South African Air Force History Operations Diary March

SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE AIRPOWER JOURNAL 1
South African Military Air Operations Diary

MARCH
.
Abstract
The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the second oldest Commonwealth air force in the World. South
African pilots and support crews have participated in various conflicts and operations since World War
1. They have also served with distinctions on other conflicts since the early days of the application of
military air power, e.g. serving in the Royal Flying Corps. This ‘diary’ is a tribute to all the military
South African aviators and support staff/services which contributed to our country’s ability to deliver and
project Air Power.
This publication used only open source material and naturally there will be gaps in ‘historical operational
records’ due to the lack of published data and or on-line archive availability. The most accurate records
re SAAF operations has been extracted from official World War 2 operations records, all other
information is a collation from sources on the internet, on-line publications (e-books) and publications.
I hereby wish to acknowledge the contribution of all authors of publications from which information has
been extracted, without their publications and research too this diary would not have been possible. I
trust that they too can fill in ‘missing’ bits of information from this publication.
Side view profiles: Kind permission from Brent Best.
There may be errors in some reports; this is not intentional as information is ‘sketchy’ at the best of time,
using on-line resources. I do however endeavour to keep this document ‘alive’ and update as information
becomes available to me. Place names especially related to WWII theatre of operations, is spelt as
recorded in the official War Records, there have been various versions of names for single sites identified.
The Diary is structured according to date and sub-divided as follows, where applicable information is
presented.
 General Information
 Aircraft Delivery
 Operations and Operational Statistics
 Deployment and Allocation Updates
 Sorties
 Accidents / Losses
It is and remains a document ‘Work In Progress’ as I still have ‘1000s’ of pages of information I am
using to extract information in order to compile this document.
Any comments / updates can be submitted to the following e-mail: vrvice@gmail.com
Version: March 2019 Update [1B]

ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2
MARCH ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4
01 MARCH......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
02 MARCH......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
03 MARCH......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
04 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 11
05 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 13
06 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 15
07 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 18
08 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 20
09 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 23
10 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 25
11 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 27
12 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 29
13 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 32
14 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 35
15 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 38
16 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 40
17 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 42
18 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 44
19 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 46
20 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 48
21 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 50
22 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 52
23 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 54
24 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 56
25 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 58
26 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 60
27 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 63
28 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 65
29 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 67
30 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 69
31 MARCH....................................................................................................................................................................... 71
MARCH (UNKNOWN DATES) ........................................................................................................................................... 73
APPENDIX A .................................................................................................................................................................... 76
SUMMARY OF AIRCRAFT AND CREW LOSSES (MARCH) .................................................................................................. 76
APPENDIX B .................................................................................................................................................................... 78
AIRCRAFT ATTRITION SUMMARY (SELECTED TYPES) ..................................................................................................... 78
APPENDIX C .................................................................................................................................................................... 79
AIRFIELDS NORTH AND EASTERN AFRICA CAMPAIGN WW2 .......................................................................................... 79
APPENDIX D .................................................................................................................................................................... 81
SQUADRON / AIRCRAFT SERIAL NUMBERS [WORLD WAR II] ......................................................................................... 81
APPENDIX E .................................................................................................................................................................... 82
WORLD WAR II AIRFIELDS AND LANDING GROUNDS USED BY SAAF ........................................................................... 82
APPENDIX F .................................................................................................................................................................... 84
SUMMARY WWII COMBAT CLAIMS ................................................................................................................................ 84
APPENDIX G.................................................................................................................................................................... 85
“FIRST FLIGHT” / EVENTS” IN MARCH ANNIVERSARY LIST ............................................................................................ 85

MARCH
01 March
1941
Sorties
2 Squadron
Four Furies belonging to the B1 Detachment flew ferry missions from Magherita to Brava.
Five Furies conducted Gunnery Exercises.
3 Squadron
A Hurricane conducted a Ferry flight to Magerhita from Kismayu.
51 Flight
Two Ju-52s conducted ferry flights from Broken Hill to Nairobi, a third Ju-52 flew similar sortie from
Waterkloof to M’pika.
1942
General Information
The Rand University Air Squadron (V) was established in Johannesburg.
1943
Accidents and Losses
5 Squadron
AK622 and EK-(?) were involved in a ground related accident during taxi.
AL154 crashed during landing at home base after a mission.
ET955 crashed due to damage sustained by hostile anti-aircraft artillery fire.
1944
60 Squadron (?)
A Mosquito Mk-IX (LR466) was involved in a fatal accident during an operational mission, after the pilot
reported having been lost.

