights could be undertaken. Training flights were limited to the bare minimum to maintain
the pilots' licences, while most of them spend their time on the ground. It has been learnt that there were
only 35 000 litres of fuel in the bunkers at Waterkloof last week. A big cargo plane such as the Hercules C-
130 can be refuelled only four times with 35 000 litres. The VIP squadron, which transports Mbeki and other
ministers, is the only one that can go ahead with most of its duties. However, even then crew have had to
wait on occasion until a private aviation company refuelled the Falcon 900. The shortage was expected to
restrict the number of flights even more within the next two months as no relief was expected for the rest
of the financial year, which ends in March. The air force has denied that the situation has reached crisis
proportions or that its effectiveness is being compromised.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
A spokesperson said it was already apparent at the beginning of the financial year that the allotted defence
budget would create shortages in the air force. This had resulted in the air force not being able to execute
its business plan for the year, said the spokesperson. One of the most important commodities to be
affected was aircraft fuel, he added. The spokesperson said the flight hours had to be planned down to the
last detail and he thought the projected hours for the year would be reached. However, information in
Beeld's possession indicates that the hours were cut by 20 percent a squadron in the middle of last year and
in November. The shortages affect almost all the light, cargo and passenger aircraft of the air force as well
as helicopters. In certain cases, pilots had already started flying for other companies to increase their
hours. Some have official permission to fly for other companies as there is no work for them in the air
force. Some fly more in a month than they did in the past year in the air force. Pilots said they were
disheartened and their future in the air force was bleak. Most of them were making plans to leave the air
force. The air force said emergency flights within South Africa could still be undertaken. If disasters
happened, though, such as the floods in Mozambique in the past few years, additional funds were
transferred from outside the army. The irregular use of aircraft can affect their long-term serviceability.

2008
A Pilatus PC-7 Mk II was involved in a fatal crash in the Bredasdorp area close to the Overberg Air Force
Base56. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
16 JANUARY

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 1 Gladiator Test Flight - -
2 2 Fury General Flying -
3 ? Hurricane Test Flight Garrisa -
3 1 Hurricane Gunex Bura -

An instruction was issued to ground all Hawker Fury aircraft.

1942
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• Avro Tutor (V1272) crashed.

• Avro Anson (1113) crashed along the Natal coast, in the vicinity of Durban. (A)
• Avro Anson (1166) crashed in the Willomore57 area (South Africa). Four fatal injuries were
reported. (A)
• A Curtiss Tomahawk (AN315) crashed due to engine failure. It was written-off following the forced
landing. (A)

1945
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• An Avro Anson (3104) crashed in the Aliwall North area during landing. (A)
• A Hawker Hurricane (5431), crashed in the vicinity of Pretoria due to fuel starvation. (A)

1968
A North American Harvard (7127) crashed in the Illovo area; there was one reported fatal injury. (A)

1992
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 218, Milnerton (Cape Town); Paris Le Cap Race
‘finish’.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
17 JANUARY

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 12 Gladiator Ferry - -
1 2 Gladiator CAP - -
3 1 Hurricane Ferry Mombasa -

The Allied invasion of Eritrea began, 1 Squadron was used to escort RAF Wellesley bombers, and became
one of the first Allied units to move into Eritrea, moving to Tessebei airfield during January. Reports
indicate that the squadron deployed to Oxo (15nm West of Kassala, along the Atbara River) from Port
Sudan.

A De Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moth (545), crashed in the area of Baragwanath. The cause was reported to
be a ‘Spin at Low Level – from 500ft AGL’. Both crew, namely Flying Officer AR Hill (Royal Air Force) and
Pupil Pilot CW Siddle sustained fatal injuries. (A)

1942
Two Hawker Hind aircraft (152 and 154) were reportedly involved in a mid-air collision and written-off
during the incident. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries. (A)

1943
The following Douglas Boston losses were reported:

• Serial ‘Unknown’, one fatality.

• Serial ‘Unknown”, three crew captured – Prisoner of War. (C/L)
• Z2275 burst a tire on take-off and collided with a second Douglas Boston (serial AL-713). Two crew
sustained fatal injuries. Both aircraft were ‘written-off’. (A)

1944
An AS.10 Airspeed Oxford (3838) was involved in an accident. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1945

A Wellington (HZ709),allocated to 26
Squadron, deployed in the West Africa
Theatre of Operations (WWII), departed on a
mission from Ikeja58 (Nigeria) to Kano59
(Nigeria), unfortunately it crashed
approximately 3nm from Ipapa. Nine fatal
injuries reported.

22 Squadron’s B-Flight commenced trails

using a new ‘flare’ system. The aircraft
modified is reported to have been ‘D’.

1952
An F-51 North American Mustang (374), allocated to 2 Squadron “Flying Cheetahs”, based in Korea crashed
during an operational sortie, the pilot 2 Lt RA Staats was fatally wounded. (C/L)

1966
The South African Air Force 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
A Bosbok (945) crashed during take-off from the Alldays airfield. (A)

2008
The South African Air Force’s fleet of Astra aircraft (PC-7 Mk 2) was temporarily withdrawn from service,
following a fatal accident.

2013
A Casa-212-300 Aviocar (8020) was involved in a landing accident at Tempe airfield.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
18 JANUARY

1918
Information Note: W.L. Jordan, a South African citizen, serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, whilst
flying a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down a German Albatros DV (‘Kill # 13’).

1941
Information Note: The ‘Ethiopian Offensive’ commenced (WW2 East African Campaign), 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.

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

- 1 Gauntlet Air Support - Inbound to Lokitaung
1 2 ? Escort - -
1 4 Hurricane Escort - -
1 4 Gladiator Escort - -
1 1 Gladiator Tac Recce - -
3 1 Hurricane Liaison Bura To Nairobi
3 1 Hurricane Test Flight Garrisa -

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

1943
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A Fairy Battle (989) crashed in the Kleinmond River mouth (A).

• An Airspeed Oxford (3511), suffered an engine failure whilst on a mission, and executed a forced
landing, unfortunately the aircraft was written-off. (A)
• Two Miles Masters aircraft were lost due to accidents:
• “2949” was written-off following an accident caused by an engine failure upon landing. One
fatal injury reported. (A)
• “2699” was written-off in the Bloemfontein area, one crew member sustained fatal injuries. (A)
• Two Douglas Boston aircraft were lost during combat operations:
• “Z2430” reported missing following a strike mission. (C/L)
• “Z2271” crashed during a forced landing, possibly due to fuel starvation, approximately 18nm
south of Sirte60 (Libya). (A)

1944
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• Anson “1986” and “3330” were involved in a fatal mid-air collision in the Kimberly61 area. (A)
• Anson “3827” was involved in a fatal accident; apparently a cowling came off during flight. (A)

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1945
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• Two Avro Anson aircraft were lost in separate, unrelated accidents:

• 3272, crashed during take-off from Port Elizabeth. (A)
• 4265, suffered an engine failure after take-off from George Airport. The aircraft ditched into
the ocean. (A)
• Two Hawker Hurricanes (5338 and 5349) were involved in a mid-air (fatal) collision. Both crew
sustained fatal injuries. (A)

2001
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 President Thabo Mbeki and ministers for domestic and
international flights. Informed sources have expressed concern that the shortfall in the Air Force's VIP
budget could be "enormous" at the end of the current financial year at the end of March. Meanwhile, fuel
destined and budgeted for other operational flights were being used to meet the shortfall. Sources warned
that 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, are running so low that it has
become impossible to refuel the Boeings of 60 Squadron. On at least one occasion recently, a Boeing had to
divert to the Louis Trichardt Air Force Base to refuel.

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1941
Information Note: Allied forces entered Kasala en-route to Agordat (WWII East African Campaign).

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 3 Unknown Intercept - Unsuccessful
1 8 Hurricane CAP - -
1 2 Gladiator CAP - -
1 4 Gladiator Ferry - -
2 3 Fury Ferry Lokitaung C-2 Detachment; To
Nanyuki
3 1 Hurricane Scramble Bura No Joy
3 2 Hurricane Intercept Garrisa -
Exercise
41 1 Hartbees Recce - -

A 27 Squadron, Lockheed Ventura (6401) crashed in the Begha River Mouth. (A)

1943
1 Squadron deployed to Wadi Sirru. The unit’s primary mission was to conduct Fighter Sweep sorties, west
of Tripoli (Libya).

The following aircraft losses were reported:

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

1944
Two North American Harvards were written-off in two separate incidents. North American Harvard 7074
was involved in a fatal accident, when it collided with a tree during low-level flying, the second aircraft;
North American Harvard 7440 crashed during a night flying sortie. (Both A)

1963
The South African Air Force took delivery of the Lockheed C-130B Hercules aircraft (serials 401 to 405).
The current fleet of aircraft recently underwent major upgrades the past couple of years, and is likely to
remain in service till the South African Air Force takes delivery of the new Strategic Airlift aircraft in the
next decade or two, following the cancellation of the A-400M acquisition. The aircraft have subsequently
been re-designated in the South African Air Force to “C-130BZ”.

1982
An S-316 Aerospatiale 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. (A)

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1937
A Westland Wapiti (629) was involved in an accident in Hartbeespoort Dam area and subsequently written-
off. (A)

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 2 Hurricane CAP - -
1 6 Gladiator CAP - -
1 7 Hurricane or Gladiator CAP - -
3 1 Hurricane Escort Garrisa VIP
3 1 Hurricane Scramble Garrisa No Joy
3 1 Hurricane Ferry Garrisa RTU (Inbound)

1943
A Douglas Boston (Z2254) was shot-down by hostile anti-aircraft artillery in the Wadi az Zarkin62 (Tunisia)
area. (C/L)

1944
A 4 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire (JG867) crashed in the Sangro area due to engine failure. (A)

1945
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A North American Harvard (7474) was written-off during an accident. (A)

• A de Havilland Mosquito63 (NS649); presumably allocated to 60 Squadron, crashed during an
operational sortie. It is reported to have belly-landed. (A)

1950
A Supermarine Spitfire (5531) crashed during landing, presumably at Langebaanweg. (A)

1970
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 11, Air Force Base Waterkloof.

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1929
A SE.5A64 (309) was involved in an accident, and subsequently reported to have been written-off. (A)

1937
A de Havilland D.H.9 (106) was written-off following an accident (A).

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 6 Hurricane Ferry - -
1 2 Hurricane CAP - -
1 5 Gladiator Intercept - -
1 4 Gladiator or Hurricane CAP - -
1 2 Gladiator Ferry - -
1 2 Hurricane ? - -

A Hawker Audax Mk 1 (1811) crashed in the Vereeniging area.

1942
The following aircraft losses were reported:

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

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1943
A Douglas Boston (Z2247) was reported missing, the three crew members were presumed dead. (C/L)

1944
Two T-6 North American Harvards were involved in two separate fatal accidents (one fatality each). The
aircraft serial numbers: 7195 and 7481. (A)

1945
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
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
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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1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 5 Hurricane CAP - -
1 5 Gladiator CAP - -
1 2 Hurricane Ferry - -
1 4 Hurricane or Gladiator Intercept - 1 x enemy shot-down
1 2 Hurricane or Gladiator Interdiction - -
3 ? Hurricane Intercept Lamu ‘Pamphlet Drop Aircraft’

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. (see above table)

A Hawker Hartbees was involved in a fatal aircraft accident. Both crew suffered fatal injuries.

1942
A Tomahawk (AN224), suffered engine failure after take-off. (A)

1943
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A Miles Master (2717) was involved in a fatal accident. (A)

• A Hawker Hurricane (HV313) was involved in a fatal accident, whilst conducting a night flying
sortie. (A)

1944
A Supermarine Spitfire (ES289) crashed during an operational mission whilst on a strafing run, belonging to
2 Squadron. (C/L)

1945
22 Squadron completed the development of a ‘Lockheed 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 Lockheed Ventura spares.

One Lockheed Ventura Mk V (22 Squadron) reported a submarine sighting65 whilst on a Maritime Patrol
Mission launched from Gibraltar.

A Hawker Hurricane (5273) was involved in a mid-air collision. (A)

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2008
The South African Air Force's first six instructor pilots for the Saab Gripen will commence training
activities in September, with development testing having recently concluded using its first of 26 aircraft.
Conducted from the Gripen Flight Test Centre (GFTC) at Overberg air base, the programme totalled 199
sorties and 178 flight hours between August 2006 and November 2007.

Work culminated with around 10 operational-standard flights, including simulated air-to-air combat with a
SAAF Denel Cheetah C the service's current frontline fighter. One of seven two-seat Gripen Ds on order for
South Africa, instrumented test aircraft SA01 will be flown to Johannesburg for painting, with final
acceptance by the SAAF to take place during March. The aircraft was temporarily grounded on 17 January
following a Swedish investigation into a flow problem identified with a new external fuel tank design used
by the aircraft and some Saab-operated Gripen test aircraft. However, the tank is not in use by air force
customers the Czech Republic, Hungary or Sweden, says Saab. The fuel tank problem was the cause of one
of just three aborted flights during the Overberg campaign, says Magnus Lewis-Olsson, manager flight test
operations, with the remainder caused by environmental control system faults.

Aircraft SA01 will be based at Overberg for at least the next two years for continued testing. Flights with
Rafael's Litening II targeting pod will commence in mid-year, with the SAAF close to selecting a laser-guided
bomb for the Gripen. A large number of unguided bomb drops were conducted during the recent test
campaign, but the air force looks likely to select an interim infrared-guided air-to-air missile, as Denel's
selected A-Darter weapon is still under development. Deliveries of additional two-seat Gripens will
continue this year, with the SAAF's first single-seat example to follow in mid-2010, when the service must
provide air policing duties for the football World Cup. The type will replace Cheetahs assigned to 2 Sqn at
Makhado air base, with final delivery scheduled during 2012.

Johan Rydin, Saab's in-country director for Gripen, says the company could conduct additional future
testing at the GFTC facility, with the type and unmanned air vehicle designs possible visitors. "We are
looking at the whole Saab programmes," he says, adding: "We can do everything here that can be done in
Sweden." Control of the GFTC will be transferred fully to Denel and the SAAF around September/October,
with Saab to retain a support function until early 2009.

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1939
The Douglas Boston made its first flight. The South African Air Force operated these aircraft during World
War II.

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 2 Hurricane Intercept - -
1 5 Hurricane Ferry - -
1 6 Hurricane CAP - -
1 5 Gladiator CAP - -

1942
A Hawker Hartbees (836) was written-off during an accident in the Carlolina area, fatally injuring 2Lt
Ortlepp and A/M Goldschmidt - no further information available. (A)

1943
42 Squadron formed as an Air Observation Squadron.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A 60 Squadron, Martin Baltimore (AG830), was written-off following an in-flight engine fire, whilst
on an operational mission. One fatality was reported. (Possible C/L)
• A Supermarine Spitfire allocated to 1 Squadron was involved in an accident.
• A 4 Squadron, Supermarine Spitfire (ES292) was lost due to enemy anti-aircraft artillery. The pilot
was fatally wounded. (C/L)

1945
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.

The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A North American Mustang (KH58Z) did not return from a fighter sweep mission in the Zagreb66
(Croatia) area, the pilot was also presumed dead.
• Two Supermarine Spitfires, allocated to 1 Squadron were lost due to accidents:
• PT541 was written-off after a forced landing (A);
• MH711 was written-off – the pilot was fatally wounded, after reporting smoke in the cockpit
whilst conducting a strafing run on a target. (C/L)

2014
News about the South African Air Force’s possible plans to buy new transport aircraft or find alternative
options for the dire situation for the SANDF to get its troops and equipment deployed, have caused a race
with contenders scrambling to South Africa from all directions.

In the past week Lockheed Martin held some urgent negotiations with local opinion formers in the defence
industry, while it is known that some Airbus options are also being put together. What is known, is that the
Russians were first through the door and therefore might hold a slight advantage for the moment. However,
it is a difficult contest with nobody really knowing how serious the plans are and even more importantly, if
the plans can be trusted. According to Dennys Plessas, vice president business development initiatives at
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, the company is “confused” about what exactly South Africa wants.
Everybody thought that there was a specific process to procure military equipment, but in this case there
seem to be some off the beaten track. The main question remains if performance or politics will be the
deciding factor. If it will be politics, the race becomes even more complicated. Plessas says the United
States have every possible option available for South Africa to buy American aircraft. All it needs is a
government to government request and even payment will be staggered for a buy-now-pay-much-later
option. Payment can even start in a few years’ time. “We have access to the production orders and should
South Africa decide today that it urgently need two or three Hercules C130J’s we can always negotiate with
one of our bigger customers to wait a bit longer for their orders,” he explains. “We have sent a number of
proposals to the Department of Defence. If South Africa has a specific need, we are willing to bend
backwards to help. A hasty decision now will however lead to a lot of regret later on and then it is too
late.”

Lockheed Martin bases its offer on the fact that the SAAF has been using C130’s for the past 50 years. It
therefore has the infrastructure which only needs to be adapted for the much more advanced avionics of
the J model. The aircrew also would only need to have the minimal conversion training on the new aircraft
instead of learning a totally new way of flying an aircraft the Russian way.

“The problem is that we do not know if the SAAF’s needs have changed. We understand what it has been
doing in peacekeeping for the past decade and longer. We also understand that heavy lift is necessary to
place troops and equipment in theatre. But then the C130s have been doing the regular log runs
transporting smaller numbers of people and support equipment for the duration.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
“Almost 95% of the regular SAAF flying work can be done with a C130. We say for the small percentage of
heavy lift it makes more sense to then charter a bigger aircraft.

“If something like the Ilyushin 76 is however what the SANDF wants, we can help them with super lift and
then it can be utilized by the whole region for deployments. The American Air Force has a number of C-5A
Galaxies which are being withdrawn from service. They still have many flying hours on their clocks. We can
strip and upgrade it with the latest avionics and make it available for a fraction of the price of most new
aircraft in its class.

“Then you can move a whole squadron of helicopters and 128 tonnes at a time. And if the SAAF is not using
it, it can make it available to another African country for deployments. In a case such as the current United
Nations (UN) deployment in the DRC countries are working together in one force anyway.

“Fact is that this will only be available in a government to government deal as the Galaxies are not sold
commercially. A combination of C130J’s and a C-5 will put South Africa in a better position than it has been
in a long time.”

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January

It is understood what is confusing the situation is that should aircraft be bought, it will be bought on a Joint
Operations requirement and it is not clear what these requirements are except that it needs to move a lot
very fast and on short notice.

It is further understood that Airbus and its partners might be putting some out of the box options for the
A400M together as well. These are not known yet, but there seems to be quite a bit of scrambling behind
the scene underway.

How serious the SANDF really is to buy aircraft in the run-up to the elections next year is an open question.
With the hearings and investigations into the multi billion rand arms deal still underway after ten years, no
politician who would like to remain a politician will take chances with another controversial deal.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
24 JANUARY

1918
Information Note: W.L Jordan, a South African citizen, serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, whilst flying
a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down two German Albatros DVs (‘Kill # 14 & 15’).

1941
Information Note: Allied forces invaded Italian Somaliland from Kenya (WWII East African Campaign).

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

- 1 Rapide Air Support - Inbound to Lokitaung
1 6 Hurricane Ferry - -
1 4 Hurricane CAP - -
1 7 Gladiator CAP - -
1 2 Hurricane or Gladiator Intercept - Unsuccessful
1 6 Gladiator Intercept - Unsuccessful, false scramble
for 20 aircraft reported.

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

A Hawker 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. (C/L)

1942
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 Hawker 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.

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

1944
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’. (A)

1945
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth (2445) crashed whilst landing; apparently the aircraft struck a
fence. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
• A Lockheed Ventura (Y-6438), was written-off at Rabat airfield, the under carriage collapsed during
landing. (A) The aircraft was participating in a Search and Rescue mission, launched from
Gibraltar, and diverted to Rabat due to bad weather at Gibraltar.
• An Avro Anson (4356) was written-off during an attempted forced landing at Beaufort West. (A)

1950
A Lockheed Ventura crashed at Bloemfontein, serial reported to be 6024. (A)

1980
An Atlas Impala Mk II67 (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
An announcement was made that 15 Squadron will re-locate to the King Shaka International Airport at a
future date.

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1918
Information Note: W.L. Jordan, a South African citizen, serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, whilst
flying a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down a German Pfalz D III (‘Kill # 16’).

Information Note: H.W.L. Saunders, a South African citizen, serving in the RFC/RAF, flying a SE-5A, shot-
down an enemy aircraft. (Kill # 01/15)

1941
Information Note: Allied forces captured Mogadishu (WWII East African Campaign).

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 6 Gladiator or Hurricane Ferry - -
1 2 Gladiator Escort - -
1 2 Gladiator or Hurricane CAP - -
1 8 Hurricane Ferry - -
1 2 Gladiator Ferry - -

1942
A Curtiss Tomahawk (AM407) crashed during landing. (A)

1943
An Airspeed Oxford (3324) was involved in a fatal low-level accident approximately nine nautical miles
North East of Alice. (A)

1944
A Curtiss Kittyhawk (5001), crashed due to engine failure at a place called ‘Stukgrond’ (Eng: Piece of
Ground). (A)

1950
A Supermarine Spitfire was written-off during a ‘wheels-up’ landing. (A)

1952
A Supermarine Spitfire (5503) was involved in a fatal accident in the Tulbach area. It is reported to have
been due to engine failure. (A)

1977
A Cessna C-185A (730) crashed in the Mussina area. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1983
An Atlas C-4M Kudu, (961) was involved in an accident, the cause, location and fate of the crew is
unknown.

1987
Seven Aerospatiale Alouette III Gunships and four Atlas Impala Mk II’s struck targets in the Mongua68 area.
Similar missions were conducted on the following day too.