1945
34 Squadron
A Liberator (KG993) was involved in a fatal accident, during training sortie, where ‘feathering’ and
‘power-loss’ was being demonstrated and taught to the on-board crew. Two crew members sustained
fatal injuries, in this accident, approximately 10 nm from Fogia (Italy).
Unidentified Squadrons
A Hurricane (5238) crashed during a training sortie in South Africa. The cause was reported to have been
engine failure during forced landing practices.
1973
Aircraft Deliveries
Wasp HAS Mk 1: 96
1978
24 Squadron
A Buccaneer (425), crashed approximately 15nm North West of Lydenburg (Eastern
Transvaal/Mpumalanga). The crew ejected to safety.
1992
Sorties
Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team
Flew show number 221 at Kyalami Race Track, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
2000
General Information
Lt Gen Roelf Beukes took over as Chief of the SAAF from Lt Gen W Hechter.

02 March
1920
Sorties
The Silver Queen 2 arrived in Livingstone; the onward flight was reportedly delayed for a couple of days
due to heavy rains in the area.
1925
Sorties
A de Havilland DH-9 of the South African Air Force commenced an inaugural flight (mail delivery)
between Durban and Cape Town.
1939
Aircraft Delivery
Hart 1: 360, 363, 364, 378, K4456, K4457, K4460 and K4468.
1941
Deployment and Allocation Updates
3 Squadron arrived on deployment at Mogadishu.
Sorties
2 Squadron
A Ferry mission comprising of three Furies from B1 detachment flew from Brava to Vittoria.
51 Flight
A Ju-52 ferried from Nairobi to Germiston.
A Ju-52 conducted an Air Support mission from Nairobi to Mogadishu, via Garissa and Kismayu.
1942
5 Squadron
A Tomahawk (AN260), was written-off, when it apparently hit a truck, during an attempted forced
landing after suffering engine failure
12 Squadron
A Boston (AL805) crashed during a low-level training sortie. The aircraft belonged to 12 Squadron.
A Master (2851) was involved in a fatal accident on the farm ‘Vlakfontein’ in the Standerton area.
1943
Operations and Statistics
During a routine training mission, 43 Air School aircrew reported seeing a periscope off the Kariege
Mouth along the coast.
5 Squadron
Two Curtiss Kittyhawk were involved in two separate take-off related accidents. The serial numbers
were: ET953 and AK618.
An Airspeed Oxford (3743) was written-off during take-off from Papkuil, when it collided with Oxford
3581 (latter not written-off).
Whilst conducting a night flying sortie, a Master (2650) encountered bad weather, and crashed in the
Verkeerdevllei area, both crew sustained fatal injuries.

1944
21 Squadron
A Baltimore Mk III (FA-645), was reported missing during an operational mission, it is presumed that
the three crew did not survive any related incident, related to this mission.
1945
Sorties
30 Squadron
Two B-26 Marauders conducted General Flying from Lesi (also referred to as ‘Jesi’ in Ops Diaries).
11 Squadron
The squadron, operating Curtiss Kittyhawk aircraft reported the loss of the following two aircraft:
FT872 crashed approximately 12nm South West of Perna, due to engine failure.
FX585 is believed to have been shot down by hostile ground fire, approximately 24nm North West of
Pistoia
1951
2 Squadron
An F-51 Mustang (317), based in Korea crashed after being shot-down by Anti-Aircraft Artillery during
an operational sortie (low-level Tactical Reconnaissance) in the area of Sinanju, the pilot KIA.
An F-51 Mustang (301), based in Korea crashed (ditched into ocean) during an operational sortie. The
pilot did not survive the crash.

1983
Sorties
Two Puma helicopters, supported by Alouette III Gunships, participated in Operation SNOEK, by
inserting a team of Special Force operators into an area close to Mulemba (Angola). The objective of the
‘reconnaissance’ mission was to locate the South West African People’s Organization, Eastern
Headquarters.

03 March
1939
Aircraft Deliveries
Hart 1: 377.
1941
Sorties
1 Squadron
A Hurricane conducted a Test Flight in the Port Sudan area.
51 Flight
A Ju-52 ‘Shuttle’ flight was flown from Nairobi to Kismayu, via Mogadishu.
A Log Air flight was flown from Germiston to Nairobi.
1942
Aircraft Deliveries
Hart ‘Trainer’: 2041.
4 Squadron
A Tomahawk (AN412), was involved in a fatal training related accident, whilst deployed in a theatre of
combat operations. It was reported that the pilot was conducting air-to-ground training.
1943
4 Squadron
A pilot was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War, when the Kittyhawk (AK976) crashed during an
operational mission.
1944
Aircraft Deliveries
Tiger Moth: (Possible Delivery): 4662 to 4690
1945
Sorties
30 Squadron
Ten B-26 Marauders conducted interdiction sorties to ‘marshalling yards’ from Lesi.
Six ‘Dual-Check’ sorties were also flown from Lesi.