2002
Shortly after the air force was given a temporary reprieve for its fuel and pilot shortages, it appears that
only three full-time air-traffic controllers would be available as from the middle of February to man the
Waterkloof air base, the air force's main air-freight base. At least seven to eight air traffic controllers are
required to work six shifts of four hours a day, seven days a week. The shortage might result in the base
suspending its 24-hour flight traffic control service. The air force has admitted to a problem with air traffic
control shortages, however, it denies the problem is unique to them. The private sector reportedly is
experiencing a similar shortage due to constant air-traffic control losses to the international market. Air
force traffic controllers leave the service for better pay in the private sector where, in turn, they succumb
to better offers from other countries. A spokesperson said Waterkloof air traffic controller numbers would
be augmented from a group of Pretoria air traffic controllers. He declined to elaborate, but the air force
would be compelled to employ these air traffic controllers on a temporary basis at market-related salaries.
He added that the air force must control its own air-traffic control capabilities because military air services
have unique requirements.

2010
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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1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 8 Hurricane Ferry - -
1 2 Gladiator Escort - -
1 5 Hurricane CAP - -
1 2 Gladiator CAP - -
1 1 Gladiator Liaison - -
2 ? Fury Scramble Archer’s Post No Joy (Ju-87)

An Avro Anson (1127) crashed in East Africa, there were four fatalities. (A)

1942
A Hawker Hind (143) crashed during an incident in the Kimberly area, fatally injuring Pupil Pilot KL O’Brien.
(A)

1943
Major Moodie was appointed Officer Commanding 1 Squadron.

1944
An Avro Anson (1199), crashed at Aliwall North69 (South Africa) during the approach phase at night. (A)

1945
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.

1951
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. (A)
• 5626, crashed whilst attempting a forced landing at Langebaanweg, due to engine failure. (A)

1965
A Canadair CL13B70 Sabre Mk.6 crashed. (A)

1984
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 82, Air Force Langebaanweg.

1991
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 185, De Aar Agricultural Show.

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1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

(2) 3 Gauntlet Ferry - Nanyuki to N’Gedes Nest
(2) 3 Gauntlet Ferry - N’Gedes Nest to Buna
- 1 Valentia Air Support - Nanyuki to N’Gedes
- 1 Valentia Air Support - N’Gedes to Buna
1 2 Hurricane CAP - -
1 2 Hurricane General Flying - -
1 6 Hurricane Ferry - -
1 1 Hurricane Base Defence - -
1 7 Gladiator Ferry - -
1 1 Gladiator Base Defence - -
1 8 Gladiator Air-to-Ground - -
3 1 Hurricane CAP Garrisa -

Six Hawker Hurricanes and six Gladiators, belonging to 1 Squadron, attacked the Gura Airfield, strafing (and
claiming destroyed) 9 x S79, 7 x S81 and 3 x Ca133 belonging to the Italian Air Force. On completion, the
formation continued to Adi Urgi Airfield, strafing four S81’s and claiming to have destroyed two of the
aircraft.

1943
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• An Airspeed Oxford (3478) was involved in a fatal accident in the Zebidelia area. (A)
• A Martin Baltimore (AG804), allocated to 60 Squadron was involved in a fatal accident after
reporting engine trouble. (A)

1945
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. (C/L)

1953
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 North American Mustangs.

1989
An Atlas Impala Mk II (1044) was written-off during an accident. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
2012
Address by the Chief of the Airforce, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, at the Air Force Day Parade held at Swartkop:

“It gives me great pleasure to cordially welcome each and every one present today, to this Air Force
Day parade, which marks another year of service to the Nation. A very special word of welcome
goes to the Honourable Minister of Justice and constitutional Development, Mr Radebe, who has
honoured us with his presence and so gracefully presented the award of the Prestige Unit of the
Year to AFB Langebaanweg, this year's winner.

My sincere congratulations, and those of the members of the Air Force command Council also, go to
all who received recognition last night at the Awards evening. These acknowledgments are also
specially directed to those unassuming backroom personnel who’s loyal, consistent, and reliable daily
contributions made the achievement of these awards by their respective Units possible. With every
winner there are, unfortunately, also some who do not do so well, and for that reason a special
three-day course was arranged from last Tuesday to allow all Directors, Base Commanders and Unit
Commanders to brush up their skills on how to use the European Foundation for Quality
Management (EFOM) model. This model is not only used to measure one's own performance, but
most importantly, to identify areas for improvement.

Anniversaries provide the opportunity to look at both the past year and at what lies ahead. ln
retrospect, I am well satisfied with the achievements of the Air Force during the year 2011. Let me
therefore be the first to acknowledge the commitment and the hard work that made these
achievements possible, and to extend my thanks to all who were involved therein.

The Air Force distinguished itself in its hosting of a number of very productive exercises during the
past year. ln keeping with its name, Exercise Winter Solstice was executed in the Eastern cape in
extreme winter conditions and clearly demonstrated the SAAF's combat readiness. Nine SADC
countries participated in Exercise Blue cluster, which produced valuable new joint disaster relief and
humanitarian assistance doctrine. Two productive Electronic warfare exercises, to which Rooivalk
contributed, were held, and 300 hours of valuable air support was given to the sA Army in Exercise
Ndlovu.

During the past year the SAAF participated significantly in the peace support initiatives of the
Government. The most recent of these operations took place during December 2011 in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo and comprised the provision of wide-ranging air support to the
national elections there. Approximately 660 hours were flown for this purpose by the SAAF and in
both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Besides this, SAAF helicopters flew some 300 hours, and the
G130 flew 167 hoursl in support of the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Gongo.
The C47's and Lynx helicopters continued to support the SA Navy in the Mozambique Channel in
international anti-piracy operations. Furthermore, some 36 tons of humanitarian freight was
delivered to Somalia by C130 aircraft, whilst the SAAF was deployed in theatre for possible
assistance required during the elections in Uganda and hostilities in Libya and Cote d'lvoire.

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Finally, during their recent centenary celebrations held by the ANC numerous Heads of State
gathered in Bloemfontein and our Gripen aircraft and other systems provided immaculate air space
security on a Z$-hour basis. AFB Bloemspruit is especially commended for their role and excellent
support rendered during the centenary celebrations earlier this month, making the Air Force proud.

The SAAF, aware that it faces the same constraints as does the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in
that country's

Aircraft and Maintenance improvement project (AMlP), borrowed with their consent, from their
experience and has launched its own Project safer 9AAF which embraces concepts such as EFQM, an
enhanced Quality Management System as an essential element of technical airworthiness, together
with safety, Health, Environment and Risk. I look forward to a notable contribution by this project
towards aviation safety in the South African Air Force.

During 2011, our G130's have operated in support of Government initiatives, over an area extending
from Cape Town to Malta. To a large extent the serviceability of the C130 to execute this
programme is owed to SAAF collaboration with Denel Aviation with regard to maintenance, repair
and overhaul, all of which significantly reduced downtime and enhanced serviceability of the aircraft.
The Air Force has also invested a considerable amount of money in securing the airworthiness of the
C130BZ, and this underpinned by good co-operation between the SAAF and the Aviation industry,
has enabled extension of the economic life of the C130ls to the year 2020. lt is of vital importance
that mutual collaboration such as this between the SAAF and the Aviation industry' should continue.
The C130 operated by 28 Squadron as the receiver of the Sword of Peace last night, must be
acknowledged as the real performer of the year.

The ab initio training of pilots at Swartkop on C172 aircraft and by the Babcock Training Academy is
starting to develop into a success story. Thus far, not one of the graduates from these courses and
who converted to the PC7 Mk2 thereafter has failed on the more sophisticated aircraft.

Echo Flight, where initial fighter tactics are being taught on the PC-7 Mk2 at Air Force Base
Langebaanweg is progressing well. The object of this innovation is to reduce the cost of initial Hawk
training.

Both Hawk and Gripen aircraft conducted very successful air-to-air training camps achieving results on
the towed flag, which make even old hotshots like some of us very envious. Gripen and Hawk aircraft
thereafter flew mutually beneficial air combat manoeuvres at Air Force Base Overberg against the
German Air Force Tornados.

During the past year further advances were made in the combat environment and to my way of
thinking, the SAAF maintains its position as a frontrunner, the relatively small size of our Air Force
notwithstanding. Examples are training and flight-testing of a new laser-guided bomb together with
helmet mounted displays, night capabilities and the power of data linking.

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The creation of a support structure unit to manage WIP air transportation has been a long-standing
priority requirement. Progress was however made in September 2011when a WIP unit was established
at AFB Waterkloof to consolidate all WlP-related activities under one command.

Due recognition having now been given to some - not all - of the achievements of 2A11, the
question then arises: what is the way forward?

Serious shortcomings exist with regard to capabilities, some of which, if lost would be difficult to
regain. These include the following:

• WIP air transportation, maritime surveillance and light air transport, where a lack of suitable
aircraft is a severe constraint.
• Adequate Electronic Warfare platforms, UAV's' sensors and night capabilities.
• Solutions to rectify these shortcomings are urgently required.

The Air Force needs to focus on performance management and we have no better tool than the
EFQM model.

The Air Force needs to focus on system integrity at all times in order to ensure safety in our
operations and to increase the availability of our aircraft.

Our people are a major asset. We must therefore concentrate more on their training, mentoring,
career management and discipline.

Our infrastructure is in a state of continuing decline and the prospect of target-scale renovation is,
at best, slim. The strategy of rolling up our sleeves and doing it ourselves may offer the only
possible solution.

The recent floods experienced in Mpumalanga, which caused severe structural damage at AFB
Hoedspruit poses another challenge to the Air Force which will require priority attention.

Why is the format of this parade different from Air Force Day parades of the recent past? I am
sure that all our guests would have enjoyed a display of our air capabilities. This parade is different
because I need to make a statement. Yes there is an element of austerity measures present in it,
but we also have an additional parade soon, the Armed Forces Parade on 21 February.

The statement today's parade should make is that: lf the balance between the Human Resource
budget and the Operating budget is not corrected, very few aircraft will fly.

lf resources are not used optimally very few aircraft will fly. lf every person does not contribute
optimally to the mission, and performance is not measured, very few aircraft will fly. lf we are not
all disciplined, focussed and also not enhance our knowledge, very few aircraft will fly.”

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
28 JANUARY

1918
Information Note: W.L. Jordan, a South African citizen, serving in the RNAS/RAF during WW 1, whilst
flying a Sopwith Camel, successfully shot-down a German Albatros DV (‘Kill # 17’).

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

- 2 Hartbees Patrol Buna -
(2) 2 Gauntlet Patrol Buna -
(2) 1 Gauntlet Liaison Buna To N’Gedes Nest
- 1 Valentia Air Support - To Buna
1 4 Hurricane Ferry - -
1 1 Gladiator Liaison - -
1 4 Gladiator Escort - -
1 4 Hurricane Air-to-Ground - -
1 1 Gladiator Ferry - -
1 1 Hurricane Tactical Recce - -
1 1 Gladiator Tactical Recce - -
1 3 Hurricane or CAP & Intercept - Unsuccessful
Gladiator

Two 1 Squadron Hawker Hurricanes were scrambled to intercept two Italian Air Force Cr42 aircraft
operating over Agordat. Both Cr42 aircraft ‘escaped’, one Hawker Hurricane was damaged during the
engagement. (see above movements)

The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A Lockheed Ventura (FP586) was reported missing after a convoy escort mission off the coast of
Cyprus. All four crew were presumed dead. (C/L)
• A Hawker Hurricane (V7662) crashed; no further information is available.

1944
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• A De Havilland DH.82 (4626) was written-off following a landing incident at night. (A)
• Two Airspeed 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)
• A North American Harvard (7437), was written-off after it landed on top of a Moth Minor at
Springbokspruit. (A)

1952
A North American Mustang (364), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an operational
sortie. (C/L)

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1969
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
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 African.

1984
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 83, Air Force Base Langebaanweg.

2000
Air Force Base Zwartkop was declared a ‘conservation area’, under the national museums Act, no further
development is allowed at the facility.

2008
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.

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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.

The guests were treated to a four ship display followed by a solo display flown by Lt. Col. Wayne Sharpe
with Flight Engineer Mike Bottom. The guests were then treated to a three ship display with Captains Ben
Arnold, Ryan Shriver and Kevin Ellis flying. The BK-117s are to remain in service for a further one year.
The Air Force was so convinced that the BKs would be taken out of service that they had already positioned
an Oryx in Port Elizabeth to take over the duties of the BK-117s.

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29 JANUARY

1915
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
A Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a (312) was written-off during an accident. (A)

1941

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 Ju0-
Ju0-86 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-
Ju-86 will be used: 643,
643, 648 and
658.

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

- 1 Valentia Air Support - Archer’s Post
1 1 Hurricane Escort - VIP
1 1 Hurricane or Liaison - -
Gladiator
1 6 Hurricane Ferry - -
1 7 Hurricane CAP - -
1 4 Gladiator Ferry - -
1 3 Gladiator Air-to-Ground - See below
1 3 Hurricane Escort - See below
3 2 Hurricane Escort Garrisa VIP aircraft
41 2 Hartbees ? - -
41 2 Hartbees Ground Attack - 20lb Bombs and Guns (1
x Hartbees Shot-Down)

1 Squadron Report: A 1 Squadron mission took off to attack Gura, with six Hawker Hurricanes flying as top
cover to five Gladiators, performing air-ground actions. During the run-in to the target the Hawker
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 Hawker 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.

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1942
Two De Havilland DH82A 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. (A)

1943
A Lockheed Ventura (6070) crashed whilst on patrol along the Skeleton Coast. (A)

1945
22 Squadron received a replacement Lockheed Ventura (FP568) at Gibraltar from Bilda. The aircraft
replaced R6451, which was written-off earlier by the unit.

A Curtiss Kittyhawk (FX739) was involved in a fatal accident.

1951
A Supermarine Spitfire (5510), crashed at Dunnottar. It is reported to have been due to an engine failure
after take-off. (A)

1997
The first Pilatus PC-7 Mk II “Astra” Pupil Pilot’s Course received their wings at Central Flying School
Langebaanweg.

2010
The SAAF unveiled its new summer uniform at the annual Air Force Day Parade on 29 January 2010.
Celebrating its 90th birthday, this is the second time since 1994 that the SAAF has introduced a new
uniform. Whereas the previous change consisted of a minor alteration to the pattern of the shirt, the
current change is a complete revamp in terms of style, material and form. The uniforms were worn by all
members on Parade, as well as by the majority of other air force members viewing the Parade held at the
Swartkop airfield near Centurion. Retaining the tradition blue colour of the air force, the shirts are of
‘tunic' style, hanging over the pants and free-flowing. While members of the service mentioned that the
new uniform was comfortable and cooler in hot weather, other observers were heard that the new uniform
reminded them of the old SA Police uniform of the 1970's. The writers own view is that while the new
uniform may very well be cooler, the old uniform was far smarter.

2012
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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30 JANUARY

1941

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

- 1 Valentia Air Support - Archer’s Post to Nairobi
1 1 Hurricane General Flying - -
1 4 Hurricane Air-to-Ground - -
1 4 Hurricane CAP - -
1 3 Gladiator Ferry - -
1 1 Hurricane Tactical Recce - -
1 2 Gladiator Change Over - -
1 2 Hurricane or CAP - -
Gladiator
2 1 Gauntlet Patrol Buna -
2 1 - Message Drop Buna -
3 1 Hurricane Ferry Garrisa Inbound
3 1 Hurricane Airfield Garrisa Ali Gabe
Inspection

A Gladiator (N5830) crashed at Sabderat, after an engine failure in flight. (A)

Three Hawker Hurricanes (1 Squadron) routed to attack their target – Adi Urgi Airfield – where a number of
Italian S81 (three aircraft) had been spotted. The mission was tasked to destroy the S81s. These aircraft
were strafed as tasked, it later became apparent, that the S-81s were previously damaged beyond repair
and deployed as decoys – successfully!

1942
A Hawker Hartbees (807) crashed, fatally wounding the pilot in the area of Yavello, during an operational
mission. (C/L)

1945
The following aircraft losses were reported:

• The following North American Harvard accidents occurred:

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

1951
A Supermarine Spitfire (5606) was involved in a fatal accident at Tooth Rock Weapons Range. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1953
Cmdt Gerneke and Maj Wells, deployed in Korea (2 Squadron) became the first South African Air Force
pilots to fly the newly received North American F-86F-30 Sabre71.

1958
Avro Shackleton MR Mk 3, South African Air Force (1721, construction number 1531) accepted by the South
African Air Force at the Avro factory.

2005
The Air Force’s target towing system ‘Taxan’, manufactured by Sepecam was qualified for use on the Hawk
Mk-120 Lead in Fighter Trainer.

2012
The three A109 Light Utility Helicopter crashes were caused by mechanical failure and pilot error, but
all technical problems have been resolved, the chief of the South African Air Force has said. Lieutenant
General Carlo Gagiano was speaking to journalists at the Air Force Day parade held at Swartkop on Friday.
"All problems have been identified and rectified," Gagiano said, adding that Air Force technicians went
through all the A109's systems and checked all parts to isolate the problems. Since entering service around
five years ago, the A109 fleet has been subject to several engineering changes.

On May 12, 2009, an A109 crashed into Woodstock Dam, near Bergville in Kwazulu-Natal. All three
crewmembers on board died (Lieutenant Simon Baloyi, 27, Flight Sergeant Moné Zuidmeer, 32, and Captain
Bongani Mdluli, 34). The aircraft was in formation with two other A109s en route from Swartkop to Dragon
Peak Park in the Bergville area to take part in a scheduled weeklong mountain training exercise. The
formation was in nap-of-the-earth flight at the time. Gagiano said the crash was judged to be caused by
pilot error, as it is 'dangerous' flying over flat water that reflects the sky. Another two helicopters were
damaged in November and December 2010, but with no loss of life.

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On December 15, 2010, an A109 made an emergency landing near Ballito on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast
while assisting the police and Business Against Crime. "During the flight, the pilot lost control of the
helicopter and had to execute an emergency landing. There were no serious injuries reported, but the
commander of the aircraft and a civilian were taken to the Ballito Hospital for observation," the SANDF
said. The rotorcraft was carrying a crew of two and two passengers.

Another A109 was badly damaged in a hard landing near Potchefstroom in the Northwest Province in
November 2010. The crew were not seriously injured. Following the December crash, all the A109s were
grounded, pending inspection. Gagiano said that the cause of one of the 2010 crashes was due to tail rotor
failure while the other crash was caused when a swash plate control rod broke, but that all mechanical
problems have been solved. The A109 LUH was purchased to replace the elderly Eurocopter SA-316/SA-319
Alouette III helicopters, which had been in service since 1962 in the light utility role. Delivery of the 30
A109 helicopters purchased from the Anglo-Italian AgustaWestland helicopter company under the R2.4
billion Project Flange commenced on October 19, 2005. Deliveries were beset with delays and difficulties
and an option for a further ten was not exercised.

The SAAF required the type to take pressure off its Denel Oryx medium utility fleet. The Air Force has long
had the need for a platform more capable than the Alouette III but less expensive and more efficient than
the Oryx for the bulk of taskings. The A109 was expected to fill that niche. Although the first five A109
aircraft were manufactured in Italy, the balance of the 25 helicopters was assembled by Denel Saab
Aerostructures. By 2008 deliveries were four years late, leading to the imposition of a R90 million penalty,
the only one imposed under the "arms deal". It has been reported that offsets were tardy and the platform
has failed to live up to expectations - one criticism is that it is underpowered.

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31 JANUARY

1916
No 26 Squadron (RFC) with aircraft and crew (ex-South African Aviation Corps) arrived in Mombasa, during
World War 1. The unit was equipped with Henri Farman F27s and B.E.2c (UK origin). Soon after their
arrival the squadron began air operations (mainly reconnaissance) for the Imperial Forces, this task later
included bombing missions. Kenny vd Spuy was the Flight Commander.

1941
Information Note: Reports indicate that the Italian Air Force deployment in East Africa, was down to
approximately 67 aircraft and reportedly low on fuel supplies.

Sqn Sorties Aircraft Type Mission Home Base Remarks

1 10 Hurricane Ferry - -
1 10 Hurricane CAP - -
1 1 Gladiator Ferry - -
1 5 Gladiator CAP - -
1 6 Gladiator Escort - -
3 1 Hurricane Ferry Garrisa See Airfield Inspection 30 Jan
41, attacked by 2 Fiat CR.42,
minor damage.

1942
Reports indicate that a Hawker Hurricane was lost due to ‘engine failure’. (A)

1943
A Martin Baltimore72 (AG689) crashed whilst landing at Benina Airfield (Libya), there was a single reported
fatality. (A)

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
1944
A 24 Squadron Marauder was involved in a fatal accident. (C/L?)

1945
The following aircraft losses were reported:

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

1952
An F-51 North American Mustang (358), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an
operational sortie, the pilot was taken Prisoner of War. (C/L)

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

1980
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 43, Cape Town.

1982
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team (Atlas Impala Mk 1), Show # 67, Air Force Ysterplaat.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
2009
Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano is a man with a mission. The South African Air Force (SAAF) is hobbled by
a crippling skills shortage and the chief of the air force knows exactly how he is going to fix it. During an
interview in his offices at the SAAF headquarters in Pretoria, Gagiano brushes aside a question on his time
as a fighter pilot during the apartheid years, flying both the Mirage F1CZ and Cheetah jets. Herewith an
extract of key points:

"I have served both governments, pre-1994 and now I am doing what I have always done and that is
execute orders," he says, before steering the conversation to his current mandate, which weighs heavily on
his mind.

This is hardly surprising given the air force's list of challenges, the skills shortage prominent among them. "I
have a feeling we are heading for a big crunch in the near future on the skills front, and it is not just the
air force that is affected but the whole South African aviation sector."

The air force and the aviation industry are losing technicians, pilots and air traffic controllers to Australia,
Europe, Middle Eastern countries and to other sectors of the economy. "For example, we are losing
technicians to the telecommunications industry where their skills are in huge demand," says Gagiano.
"We are simply not able to compete on salary. Our last commanding officer of the Cheetah squadron
took a job in Australia. So did our first commanding officer of the Hawk trainer programme."