1945
15 Squadron
A Baltimore Mk-V (FW824), allocated to 15 Squadron ditched, one fatality reported.
34 Squadron
Reported the loss of a Consolidated B-24 Liberator (EW207 “K”). The aircraft was reported ‘missing’
after an interdiction mission to rail yards on enemy territory. It is assumed that the crew of eight did not
survive the accident.
1949
Aircraft Deliveries
The last De Havilland Devon (109) was delivered.
A Supermarine Spitfire (5509) crashed in South Africa during a training mission, the report indicates
‘under carriage collapse’ during landing.
1980
Sorties
The first new Maanskyn (i.e. Moonshine) mission was flown by Impalas from Air Force Base Ondangwa.
The call sign ‘Skunk’ became familiar for these types of missions, during the subsequent years whilst
conducting such Border War operations.
1998
General Information
The sole South African Air Force’s BN-2A-26 Islander (16) was sold to Rossair (Pty) Ltd.

04 March
1917
General Information
C.J.Q. Brand, a South African pilot, serving in the RFC (World War 1), flying a Nieuport, shot-down a
German Roland C. (Kill # 01/12)
1940
Aircraft Deliveries
Tiger Moth: (Shipped to Union) 526 to 538
Sorties
Seven newly acquired Vickers Valentia aircraft departed from Abu Sueir to Germiston.
1941
Sorties
1 Squadron
A Hurricane was tasked to ferry, and then reported ‘overdue’ in the Port Sudan area.
3 Squadron
Four Hurricanes performed Escort duties, from Mogadishu.
51 Flight
A Ju-52 was deployed to Nairobi, and a second aircraft conducted an Air Support sortie from Mogadishu
to Nairobi.
1942
An Anson (3129) suffered engine failure after take-off from Port Elizabeth.
1943
5 Squadron
A Kittyhawk (AK896) was lost during combat operations.
1944
24 Squadron
A B-26 Marauder (FB480) ditched after being hit by enemy ground fire in the area of Suda, tragically
none of the six crew members survived.
26 Squadron
A Wellington (HZ525), encountered engine problems whilst on a maritime patrol mission; it crashed sea,
fatally wounding all on-board.
60 Squadron
A de Havilland Mosquito Mk IX (LR471) allocated to 60 Squadron, was reported missing (pilot presumed
to have suffered fatal injuries) during a photo reconnaissance mission over enemy territory.
1945
Sorties
30 Squadron
24 Marauders conducted an Interdiction mission from Lesi to railway marshalling yards, accompanied
by Spitfires.
Furthermore, two ‘Anti-Flak’ and two General Flying sorties were flown.
Six Spitfires supported the 30 Squadron Interdiction missions (above).
24 Squadron
Reported the loss of a B-26 Marauder (HD663), both engines failed, it is assumed the crew survived as
no fatalities were reported.
An Anson (4441) crashed during landing – landing gear collapsed after the engine failed.
1951
2 Squadron
An F-51 Mustang (350), based in Korea crashed during take-off.
1972
Sorties
Flew show number 19 at Durban, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1974
Aircraft Deliveries
P-166S Albatross: 895
(Photo below taken during final flypast when Sqn closed, during the aircraft taxing out from 27 Sqn)
1995
Sorties
Flew show numbers 313 and 314 at Langebaanweg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft

05 March
1920
Sorties
The Silver Queen 2 flew from Livingstone to Bulawayo.
1936
Sorties
The first of the South African Air Force’s Fury aircraft flew - these aircraft were ordered in 1934. The
first batch consisted of seven aircraft (single seat).
1938
Aircraft Deliveries
Hart 1: 302.
1941
General Information
24 Squadron was established by renumbering 14 Squadron.
Sorties
1 Squadron
A Hurricane ‘273’ conducted a Test Flight (see Accidents and Losses).
51 Flight
Two Jn-52s flew Air Support missions, as follows: 1 x Nairobi to Kismayo to Mogadishu, and 1x
Mogadishu to Nairobi.
1 Squadron
Hurricane ‘273’ crashed during a Test Flight (above).
1942
During 5 Squadron’s first Combat Air Patrol, two of the unit’s aircraft spotted a Junkers JU-88, the
aircraft was shot down!
Sorties
5 Squadron
The squadron commenced Combat Air Patrol sorties (see above).
1943
An Anson (3244) was involved in a fatal aircraft accident, involving four crew members.
An Airspeed Oxford (3427) crashed during take-off from Nigel.
1944
A SAAF Bristol Beaufort Mk 1 (758), crashed in Tanganyika en-route to join the Royal Air Force
stationed in India.
1945
2 Squadron
A Spitfire (EP891), was shot down by hostile anti-aircraft fire.

1979
Sorties
6, 8 and 12 Squadron
Twelve Impala Mk I and Mk II light attack aircraft mainly from 6 and 8 Squadron, deployed to Air Force
Base M’pacha, prior to the commencement of Operation SAFRAAN, followed by four Canberra (12
Squadron) too.
1988
Sorties
Flew show number 140 at Goodwood, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1993
Whilst en-route to Langebaanweg as Cheetah D2 (844) crewed by Captains Chris Pretorius and Russell
Ellis diverted to Upington following a fuel emergency.
According to reports the aircraft had a hard landing, and subsequently both main oleos collapsed, ruptured
fuel lines ignited and major damage was reported to have taken place on the fuselage. Fortunately both
crew escaped unharmed. Contrary to some reports, claiming the crew ejected, they actually evacuated the
stricken aircraft without ejecting!
2002
An S-316 Alouette III (636) crashed in the Welkom area, presumably allocated to 87 Helicopter Flying
School.

06 March
1920
Sorties
The Silver Queen 2 departed from Bulawayo en-route to Pretoria.
A de Havilland DH.9 (H5648 ‘Voortrekker’) was flown to Bulawayo from Cape Town to enable Pierre
van Ryneveld and Quintin Brand to continue their epic inaugural flight from Britain to the Union (Cape
Town).
The Silver Queen 2, crashed approximately 1 nm after take-off from Bulawayo. The crew remained there
till a replacement aircraft arrived.
1939
Aircraft Deliveries
Hart 1 (Serial: 399).
Sorties
The first locally ‘assembled’ Hurricane Mk 1 (L1708) was test-flown in Durban.
1941
General Information
Lt Haiman, belonging to 40 AC Squadron was awarded to Distinguished Flying Cross.
The first ‘120-hour’ service was conducted by 3 Squadron on a Hurricane aircraft.
Sorties
1 Squadron
A Hurricane conducted General Flying in the Port Sudan Area.
51 Flight
A Ju-52 was tasked to conduct Air Support from Nairobi to Mogadishu, via Eastleigh and Kismayo.
1942
During a local training mission a Curtiss P-75 Mohawk (2518) was involved in a fatal accident in the
Potchefstroom area.

1943
An Anson (3105) was involved in a fatal aircraft accident, with two crew members on-board.
1944
12 Squadron
A Marauder, FB507, was shot down by enemy aircraft in the Santorini area. The two crewmembers
survived, they were taken Prisoner of War, four fatalities also reported.
24 Squadron
Three Marauders, FB481 / FB496 and FB504 were shot down by enemy aircraft in the Milos area, a total
of 18 fatalities reported.
40 Squadron
A Spitfire (unidentified serial) was involved in a fatal accident.
1945
Sorties
30 Squadron
Marauders flew 12 interdiction sorties to various railway marshalling yards from their base at Lesi.
Three General Flying missions were conducted as well.
6 Squadron
A Spitfire (MK447) suffered engine failure during an operational mission. The pilot abandoned the
aircraft and was taken Prisoner of War.
11 Squadron
A Curtiss Kittyhawk (FX584) was abandoned due to enemy damage sustained during an air-to-ground
mission.
34 Squadron
A Consolidated B-24 Liberator (KH150 ‘R’) was shot down in the area of Graz. The crew of eight was
fatally wounded due to hostile ground to air fire.
1951
Whilst conducting a ‘Tsetse Fly Spray’ mission in the Mathubatuba region, an Anson suffered structural
failure, both crew sustained fatal injuries.
1952
An F-51 Mustang (373), allocated to 2 Squadron, based in Korea crashed during an operational sortie.
(Unknown)
1975
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1008.

1979
Sorties
6 and 8 Squadron
Operation SAFRAAN commenced with Impala Mk 1 and Mk 2 attacks on ‘Base 52 and Base 55’. These
targets were in Zambia.
12 Squadron
One Canberra ‘Alpha Bomb’ attack on Mongua (Angola).
Two Canberra later attacked a target referred to as ‘Franca’.
Last mission of the day, two Canberra flew a mission against targets in the Capindi area (Angola).
1982
General Information
No 8 Squadron received the ‘Freedom of Bloemfontein’.

07 March
1927
General Information
The Wapiti aircraft flew for the first time.
1932
General Information
The first flight of the Junkers Ju-52/3M three-engine prototype, powered by three 410 kW (550 hp) Pratt
& Whitney Hornet engines took place in Germany.
1939
Sorties
1 Squadron (?)
Major Peller had the privilege of flying the first South African Air Force Hurricane Mk 1 (271) on its
delivery flight from Durban to Pretoria, completing the mission in 1 hour 13 minutes. This aircraft was
an ex-RAF machine, with serial L1708.
1941
Sorties
1 Squadron
A Test flight was flown on a Hurricane in the Port Sudan area.
51 Flight
Three Air Support missions were flown from Nairobi, the first to Mogadishu, the second two to Germiston.
1943
25 Squadron
Reported the loss of a Ventura (6040) when it crashed during landing in bad weather.
1945
Sorties
30 Squadron
Ten Marauder Interdiction sorties were flown from Lesi to ‘factory targets’.
Four General Flying sorties were carried out as well.