Gagiano believes he has found a solution to this problem - or at least part of it. "We have initiated
discussions with numerous private sector organisations, including various airlines, to see how we can
work together."

The SAAF recently concluded an agreement with Comair allowing the group to use its bases for diversions,
potentially saving the airline on fuel costs. In exchange, Comair pilots will be available to join the reserve
force to help with, among other tasks, training.

"These are highly experienced pilots and their skills will be vital to us," Gagiano says. The SAAF is also
in talks with South African Airways and Denel on similar cooperation agreements, while SA Airlink is keen to
initiate talks.

Another challenge for Gagiano is that new recruits lack key skills required for life in the air force. "Without
pointing fingers, it has become clear that bridging education is necessary," he says.

"Our members are required to deal with highly sophisticated systems such as the Gripen fighter jet,
which demands a certain level of computer skills, proficiency in English as well as a good
understanding of maths and science. We are not seeing those skills in many new recruits and this
year I have instructed my staff to work on some sort of bridging course."

A key challenge is the introduction of new systems, including the new-generation Gripen fighter, the Hawk
trainers and the Agusta Westland A109 and Super Links helicopters. With the phasing out of the Cheetah
last April, the air force is essentially without an operational fighter corps.

"In a small air force such as ours we did not have the luxury of phasing in the Gripen before retiring
the Cheetah. We do not have enough squadrons," says Gagiano.

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"With the helicopters it is not such a problem as we have considerably more squadrons which can be
moved to a new system in a phased manner."

There are five Gripens in SA - one based at Air Force Base Overberg for long-term testing and four at Air
Force Base Makhado – with two more due in April or May. All 21 are expected to be delivered by 2012 only.

There are also few pilots qualified to fly the Gripen, with only a handful of Cheetah pilots moving to the
Gripen and the first group of new recruits only recently completing their training on the Hawks. "They will
stay with the Hawks for a year to gain experience before moving over to the Gripens," says Gagiano.

The air force is also due to take delivery of eight Airbus A400M transport aircraft in 2011 to replace the
ageing fleet of C130s.

However, the A400M development programme has been beset by numerous production problems and
Gagiano does not expect Airbus will begin deliveries before 2013. He worries that the C130s - many of them
built in the early 1960s - may not last beyond 2015.

"As with old aircraft, they require more maintenance and more repairs. While we upgraded the
avionics not too long ago, the rest of the aircraft is old and prone to breakdowns."

The air force requires the new aircraft to cope with its growing peacekeeping role on the continent. "For
example, we need an aircraft that is big enough to carry a helicopter without having to take it
apart completely as we have to do now. At the moment we are not able to deploy as quickly as we
would like," says Gagiano.

The A400M would allow the air force to resume air-to-air refuelling, a capability that was lost when its
Boeing 707 was retired.

Another challenge is the air force's budgetary constraints.

"There is no doubt that the global financial turmoil has spilled over into SA and the country's
reduced output has a direct consequence for us. It basically means we have less money to spend,"
says Gagiano.

He points out that surging inflation in the aviation sector; last year's high fuel prices and an unfavourable
exchange rate have eaten into the SAAF's budget.

"Most aircraft components, even on SA-built aircraft such as the Rooivalk, are imported so inflation
and the exchange rate are a huge threat," Gagiano says.

Despite these challenges, Gagiano remains passionate about his position. "I always wanted to fly, since I
was a little boy - except for a brief period when I thought I wanted to be a dominee."

He joined the SAAF in 1968 after leaving school. "I did not speak a word of English and had to study
with a dictionary, which was not much help as it did not contain many aviation terms. But I
persevered because I had a passion for aviation and the air force."

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Gagiano admits that he does not often see that passion in new recruits. "It is not the same as it was
then," he says ruefully.

He was awarded his wings in December 1969 and has flown the Vampire, F86 Sabre, Mirage III and the F1CZ
- one of his favourite aircraft. In 1985 he was appointed as the officer commanding 3 Squadron, operating
F1CZ aircraft, and in 1989 he became officer commanding 89 Combat Flying School with Cheetah D aircraft.

One of the highlights of his career was his appointment as military attaché in Israel in 1991. His
appointment as chief of the air force in 2005 was not, he says jokingly. Gagiano stopped flying
operationally in 1990. However, he recently flew a Eurofighter, and positively gushes when he talks about
it. Asked whether he misses being a fighter pilot, he replies: "I am getting old. I don't think my body
can cope with the stress."

Last year Gagiano obtained his command of 41 Squadron's Pilatus PC-12, an aircraft he uses to visit bases. "I
love flying," he says. "When you are up there you don't have the time to think of anything except
flying which takes my mind off matters back at the office."

A question no doubt often asked of him is how an Afrikaans speaking lad from Clanwilliam got an Italian
surname. "The original Gagiano arrived in SA in 1820 and many of his descendants settled on the west
coast. Many Gagianos were either buried or married in the old church in Clanwilliam."

While the challenges facing the air force take up most of his time, the general is due for a break.

"I have a feeling we are heading for a big crunch in the near future on the skills front, and it is not
just the air force that is affected but the whole South African aviation sector.”

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Part 2: Order of Battle and Losses

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
ORDER OF BATTLE

Aircraft Type Losses – January 19xx/20xx

Aircraft Type Losses Fatalities

Aerospatiale Alouette III 5 6
Aerospatiale Puma 2 11
Airspeed AS.10 Oxford Mk I and Mk II 15 11
Atlas AM.3C Bosbok 1 0
Atlas C4M Kudu 1 1
Atlas Impala Mk II 3 0
Avro 621 Tutor 1 0
Avro Anson 13 12
Bristol Beaufighter 2 1
Casa-212-300 Aviocar 1 0
Canadair CL-13B Sabre 1 0
Cessna C-185 2 1
Consolidated Catalina 1 2
Curtiss P-40D 4 2
Curtiss Tomahawk 11 3
De Havilland D.H.9 2 0
De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth 14 9
De Havilland DH.89 Mosquito 1 0
Douglas Boston Mk III 13 12
Gloster Gladiator 2 1
Hawker Audax Mk I 1 0
Hawker Fury 2 2
Hawker Hartbees 5 7
Hawker Hind 3 3
Hawker Hurricane 11 4
Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer SMk.50 1 0
Junkers Ju-52M/3 1 15
Lockheed 18-08 Lodestar 1 0
Lockheed Ventura (B-34 and PV-1) 11 21
Martin B-26 Marauder 3 8
Martin Baltimore 9 14
Miles M.19 Master 7 7
North American Harvard AT-6 North American 17 12
North American Mustang 10 3
Northrop Nomad Mk I 3 3
Pilatus PC-7 Mk II 1 1
Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a 1 0

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Aircraft Type Losses Fatalities
Sud Aviation S-321L Super Frelon 1 0
Supermarine Spitfire 29 10
Vickers Wellington 1 7
Westland Wapiti 1 0
Total 214 189

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Loss
250

200

150

100

50

0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Fatalities
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Selected Aircraft Type Attritions Summary (Service History)

Aircraft Tot Accident (A) & Combat Loss % Fatal Survived POW
Delivere (CL)73 ‘Losses’
d
A: 30 23% - - -
CL: 05 04% - - -
Total: 35 27% 39 53 -
Aerospatiale
129 Appreciated C/L by Action
Alouette III
Type Nil
Air-to-Air: 05
Surface-to Air:
Aerospatiale
01
Dauphine
A: 05 7% - - -
CL: 04 6% - - -
Total: 09 13% 45 25 -
Aerospatiale
70 Appreciated C/L by Action
Puma
Type Nil
Air-to-Air: 04
Surface-to Air:
A: 04 13% - - -
Agusta A-109 30 CL: 00 - - - -
Total: 04 13% 08 03 -
A: 03 43% - - -
Airspeed Envoy 07 CL: 00 - - - -
Total: 03 43% > 05 > 02 -
A: 147 22% - - -
74
Airspeed Oxford 666 CL: 000 - - - -
Total: 147 22% 74 >65 -
A: 11 27.5% - - -
CL: 01 2.5% - - -
Total: 12 30% 11 >2 -
Atlas Bosbok 75 40 Appreciated C/L by Action
Type Nil
Air-to-Air: 01
Surface-to Air:
A: 05 13% - - -
Atlas Cheetah C 38 CL: 00 - - - -
Total: 05 13% 01 04 -

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
Aircraft Tot Accident (A) & Combat Loss % Fatal Survived POW
Delivere (CL)73 ‘Losses’
d
A: 02 12.5% - - -
Atlas Cheetah D 16 CL: 00 - - - -
Total: 02 12.5% - 04 -
A: 02 12.5% - - -
Atlas Cheetah E 16 CL: 00 - - - -
Total: 02 12.5% - 02 -
A: 42 28% - - -
Atlas Impala Mk 1 151 CL: 00 - - - -
Total:42 28% 25 31 -
A: 27 27% - - -
CL: 05 05% - - -
Total: 32 32% 14 18 -
Atlas Impala Mk 2 100 Appreciated C/L by Action
Type Nil
Air-to-Air: 05
Surface-to Air:

Aerospatiale Alouette III (620): Cape St Francis [11 January 1991]

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Part 3: Operational Statistics

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
General Statistics – World War II Air Operations

1945

Unit Aircraft Type Location Flying Hours Sorties Serviceability Remarks

22 Sqn Lockheed Gibraltar Ops: 1,004.5 Ops: 169 80.4% 1,000HR Ops
Ventura Trg: 41.00 N-Ops: 76 Hours is believed
to be a record for
Comms: 54.00 an operational
Total: Total:245 squadron
1,099.5 operating from
‘The Rock’
60 Sqn Mosquito Unknown Ops: 273.5hrs Ops: 31

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General Statistics – World War II Aircraft Serial Numbers

Lockheed Ventura (22 Squadron)

The following serial numbers were identified in the unit’s operation’s diary for (January 1945): J6416,
6407, FN982, W-FP614, Y6438, R6451, FP568 and G6455.

De Havilland Mosquito (60 Squadron)

The following serial numbers were identified from the unit’s operation’s diary for January 1945: NS644,
NS700, NS653, NS674, NS749, NS689, NS684, LR480, NS649. The following aircraft numbers were reported
in Mission reports, but could not be confirmed with a second source; ‘Mosquito 621’ and ‘Mosquito 738’.

Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 (1 Squadron – Port Sudan Detachment)

The following serial numbers were identified from the unit’s operations diary for January 1941: 272 and
297.

Hawker Hurricane (1 Squadron – A-Flight)

The following Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 serial numbers were identified from the unit’s operations diary for
January 1941: 291 and 295.

The following Hawker Hurricane Mk I and IIB serial numbers were identified from the unit’s operations diary
for January 1941: ‘7414’ and V7669.

Hawker Hurricane (1 Squadron – B-Flight)

The following Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 serial numbers were identified from the unit’s operations diary for
January 1941: 273 and 285.

The following Hawker Hurricane Mk I and IIB serial numbers were identified from the unit’s operations diary
for January 1941: V7711, V7649 and V7715.

Hawker Hurricane (1 Squadron – C-Flight)

The following Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 serial number(s) were identified from the unit’s operations diary for
January 1941: 297 and 298.