15 Squadron
A Baltimore Mk V (FW768), crashed into the sea shortly after take-off. The crew of four; sustained fatal
injuries.
1953
Two Harvard aircraft were involved in a mid-air collision over Bloubergstrand. The aircraft were an
AT6A serial 7669 and a SNJ3 serial 7671, the crew of the latter aircraft did not survive the accident.
1963
Aircraft Deliveries
C-130B Hercules: 406 and 407
1970
Sorties
Flew show number 15 at Durban, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1979
A number of Mirage IIID2Z fighters, deployed on the type’s first operational deployment (Op REKSTOK
1). The aircraft belonged to 85 Advanced Flying School.
Sorties
6 or 8 Squadron
Impala Mk IIs also conducted the type’s first operational sortie in Border War (Op REKSTOK 1)
12 Squadron
Two 12 Squadron Canberra interdiction missions (two aircraft each) took place – the target was
Henhombe (Angola) and an unidentified target in Zambia (Op REKSTOK 1).
1987
Sorties
Flew show number 110 at Kroonstad, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1991
Sorties
Flew show number 187 at Saldanha, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
24 Squadron
The last Buccaneer SA-Navy Cooperation exercise took place in Durban
1992
Sorties
Flew show number 222 at Mykonos, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.

08 March
1918
General Information
Horace D. Barton, South African serving as a pilot during World War 1, in the Royal Flying Corps and
Royal Air Force, flying a SE5A, successfully engaged and shot-down a German Fokker DR-1 (Kill # 02).
L.A. Payne, a South African pilot, serving in the RFC/RAF (World War 1), flying a Bristol F2B, shot-
down two German Albatros DVs. (Kill # 04/11 and 05/11)
1941
Aircraft Deliveries
Tiger Moth: (Shipped to Union) 566 to 569; 573; 585 to 597
Tiger Moth: (Possible Delivery) 2103
Sorties
A Valentia supported a 2 Squadron deployment to Moyale.
2 Squadron
Two Furies were ferried to Moyale (Kenya).
51 Flight
Two Ju-52s were redeployed to Khartoum from Nairobi, the planned duration 30 days.
A Ju-52 flew from Nairobi to Germiston on an Air Support mission.

1943
5 Squadron
A Curtiss Kittyhawk (AK650), was damaged by hostile ground fire. The aircraft returned to base, but
crashed during landing.
An Airspeed Oxford (3412), whilst conducting a night training mission (navigation exercise), apparently
got lost, the crew then abandoned the aircraft (bailed-out) over the area of Palmietfontein.
1944
22 Squadron
A Ventura (6415), crashed after take-off from St Albans, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
1945
Sorties
30 Squadron
Nine Marauder Interdiction sorties were flown to marshalling yards
Two General Flying sorties were flown.

21 Squadron
A Marauder (HD477), was shot down over Asra.
31 Squadron
A Consolidated B-24 Liberator (EV958 ‘R’) was shot down and crashed into the Adriatic Sea. None of
the eight crew members were able to survive.

1957
17 Squadron
Reported the loss of a Ventura (6491) when it crashed into the mountains at Miller’s Point. All five crew
sustained fatal injuries.
1978
Sorties
2 Squadron
The first Mirage III (CZ) landed at Air Force Base Hoedspruit. The ‘Flying Cheetahs’, i.e. 2 Squadron
operated various versions of this ‘delta’ from Hoedspruit till its disbandment, prior to receiving the
Cheetah C’s in the 1990’s.
1979
Sorties
12 Squadron
A pair of Canberra aircraft, flew two interdiction/strike missions, on targets at Huambango and then later
during the day to Henhombe; as part of continued missions in support of Operation SAFFRAAN /
REKSTOK. Furthermore, three sorties were flown hitting targets at Muongo, Vila Franca and Capindi.
1983
General Information
During a 32 Battalion operation, Puma helicopters inadvertently flew close-by a newly established
SWAPO camp (200-man), fearing an attack, the SWAPO elements hastily vacated the camp, soon after
the SADF realised this, elements moved in to capture a vast amount of SWAPO equipment and
documents.

09 March
1938
Aircraft Deliveries
Hart 1: K3053 and K3839.
1940
Aircraft Deliveries
Tiger Moth: (Shipped to Union) 526 to 538
1941
Sorties
Nine Hartbees aircraft were ferried to Moyale (Kenya – most likely 41 Squadron (?).
1 Squadron
A Test Flight was conducted on a Hurricane.
An aircraft was also ferried to a deployment in the Port Sudan area.
A single intercept mission was flown as well, it was unsuccessful.
2 Squadron
Two Furies arrived on a ferry mission at Moyale.
3 Squadron
Three Hurricanes (B2 Flight), ferried from Mogadishu to Gorrahei, via Belet Wen.
51 Flight
A Ju-52 flew an Air Support mission from Nairobi to Mogadishu.
1942
General Information
1 Squadron re-commenced flight operations at Sidi Haneish (part of 234 Wing), after a period of ‘R&R’
following combat operations.
1943
1 Squadron deployed to Hazbub.
1945
Sorties
30 Squadron
Ten Marauder Interdiction sorties were flown to marshalling yards
Two General Flying sorties were flown.
1949
General Information
The first test flight of the prototype Shackleton GR.1, serial VW135, took place at the hands of Chief
Test Pilot J.H. “Jimmy” Orrell. The GR.1 was later re-designated “Maritime Reconnaissance Mark I” –
MR.1. The aircraft was designed by Roy Chadwick as the Type 696. It was based on the Lincoln bomber
and Tudor airliner, both derivatives of the successful wartime Lancaster heavy bomber, one of
Chadwick’s earlier designs which was the then current Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft. The design
took the Lincoln’s centre wing and tail, Tudor outer wings and landing gear and a new wider and deeper
fuselage, powered by four Rolls Royce Merlin engines.
The aircraft was initially referred to during development as the Lincoln ASR.3.

1979
Sorties
12 Squadron
Various Canberra interdiction missions were flown, against targets at Henhombe (two sorties),
Huambango and Oshono – Angola. (OP REKSTOK / SAFFRAAN)
1981
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1080 / 1081.
1992
Sorties
Flew show number 223 at Langebaanweg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.

10 March
1918
General Information
W.L. Jordan, a South African, serving in the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corps during
World War 1 was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross.
Samuel M. Kinkead, a South African, serving in the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force, flying
a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #15).
1922
Martial Law was declared and the South African Air Force was called out to do reconnaissance missions
over the towns of Benoni and Brakpan (Rand Revolt).
Unidentified Squadron
A De Havilland DH.9 was involved in a fatal accident, it is presumed to have been attributed to an
operational mission loss – Rand Revolt. (Possible ‘first SAAF’ combat loss)
1941
Sorties
1 Squadron
A Test Flight was conducted on a Hurricane in the Port Sudan area.
3 Squadron
A Hurricane conducted an unsuccessful scramble/intercept mission whilst a second conducted an Escort
sortie. Both aircraft flew from Gorrahei.
51 Flight
One Ju-52 conducted an Air Support mission from Nairobi to Germiston, a second aircraft deployed to
Khartoum from Nairobi.
Two Tutor aircraft (709 and 723) were involved in a fatal mid-air collision.
1942
Two Airspeed Oxfords (1981 and 3546) were involved in a fatal mid-air collision. There were four crew
members on-board the aircraft.
1943
1 Squadron redeployed to Hazbub Landing Ground.
An Anson (1168) ditched in the ocean in the area of Mossel Bay, after a propeller detached in flight.
1944
An Anson (1131), crashed at Youngsfield during landing.
A Baltimore (unknown registration) crashed – four fatalities.

1945
Sorties
30 Squadron
Ten Marauder Interdiction sorties were flown to marshalling yards, furthermore two General Flying
sorties were flown.
7 Squadron
A Supermarine Spitfire (PT897), during a strafing run on a target, 5nm East of Adria. The pilot – Prisoner
of War.
26 Squadron
Operations in West Africa continued with ‘U-Boat’ sweeps, during one such mission, a Wellington Mk
XI (MP681) was lost, presumably all crew sustained fatal injuries.
An Anson (4373) crashed during landing at night (strong winds), at Younsfield – it is reported that the
undercarriage collapsed.
1951
2 Squadron
An F-51 Mustang (321), based in Korea crashed during an operational sortie in the area of Yandonwon-
Ni, fatally wounding Capt. Davis.
1964
General Information
The third Canberra ferry crews departed to the United Kingdom.
1971
Sorties
24 Squadron
Four Buccaneers conducted an Anti-Shipping strike against the vessel ‘Wafra’. Each aircraft was armed
with two AS-30 Air to Surface Missiles.
1984
Sorties
Flew show number 85 at the Military Academy, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1995
Sorties
Flew show number 315 at Pretoria, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.

11 March
1918
General Information
J. Bell, a South African , serving in the and Royal Flying Corps, flying a Sopwith Camel during World
War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #04).
1922
During the Rand Revolt; permission was granted to arm Air Force aircraft in anticipation of operations
against the revolting miners, Pierre van Ryneveld was also authorized to use the aircraft in operations to
suppress the revolting miners in the area of operation. This heralded the first operational employment of
South African Air Force in ‘offensive’ missions, albeit against South Africans on home territory
1927
A de Havilland DH-9 (139) was written-off during an accident.
1939
Sorties
The first South African Air Force ‘evaluation’ Bristol Blenheim Mk1 (401) was test-flown in Cape Town,
crewed by Colonel Sir Pierre van Ryneveld and Lt Col HC Daniel.
1941
General Information
3 Squadron received instructions stating all flying officers that have been in the operational area for longer
than six months, should return to the Union
1 Squadron possibly destroyed one S.97 during a ground attack sortie (below)
Sorties
1 Squadron
The squadron attacked ground targets in the Keren Airfield (Kenya) area, three Hurricanes were used to
strafe an Italian S-79 and one unidentified bi-plane aircraft that were on the ground.
3 Squadron
The squadron conducted a Maritime Interdiction mission from Mogadishu, to stop and intercept a marine
vessel, using Hurricanes.
51 Flight
A Ju-52 ferried from Nairobi to Khartoum. An Air Support mission flew from Nairobi to Mogadishu,
and two Ju-52’s returned from Mogadishu to Nairobi.
1942
5 Squadron
A 5 Squadron Tomahawk (AN448/GL-H) successfully engaged a Luftwaffe Junkers Ju-88, 75nm North
of Gambut, the aircraft was destroyed. (See below)
Sorties
5 Squadron
Combat Air Patrols were flown by Tomahawk IIB formations from 5 Squadron which engaged enemy
aircraft.