The following Hawker Hurricane Mk I and IIB serial numbers were identified from the unit’s operations diary
for January 1941: V7355, V7705 and V7359.

Hawker Hurricane (2 Squadron)

The following Hawker Hurricane serial numbers were recorded in the unit’s operational diary for January
1941: 284 and 289

Gloster Gladiator (1 Squadron – Azaza Detachment)

The following serial numbers were identified from the unit’s operations diary for January 1941: N5789,
N5820, N5821, N5824, N5830 and N5831.

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Gloster Gladiator (1 Squadron – A-Flight)
The following serial number(s) were identified from the unit’s operations diary for January 1941: N5853.

Gloster Gladiator (1 Squadron – B-Flight)

The following serial number(s) were identified from the unit’s operations diary for January 1941: N5820
and N5831.

Gloster Gladiator (1 Squadron – C-Flight)

The following serial number(s) were identified from the unit’s operations diary for January 1941: N5821
and N5824.

Hawker Fury (2 Squadron)

The following serial number(s) were identified from the unit’s operations diary for January 1941: 211,
212, 213 and 214.

Gloster Gauntlet (2 Squadron)

The following serial number(s) were identified from the unit’s operations diary for January 1941: 870, 871
and 872.

Hawker Fury (2 Squadron)

The following serial number(s) were identified from the unit’s operations diary for January 1941: 203,
5669, 5672 and 5735.

Junkers Ju-86 (12 Squadron)

The following serial number(s) were identified from the unit’s operations diary for January 1941: 643, 648
and 658.

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General Statistics – World War II Squadron Combat Claims

1 Squadron (1941)

• 22 January 1941: 1 x Caproni shot down (air-to-air engagement).

• 22 January 1941: 1 x Caproni Damaged (air-to-air engagement).
• 22 January 1941: 1 x Ca,133 destroyed (air-to-ground engagement).
• 22 January 1941: 1 x Ca.133 damaged (air-to-ground engagement).
• 26 January 1941: 1 x CR.42 shot-down (air-to-air engagement).
• 27 January 1941: 12 x Vehicles Destroyed (air-to-ground engagement).
• 28 January 1941: 3 x S.79 destroyed (air-to-ground engagement).
• 29 January 1941: 1 x S.79 shot-down (air-to-air engagement).
• 29 January 1941; 2 x CR.42 shot-down (air-to-air engagement).
• 29 January 1941: 1 x S.79 destroyed (air-to-ground engagement).
• 30 January 1941: 2 x S.79 destroyed (air-to-ground engagement).
• 31 January 1940: 1 x SM.79 shot-down (air-to-air engagement).

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Part 4: Maps / Charts

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
North African Campaign

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January

Part 5: Aircraft Comparisons

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
Update / Amendments – Version Number

Date Rev 3.10 Rev 3.20 Rev 3.30 Rev 3.40 Rev 3.50 Rev 3.60 Rev 3.80
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
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31
Unknown
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION AND END NOTES

1
‘The Unspoken Alliance – Isreal’s Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa. (Shasha Polakow /
Suransky – 2010)

2
SAAF Eagle Logo: Acknowledgement: www.saiarforce.co.za – Forums (Gerhard)

3
National Insignia. Wikipedia

4
Multiple references and spellings used in various operational diaries: Azzoza, Azozo, Azaza, Azazza, etc.
(Same Place…???)

5
Teseney (also spelled Tessenei or Tesseney), is a market town in western Eritrea. It lies south-east of
Kassala in Sudan, on the Gash River. The city was much fought over in the Eritrean War of Independence
during which much of it was destroyed. The WGS 84 coordinates are 15° 6′ 36″ N, 36° 39′ 27″ E

6
Derna; Libya. It is a port city in eastern Libya. It has a population of 80,000. It was the seat of one of the
wealthiest provinces in the Barbary States, and remains the capital of the Derna District, with a much
smaller area. Derna has a unique environment among Libyan cities, as it lies between green mountains, the
Mediterranean Sea, and the desert. On 30 January 1941, Australian troops captured Derna from the Italians
in the North African Campaign. On 6 April 1941, Germans retook Derna from the British. On 15 November
1942, British forces recaptured Derna. The WGS84 Coordinates are: 32° 46′ 0″ N, 22° 38′ 0″ E

7
Msus - Libya (also known as: Zawiyat Masus; Zauia Msus, Zaulet Msus, Zāwiyat Masūs, Msus, Zauiet Msus,
Smus), is a town in Libya. The WGS84 Coordinates are: 31° 35' 0" N 21° 1' 0" E

8
Marthuba – Libya. Martuba Air Base is a Libyan Air Force base in the Derna District of Libya, located
approximately 27 kilometres (17 mi) south-southeast of Derna, 268 kilometres (167 mi) east-northeast of
Benghazi. Its primary use is by the Libyan Air Force. The hangars contain Mi-2 and Mi-8 helicopters. A G.222
is stored on the ramp. It appears to be a reserve facility, as it primarily consists of a runway and a parking
ramp. No support structures are visible. During World War II the airfield, then known as Martuba Airfield
was used as a military airfield by the United States Army Air Force 57th Fighter Group during the North
African Campaign against Axis forces. The 57th flew P-40 Warhawks from the airfield 16 November-3
December 1942. The WGS 84 Coordinates are: 32° 32′ 32.15″ N, 22° 44′ 43.29″ E.

9
El Adem, Libya. Gamal Abdul El Nasser Air Base is a Libyan Air Force base, located about 16 km south of Tobruk.
Prior to 31 March 1970, the base was known as Royal Air Force Station El Adem and used by the RAF primarily as a
staging-post. Before the Second World War it had been an Italian Air Force base. The airfield was largely reconstructed
in 1942 by the Royal Air Force and brought into operational use on 12 December. It was used during World War II by
the British Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Force during the North African Campaign against Axis forces.
USAAF Ninth Air Force units which used the airfield were: 316th Troop Carrier Group, 10 December 1942-January 1943,
C-47 Skytrain; 379th Bombardment Squadron, (310th Bombardment Group), 2-26 November 1943, B-25 Mitchell;
Attached to 235 Wing, Royal Air Force. The WGS 84 Coordinates are: 31° 54′ 34.22″ N, 23° 54′ 34.22″ E.

10
Bu Amud; Libya. Clazet Bu Amud, is situated at 30° 10' 60 N 19° 4' 60 E, it is a hypsographic (hill) located in the area /
state of Ajdabiya in Libya that is a part of Africa.

11
Kasfareet Airfield, Egypt. The WGS Coordinates are: 30° 14' 31" N 32° 24' 39" E

12
Tmimi, is located at 32° 19' 60 N 23° 4' 0 E, and is a populated place located in the area / state of
Darnah in Libya.

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 South African Military Air Operations Diary: January

13
El Chel Airbase, Libya. During World War II the airfield, then known as Tmed El Chel Airfield was used as a military
airfield by the United States Army Air Force during the North African Campaign against Axis forces. USAAF Ninth Air
Force units which used the airfield were: 81st Bombardment Squadron, (12th Bombardment Group), 11 January-3
February 1943, B-25 Mitchell; and 82d Bombardment Squadron, (12th Bombardment Group), 10 January-4 February
1943, B-25 Mitchell. Today, Habit Awlad Muhammad Airport is an airport in the former Mizda District of Libya, located
approximately 266 km south-southwest of Tripoli in the Libyan desert. The WGS Coordinates are: 30° 42′ 7.01″ N, 12°
29′ 2.36″ E

14
Hamraiet Main, Libya. Ras Lanuf Airport is an airport in the Sirte District of Libya, located approximately
227 km south-southwest of Benghazi. During World War II the airfield, then known as Hamraiet Airfield was
used as a military airfield by the United States Army Air Force Ninth Air Force 57th Fighter Group during the
North African Campaign against Axis forces. The 57th flew P-40 Warhawks from the airfield between 3-19
January 1943 before moving forward with the British Eighth Army. The WGS Coordinates are: 30° 30′ 0.05″
N, 18° 31′ 37.78″ E

15
Wadi Siru. There are a couple of towns globally with similar name. I am of the opinion it may be the one
in the Sudan. Siru is a place in the region of Khartoum in Sudan at 15°48'0" N 32°31'12" E

16
Belandah, Libya. Baheira (aka Belandah) Airfield is an abandoned military airfield in Libya, which is located in the
vicinity of Mersa Brega. It's precise location is unknown, and was very likely a compacted earth landing strip
constructed along the side of the coastal road.During World War II it was used by the United States Army Air Force
during the North African Campaign by the 57th Fighter Group, which flew P-40 Warhawks from the airfield between 3
December 1942 and 3 January 1943. Its WGS 84 coordinates are: 30° 22′ 42.4″ N, 19° 34′ 35.37″ E.

17
Darragh Airfield; Libya. During World War II Darragh Airfield was used as a military airfield by the United
States Army Air Force Ninth Air Force 57th Fighter Group during the North African Campaign against Axis
forces. The 57th flew P-40 Warhawks from the airfield between 19 January-3 March 1943 before moving
forward with the British Eighth Army. Today; Nanur Airport is an airport in the Wadi Maymun Darraj region
of Libya, located approximately 200 km south-southeast of Tripoli in the Libyan desert. Although listed as a
civil airport, it appears to function as a reserve Libyan Air Force airfield. It consists of a very large runway,
capable of strategic bomber use, with a taxiway and a parking ramp. The WGS 84 Coordinates are: 31° 42′
18.54″ N, 14° 54′ 41.83″ E

18
Benina / Soluch Airfield (Libya). During World War II, the airport was used by the United States Army Air
Force Ninth Air Force during the Eastern Desert Campaign. Known as Soluch Airfield, it was used by the
376th Bombardment Group, which flew B-24 Liberator heavy bombers. Once the combat units moved west,
it was used as a logistics hub by Air Transport Command. It functioned as a stopover en-route to Payne
Field near Cairo or to Mellaha Field near Tripoli on the North African Cairo-Dakar transport route for cargo,
transiting aircraft and personnel. The ICAO designator is HLLB, and is also known as ‘Benghazi’. The WGS
84 coordinates are: 32° 5′ 49″ N, 20° 16′ 10″ E

19
73 Squadron, Royal Air Force. No.73 Squadron was one of the small numbers of Hurricane squadrons that moved to
France at the start of the Second World War. After operating as a night fighter squadron during the battle of Britain it
then moved to the Middle East, taking part in the campaigns in North Africa, in Italy, and in Greece, before ending the
war in the Balkans. The squadron reformed on 15 March 1937 as a fighter squadron, equipped with the Hawker Fury.
In June 1943 the squadron converted to the Spitfire, and it was these aircraft that it took to Italy in October. In April
1944 the squadron officially became a fighter-bomber unit, and began to operate over the Balkans, at first from bases
in Italy. In December 1944 part of the squadron was moved to Greece to take part in the fighting against the
Communist resistance group that was attempting to seize power. In January 1945 the squadron returned to Italy
(Canne), before in April moving to Yugoslavia, where it remained until the end of the war.