1943
5 Squadron
Reported the loss of a Curtiss Kittyhawk (ET865) due to an engine failure after take-off.
A de Havilland Tiger Moth (2414) crashed in the Randfontein area, this aircraft was later exported to
India. One fatal injury was reported.
The crew of an Anson (3237), reported suffering fuel starvation, cut the engine and executed a forced
landing, collapsing the undercarriage at Butterworth.
1944
General Information
44 Squadron formed when 43 Squadron was renumbered at Cairo West, Egypt.
4 Squadron
A 4 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire Mk VC (JK456) was shot down fatally wounding the pilot.
17 Squadron
A 17 Squadron, Ventura (FN971) ditched in the Mediterranean Sea.
1945
Sorties
30 Squadron
A Marauder flew a ‘Wind Finder’ (i.e. weather reconnaissance) mission.
Furthermore, 11 Marauders conducted interdiction sorties on various marshalling yards.
1970
General Information
The ‘Tip-to-Top’ Air Race took place, consisting of various fast jet squadrons. The route: JNB – DBN
– CTN - JNB
1971
Sorties
24 Squadron
Four Buccaneers conducted further Anti-Shipping strikes against the vessel ‘Wafra’. Each aircraft was
armed with two AS-30 Air to Surface Missiles.
1976
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1021.
1988
Sorties
Flew show number 141 at Langebaanweg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft

12 March
1918
Information Notes
Horace D. Barton, South African serving as a pilot during World War 1, in the Royal Flying Corps and
Royal Air Force, flying a SE5A, successfully engaged and shot-down a German Albatros D-V (Kill #
03).
L.A. Payne, a South African pilot, serving in the RFC/RAF (World War 1), flying a Bristol fighter, shot-
down a German Fokker DR I (Kill # 06/11).
1922
Two de Havilland DH-9s were involved in separate accidents, namely aircraft number H-5685 and 121.
The one aircraft reportedly crashed when it flew at low-level and hit a tree.
1928
Information Note
Samuel M Kinkead, a South African pilot, whom became an Ace during WW 1 whilst flying in the Royal
Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service was fatally injured when his Supermarine Spitfire S-5 crashed
during an attempt at the World Airspeed Record.
1941
Sorties
3 Squadron
A single Hurricane flew a Combat Air Patrol over Dagah Bur area from its base at Gorrahei.
51 Flight
Two Ju-52s flew Air Support from Nairobi to Mogadishu, a single aircraft returned on completion of the
mission.
An Air Support mission was also flown from Broken Hill to Nairobi.
A de Havilland Tiger Moth (1466, ex ZS-AIN) crashed in the Randfontein area, after suffering engine
failure. It was an impressed aircraft.
1942
A De Havilland Tiger Moth (542), crashed (location unknown). The cause was reported to be a ‘bad
weather - storm’.
1943
Unidentified Squadron and 23 Air School
A Hind (123) collided with a Harvard Mk IIA (7099) during landing. The Harvard reportedly belonged
to 23 Air School. It is reported that the Harvard was later exported to the United Kingdom.

1944
16 Squadron
A Bristol Beaufighter Mk X, suffered engine failure during an operational mission. The crew of two did
not survive the ditching into the sea off Kimolos Island. Serial number reported to have been NE-248
‘D’.
1945
Sorties
30 Squadron
A B-26 flew a General Flying sortie from Lesi.
Eleven interdiction missions were flown too, the targets: ‘marshalling yards’.
1953
Sorties
2 Squadron
The first 2 Squadron jet combat missions were flown along Yalu River, ‘Mig Ally’ (Korea), with their
newly delivered F-86-30F Sabres. (Photo Below – Unknown Photographer)
1955
First Flights (Aircraft Prototype)
The SE 3130 first flew on 12 March 1955 and within 3 months on a pre-production Alouette II flown by
Jean Boulet set a new helicopter altitude record of 8,209 m (26,926 ft). The Alouette II gained its
domestic certificate of airworthiness during 1957. Production started initially to fulfil orders from the
French armed forces and civilian customers. It made military history by being the first helicopter
worldwide to be equipped with anti-tank missiles, and by the time production ended in 1975 with over
1500 Alouette IIs had been built and in use in over 80 countries including 47 armed forces. It is/was
also licence built in Brazil, Sweden, and India and in the United States. The South African Air Force
operated only eight (8) of the helicopters.
1962
A Dornier DO-27 (5431) was involved in a fatal accident in the Belfast area.