20
92 Squadron, Royal Air Force. No. 92 (East India) Squadron reformed on 10 October 1939 after a gap of twenty years.
At first it was equipped with the Bristol Blenheim Mk IF, but this was the phoney war period, and the squadron saw
little action until May 1940, by which time it had received the Supermarine Spitfire Mk I. The squadron went

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operational with the Spitfire on 9 May 1940, just in time to take part in the desperate fighting over France during May
and June 1940. The squadron made the move to the Middle East in February 1942, but did not receive new aircraft until
August. This was just in time for it to play a part in defeat Rommel's last offensive, the battle of Alam el Halfa (30
August-6 September 1942). From then on in, No. 92 Squadron accompanied the Allied armies as they threw the
Germans out of Africa. In June-July 1943 the squadron was based on Malta, supporting the allied invasion of Sicily.
From there it moved to Sicily to support the invasion of Italy, and finally in September 1943 it moved onto the mainland
of Italy. In July 1944, with the air war over Italy increasingly won, No. 92 switched to fighter-bomber duties with its
Spitfire Mk VIIIs. The unit was deployed over the 4 December 1944 to 3 May 1945 at Bellaria.

21
93 Squadron, Royal Air Force. No.93 Squadron went through two incarnations during the Second World War, first
using the 'Pandora' aerial mine, and then as a standard fighter squadron operation in North Africa, Italy and southern
France. No.93 Squadron formed for the first time on 7 December 1940 at Middle Wallop, from No.420 Flight. The
squadron was formed to use the 'Pandora' aerial mine, towing the mine below the Handley Page Harrow and Douglas
Havoc I. The 'Pandora' mine was not a great success. After the end of the campaign in North Africa No.93 Squadron
moved to Malta, and supported the invasions of Sicily and Italy. It continued to operate over Italy until July 1944, when
it moved to Corsica to help support the invasion of southern France. In August 1944 the squadron moved to the French
mainland, and it continued to support the troops fighting in the south of France until September 1944, when they
joined up with the main Allied armies in northern France. At this point No.93 Squadron returned to Italy, where it
operated as a fighter-bomber squadron until the end of the war. At the end of the war the squadron took part in the
occupation of Austria, before being disbanded in September 1945. The Squadron was deployed at Rimmi (January
1945).

22
132 Squadron, Royal Air Force. No.132 Squadron served as a fighter squadron based in Britain from 1941 until the
end of 1944, before moving to the Far East in preparation for the invasion of Malaya. The squadron returned to
England in September (1944), and carried out bomber escort missions from then until December. It then prepared to
depart for the Far East, reaching Vavuniya on Ceylon on 20 January 1945. The squadron spent the next few months
preparing for the invasion of Malaya, and in September embarked on HMS Smiter, ready to go into combat. The
Japanese surrender meant that the invasion was no longer needed, and instead the Smiter took the squadron to Hong
Kong, where it was used for air defence, and in a dash of local colour for anti-piracy patrols. The squadron was
disbanded on 15 April 1946.

23
208 Squadron, Royal Air Force. No.208 Squadron was an army co-operation and reconnaissance squadron that was
based in the Middle East for most of the Second World War, before spending the period from March 1944 to the end of
the war serving as a fighter-bomber squadron in Italy. The unit was deployed from October 1944 to April 1945 at
Peretola (Italy).

24
229 Squadron, Royal Air Force. No.229 Squadron was formed as a shipping protection squadron, but spent most of
the Second World War as a single-engine fighter squadron, taking part in the Battle of Britain, the fighting in the Middle
East and the invasion of Europe in 1944-45. The squadron was used to provide fighter escorts for day bombers during
the D-Day invasions. It then moved to East Anglia from where it flew armed reconnaissance and bomber escort
missions over the Low Countries. In December the squadron received the Spitfire XVI and used its new aircraft on
fighter-bomber sweeps. A number of these fighter-bomber sorties were aimed against the German V-weapons,
including a large scale attack on a block of flats near Haagsche Bosch believed to be the headquarters of the V-2 rocket
firing troops that took place on 24 December 1944. On 10 January 1945 the squadron was renumbered as No.603
Squadron.

25
Rosignano Airbase, Italy. Rosignano Airfield is an abandoned World War II military airfield in Italy, located near the
commune of Rosignano Marittimo in the Province of Livorno in Tuscany. The area was captured by the Fifth Army in the
early summer of 1944, and the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Force Twelfth Air Force in 1945 during
the Italian campaign. The WGS 84 Coordinates are: 43° 24′ 20.3″ N, 10° 28′ 26.11″ E

26
Algiers, Algeria. The airport was built in 1943 as Constantine Airfield by the United States Army during
the World War II North African Campaign. It was primarily a maintenance and supply depot for Air Technical

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Service Command and also served as headquarters for XII Bomber Command as a command and control
base. It also was used as a command post for Allied Forces Command (AFHQ) for Free French, British and
United States ground forces in Algeria in February 1943, under the command of General Sir Harold R. L. G.
Alexander to coordinate the actions of the United States First Army advancing from the west and the British
Eighth Army, advancing from the east against the German Afrika Korps. In 1944 it was turned over to the
Algerian government and used occasionally by Air Transport Command aircraft on the North African route
until the end of the war. Today, Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport (IATA: CZL, ICAO: DABC), also
known as Mohamed Boudiaf Airport, is an airport in Algeria, located approximately 9km south of
Constantine; about 320km east-southeast of Algiers. 36° 16′ 56.74″ N, 6° 37′ 1.44″ E. Whether this is where
the SAAF deployed to has not been determined, it is based on my interpretation of the information.

27
Grand Central. Google Earth Image.

28
Cessna C-185 Skywagon. The Cessna 185, also known as the Skywagon, is a six-seat, single-engine,
general aviation light aircraft manufactured by Cessna. It first flew as a prototype in July 1960, with the
first production model being completed in March 1961. The Cessna 185 is a high-winged aircraft with non-
retractable conventional landing gear and a tail wheel. Over 4,400 were built with production ceasing in
1985.

29
Cessna C-185: Photographer Unknown.

30
Buccaneer S.Mk 50: The South African Buccaneers were given the designation of "S.50". They were
similar to the S.2, with various modifications. Some of the equipment for carrier-deck operations was
deleted, such as the hydraulic gear needed to automatically fold the wings, though the wings could still be
folded manually. The S.50 also had larger under wing tanks with a capacity of 1,955 litres (516 US gallons);
featured two small and distinctive strakes under the rear fuselage; and was fitted with two Bristol Siddeley
BS-605 retractable booster rockets. The rockets were intended to assist take-offs when operating from
airstrips at high altitude in hot weather. They were powered by the Buccaneer's jet fuel and flasks of high-
test peroxide oxidizer. They produced 1,810 kilograms (4,000 pounds) thrust for 30 seconds. Despite the
expense of adding this feature, it was rarely used for anything but air shows. The first Buccaneer S.50 flew
in early 1965. The 16 aircraft were delivered in two sets of eight, with one Buccaneer lost in the South
Atlantic during delivery. The South Africans wanted to buy a replacement, but activism against South
African apartheid policies was on the increase and the new British Labour government denied the request.
SAAF plans to obtain 14 more Buccaneers fell through. The SAAF Buccaneers served for decades, providing
a useful service in a range of roles. Their standard colour scheme was dark gray on top and dark blue on the
bottom, with some variation in pattern over time. In the maritime strike role, SAAF Buccaneers were armed
with the French radio-guided AS-30 missile. However, in 1971 Buccaneers fired 12 AS-30s at an abandoned
tanker, the WAFRA, that had become a menace to navigation and failed to sink it, the vessel finally being
finished off by depth-charge attacks from a Shackleton patrol aircraft. Clearly the AS-30 left something to
be desired as an anti-shipping weapon. For overland attack, the SAAF Buccaneers carried up to four 450
kilogram (1,000 pound) bombs in the rotary bomb bay, and four bombs, flares, or SNEB rocket packs on the
under wing stores pylons. The AS-30 was used in ground attacks for effective precision strikes on radar sites
and other targets. The Buccaneers saw extensive action over Angola and Namibia in the 1970s and 1980s.

31
Simonstown Agreement. The Simonstown Agreement was a naval cooperation agreement between the United
Kingdom and the (then-officially) Union of South Africa signed 30 June 1955. Under the agreement, the Royal Navy gave
up its naval base at Simonstown, South Africa, and transferred command of the South African Navy to the government
of South Africa. In return, South Africa promised the use of the Simonstown base to Royal Navy ships. The agreement
also permitted South Africa to buy naval vessels from the UK valued at £18 million over the next eight years. In effect,
the agreement was a mutual defence arrangement aimed at protecting sea routes between the UK and the Middle
East. The agreement was controversial because of South Africa's policy of racial separation known as apartheid. The
government of the UK terminated the agreement on 16 June 1975. Ships of the Royal Navy continued to call
periodically at Simon's Town and other South African ports, however the Royal Navy was not able to use any South
African ports during the Falklands War. South Africa was a member of the Commonwealth at the time the agreement

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was signed, so the UK and South Africa took the position that the agreement was not an international treaty requiring
registration with the United Nations under Article 102 of the United Nations Charter.

32
Project CARVER (source quoted data from Wikipedia). The Atlas Carver (sometimes erroneously referred to as
"CAVA") was a project launched in the 1980s by the South African Atlas Aircraft Corporation to replace the aging
Canberra, Buccaneer, and Mirage III in the South African Air Force. The Atlas Cheetah was a total upgrade of the Mirage
III, but it was only an interim solution until the late 90's when the Carver would have entered into service. The project
was necessitated by the arms embargo imposed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 418 against Apartheid
South Africa of the time. The Carver project was cancelled in 1991. President Frederik Willem de Klerk mentioned its
cancellation in parliament along with the six nuclear weapons in the early 1990s. Upwards of 10 billion Rand had been
spent on the project already as well as a mock-up to test systems placement. Comprehensive wind tunnel tests and a
host of related work had been completed. Apparently construction of a prototype had either commenced or was about
to commence. In 1987, towards the end of the research and test phase, some Israeli engineers made redundant by the
Lavi cancellation were recruited onto the Carver project, leading to speculation that it would be a Lavi lookalike, ala the
J-10. No official pictures or conceptual artwork of any possible prototypes/models are available publicly. However, a
number of aviation enthusiasts have imagined the fighter in artwork or created models in the public realm. These works
include a model resembling the Dassault Mirage 2000, and sketches of fighters that look similar to the Dassault Mirage
4000 and Rafael. The design was to be a fly by wire (FBW) unstable design constructed from a large percentage of
composites.

33
1 Sqn RAF Logo: Acknowledgement www.wikipedia.com

34
Photo: Harrier GR9. Acknowledgement www.wikipedia.com

35
Captain William Lancelot Jordan DSC & Bar, DFC (3 December 1896 – 1931) was a South African World War I flying
ace credited with 39 victories. Jordan enlisted in the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) as a mechanic in September 1916,
and subsequently volunteered to fly as a gunner. He received his pilot's training in 1917 and was posted to RNAS 8
Naval Squadron to fly Sopwith Triplanes. Shortly after his arrival, Naval 8 upgraded to Sopwith Camels. Jordan scored all
39 of his victories flying a Sopwith Camel. He became the leading ace of the 25 who served with Naval 8 and the third
highest scoring ace ever on Sopwith Camels. Jordan scored his first victory on 13 July 1917, driving a German Rumpler
down out of control. His third through seventh victories were triumphs shared with other squadron members. One of
these victories, his fourth, was achieved over German ace Adolf Ritter von Tutschek on 11 August 1917. His string of
victories was interrupted after five by his suffering a leg wound in September 1917. He continued his success after
recovering, resuming scoring on 6 December 1917. It was only with his tenth victory that Jordan was credited with an
actual destruction of an enemy, as opposed to driving them down out of control. From then onwards, he tended to
score his triumphs singlehandedly, and to destroy about a third of his opponents. He had nine victories in both January
and July 1918, with scattered wins in other months. His 39th and last victory came on 12 August 1918. RNAS 8 became
No. 208 Squadron of the Royal Air Force when the latter was founded by amalgamation of the RNAS and the Royal
Flying Corps on 1 April 1918. Jordan thus scored 18 victories for the RNAS and 21 for the RAF without changing
squadrons. His official score totaled 6 aircraft destroyed (with a further 5 shared destroyed), and 14 'out of control'
(with a further 14 shared 'out of control'). Jordan was removed from operations before the end of the war, and thus
survived. (Acknowledgement: www.wikipedia.com)

36
Hurricane Photo: www.britmodeller.com

37
Andrew Beauchamp Proctor. Andrew Frederick Weatherby Beauchamp-Proctor (1894-1921) was South Africa's
highest-scoring fighter pilot during World War One, with 54 victories. "Proccy" (as he became known) was born in Cape
Province on 4 September 1894 and was studying engineering at the University of Cape Town when war broke out in
August 1914. He promptly dropped his studies and joined the army, serving as a signaler with the Duke of Edinburgh's
Own Rifles in German South-West Africa. With a discharge from the army in August 1915 Beauchamp-Proctor resumed
his studies, after which - in March 1917 - he enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps. Upon arrival in England he was
awarded a commission. A small man at just 5' 2", Beauchamp-Proctor required his seat to be raised simply in order that
he could reach the necessary controls. With his flight training in England over Beauchamp-Proctor was assigned to 84

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Squadron in late July 1917, with whom he travelled to France two months later. All of his 54 victories were achieved
during 1918, and he established a particular reputation as a 'balloon buster': he brought down more observation
balloons than any other pilot in the RFC. However despite his success as a fighter pilot Beauchamp-Proctor was not
regarded as an especially able pilot: he managed to crash-land his aircraft three times before achieving his first 'kill'. A
first-rate shot however his remarkable success during 1918 flying S.E.5a's brought him the DSO, MC,DFC and the VC. On
9 August 1918 he succeeded in bringing down nine observation balloons (a record). He was wounded and sent home on
8 October following a perhaps reckless solo attack upon no fewer than eight enemy aircraft at once. He died on 21
June 1921 in England aged 26.

38
SE-5A Painting. Acknowledgement www.military-art.com

39
F-51 Mustang (Image): Photo Acknowledgement – SAAF (?) – published at
www.bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com

40
9M31/SA-9 Missile (Image): Acknowledgement www.en.valka.cz

41
Hanto (Image): Acknowledgement Denel (Product Brochure)

42
Z-time Zone Designator: Z indicates GMT time. To determine RSA local time, therefore GMT +2 hours.

43
Miles Master (Image): Acknowledgement www.wp.scn.ru

44
Submarine Sighting: Geo-Location 36:03N 07:23W (See attached ‘kmz’)

45
Nomad (Image): Acknowledgement www.warplane.com

46
Spitfire (Image): Acknowledge www.flightglobal.com

47
Air Force Base Durban. Durban International Airport (formerly Louis Botha Airport) was the international
airport of Durban from 1951 until 2010, when it was replaced by King Shaka International Airport, 60
kilometers (37 mi) to the north. The airport is co-located with AFB Durban. The airport was opened in
1951, replacing the Stamford Hill Aerodrome. The original name of the airport was Louis Botha
International, named after the South African statesman. The airport maintained this name until 1994 and
the political changes that came with that year in South Africa. While the airport served the domestic
market well, the airport suffered from low international passenger numbers and a runway that was too
short for a fully laden Boeing 747 to take off.[2] Due to the short runway and the hub and spoke policy that
was adopted in the 1990s (favoring OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg), Durban lost almost all
of its international traffic. The WGS 84 coordinates are: 29° 58′ 7″ S, 30° 56′ 52″ E

48
Super Freon (Image): Acknowledgement SAAF Ad Astra Magazine.

49
Boston (Image/Profile): Acknowledge www.wp.scn.ru

50
Submarine Sighting: Geo-Location 37:46N 11:15W (see attached ‘kmz’)

51
Ventura (Image): Acknowledge South African Air Force

52
Benghazi, Libya. During the actions of Operation Compass during World War II, Benghazi was captured by the
Australian 6th Division on 6 February 1941. It was recaptured by Axis powers, led by General Erwin Rommel of the
German Africa Corps, on 3 April. It was taken again during Operation Crusader by the British on 24 December only to
change hands again on 29 January 1942 in the Africa Corps's push to Egypt and the fateful Battle of El Alamein – 106
kilometers (66 miles) from Alexandria, Egypt – in which British troops led by General Bernard Montgomery defeated
the Africa Corps in the decisive battle of the North African portion of World War II; the Africa Corps remnants then

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made a long steady retreat across Libya passing through Benghazi for the final time. On 20 November, Benghazi was
captured by the British Eighth Army and thereafter held by the British until over 250,000 German soldiers and their
Italian allies in North Africa surrendered in May 1943. This after being hemmed into the Tunisian port cities of Tunis and
Bizerte, by the British advancing from the east and an Anglo-American army, under the command of General Dwight D.
Eisenhower, advancing from the west, this being America's entry into the European-North African theatre of World War
II. This effectively ended Axis operations in the Noth African portion of World War II.

53
Nigel is a small gold mining town in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The town is on the edge of the area
known as the East Rand, the industrial engine room of Johannesburg. The WGS 84 coordinates are 26° 25′
13″ S, 28° 28′ 6″ E

54
Cuamato, Angola. The WGS 84 coordinates are: 17°04’56”S 15°07’34”E

55
Kornat is an island in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea, in central Dalmatia. With an area of 32.44 km² it is the 16th
largest island in Croatia and the largest island in the eponymous Kornati islands archipelago. It is part of the Kornati
National Park, which is composed of a total of 89 islands, islets and rocks. According to the 2001 census, the island has
a population of 7, although there are no permanent settlements on the island. Kornati's coastline is 68.79 km long. The
WGS 84 Coordinates are 43° 48′ 10″ N, 15° 20′ 0″ E

56
AFB Overberg (ICAO: FAOB) is an airbase of the South African Air Force and is the host of the 525 squadron and the
Test Flight and Development Centre. It is placed under command of the Air Office in Pretoria, Gauteng. The Overberg
Test Range uses the Overberg Air Force Base. The WGS 84 Coordinates are 34° 33′ 17″ S, 20° 15′ 2″ E

57
Willowmore. WGS Coordinates are 33°17’45S 23°29’08’’E

58
Ikeja is an outer-ring suburb of the city of Lagos and capital of Lagos State.

59
Kano is a city in Nigeria and the capital of Kano State in Northern Nigeria. Its metropolitan population is
the second largest in Nigeria after Lagos. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (IATA: KAN, ICAO:
DNKN) is located in Kano, a city in the Kano State of Nigeria. It is the main airport serving northern Nigeria
and was named after Nigerian politician Aminu Kano. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is the oldest
in Nigeria, with operations starting in 1936. In the first decades of operation, the airport became an
important fuel stop for airlines flying long-haul services between Europe and Africa. The WGS 84
coordinates are 12° 2′ 51″ N, 8° 31′ 28″ E

60
Sirte (also spelled Sirt, Surt, Sert or Syrte) is a city in Libya. It is on the south coast of the Gulf of Sidra
(ancient Syrtis Major, from which Sirte's name derives). Sirte lies halfway between Tripoli and Benghazi.
The settlement was established in the early 20th century by the Italians, at the site of a 19th-century
fortress built by the Ottomans. Sirte served as an administrative centre under Italian rule.[7] During the
North African Campaign of the Second World War there were no noteworthy events in this location, which
was characterised at the time as "a shabby little Arab village of mud huts, clustered on the banks of a foul-
smelling stream." It grew into a city after World War II. The WGS 84 coordinates are: 31° 12′ 19.13″ N, 16°
35′ 20.17″ E

61
Kimberly. South African aviation originated in Kimberley, which is commemorated in the Pioneers of Aviation
Museum (and replica of the first Compton Patterson Biplane preserved there). In the 1930s Kimberley boasted the best
night-landing facilities on the continent of Africa. A major air rally was hosted there in 1934. In the war years Kimberley
Airport was commandeered by the Union Defence Force and run by the 21 Flying School for the training of fighter
pilots. Today Kimberley Airport (IATA: KIM, ICAO: FAKM) services the area, with regular scheduled flights from Cape
Town and Johannesburg. The airfield is located at 28º48’10” S 24º45’54” E

62
Wadi az Zarkin (Tunesia). Wādī Az Zarkīn is a wadi in the region of Qābis, the country of Tunisia with an
average elevation of 2 meter above sea level. The area is not very densely populated with 47 people per
km2. The WGS84 coordinates are: 33° 45' 00" N 10° 17' 00" E

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63
Mosquito (Profile): Acknowledgement Clavework Graphics

64
SE-5A (Screenshot): Source ‘Internet’; Site Not Known

65
Submarine Sighting: Geo-Location 35:14N 07:19W (see attached ‘kmz’)

66
Zagreb. During World War II, Zagreb became the capital of the Independent State of Croatia, which was
backed by the Germans and Italians. The city capitulated to the Partisans at war's end. The WGS 84
coordinates are 45° 49′ 0″ N, 15° 59′ 0″ E

67
Impala Mk II ‘tailpipe’ (Image): Acknowledgement SA Air Force

68
Mongua (Angola). This town is situated in Cuanhama, Cunene, Angola, its WGS coordinates are 16° 43' 0"
South, 15° 22' 0" East

69
Aliwal North (Afrikaans: Aliwal-Noord) is a town in central South Africa on the Orange River, Eastern
Cape Province. The WGS 84 coordinates are 30° 42′ 0″ S, 26° 42′ 0″ E

70
Sabre (Image): Acknowledgement SA Air Force

71
Sabre (Image): Obtained from Internet (photographer/site not known)

72
Baltimore (Image): Acknowledge www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

73
Accident/Incident & Combat Loss. The allocation of an event into these categories is based on my
interpretation of the information at hand and may not be 100% accurate due to a lack of information, the
same applies to the ‘A/I’ and ‘C/L’ allocation in the main document.

74
Airspeed Oxford: ORBAT Information. No information re fatalities/survivors are available for 23 reported
accidents.

75
Bosbok: ORBAT Information: No detailed information available for five losses, ito cause, fatalities or
injuries and or crew survived.

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