1971
Sorties
24 and 35 Squadron
A Shackleton conducted an attack on the WAFRA, successfully sinking it. Four Buccaneers also tasked
to strike, aborted after the vessel sunk following damage caused by the Shackleton.
1975
SWA Theatre of Operation Deployed Units
An S-316 Alouette III (23), whilst deployed in South West Africa, was involved in an accident, which
fatally injuring two crew and two passengers.
A Harvard IIA (7137) crashed in the Oudtshoorn area, one fatality was reported.
1982
Aircraft Delivery
Impala Mk II: 1092.
1983
Four Puma and four Alouette (presume Gunships), deployed to Xangongo prior to commencement of
support to Operation FAKKEL.
1987
Sorties
24 and 60 Squadron
The first night Air-to-Air Refuelling using a B-707 to refuel a Buccaneer took place.
2013
General Information
Reports surfaced that 12 x SAAB JAS-39 Gripen were placed into ‘long term storage’.

13 March
1918
General Information
1940
Aircraft Deliveries
Valentia: 269 and 270
Sorties
51 Squadron (?)
The Valentia aircraft that departed Abu Sueir on 04 March, arrived in Germiston.
1941
3 Squadron’s HQ and ‘A-Flight’ ordered to redeploy to Dagah Bur on 14 March 1941.
3 Squadron claimed the successful shoot-down of an enemy aircraft (see below).
Sorties
3 Squadron
A Hurricane conducted an Escort mission and did not return, thereafter a second aircraft was tasked to
conduct a search.
Two Hurricanes successful intercepted two Savoia aircraft. (See above)
The base at Dagah Bur came under enemy attack as well, a single Hurricane (283) was scrambled on a
Base Defence sortie, and it was shot down too shortly after take-off by an Italian Cr42.
51 Flight
Two Ju-52s conducted an Air Support mission from Nairobi to Mogadishu and back to Nairobi.
3 Squadron
A Hurricane (283) was shot-down in the vicinity of Dagah Bur, fatally wounding the pilot, Lt Dudle,
during a Base Defence scramble mission’s “take-off” phase.
1943
Aircraft Deliveries
Tiger Moth: (Possible Delivery Date) 2492 to 2494
A Hind (189) was involved in a crash as well as a second aircraft (Hind 3022) was lost during an accident.
1944
A Harvard Mk III (7452) was involved in a fatal accident, when the aircraft lost height during take-off
and crashed in the Standerton area.

1945
Sorties
30 Squadron
Marauder ‘MkIIIF’ flew from Lesi to Naples on a ‘Change Over’ mission, a second aircraft a Marauder
MkIIIG returned to Lesi, the latter aircraft equipped with the new ‘Shoran’ radar aimed at increasing
bombing accuracy CEP to <50ft.
A Hurricane (5343) crashed during aerobatic training due to a reported engine failure.
1954
A Harvard AT6B (7635) was involved in a fatal accident.
1970
Aircraft Delivery
HS-125 Mercurius: 01 to 03.
1979
Sorties
12 Squadron
Canberras once again conducted attacks on targets in Angola (OP SAFFRAAN)
1980
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1067 & 1068.

1982
It was reported that Operation SUPER commenced.
1984
1 Squadron
A Mirage F1AZ (228) – 1 Squadron, crashed in Lydenburg area, Capt. Digby Holsworth ejected safely.
41 Squadron
An Atlas C-4M Kudu (991) was written-off during an accident.
1987
Sorties
24 and 60 Squadrons
The first Air-to-Air Refuelling of a Buccaneer (414) from a B-707 centreline station took place.
1992
Sorties
Flew show number 224 at the Military Academy, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.

14 March
1939
General Information
No 3 (Comms) Squadron, was disbanded for the first time
Sorties
The first Blenheim (401) was flown to Waterkloof from Cape Town.
1941
Sorties
3 Squadron
A Hurricane ferried from Mogadishu to Dagah Bur.
51 Flight
A Ju-52 flew an Air Support mission from Nairobi to Mogadishu, a second one returned from Mogadishu
later the day. An Air Support mission was also flown from Nairobi to Khartoum.
1942
12 Squadron commenced joint operations with 24 Squadron; both units were equipped with Bostons.
The South African Air Force lost two Anson aircraft in a mid-air collision over Landsdown in the Cape
area. Ten crew members sustained fatal injuries as well as three children on the ground. The aircraft
involved: 1195 and 1196.
1943
Aircraft Deliveries:
Tiger Moth: (Arrived in Union) 4603 to 4614
1944
25 Squadron
25 Squadron reported the loss of a Ventura (6413), when it got lost on a night navigation exercise and
crashed during an attempted forced landing. A second aircraft ‘6435’ was also written-off when it ran
out of fuel and attempted a forced landing on a beach.
Anson ‘1136’, collided with Anson 4359 – the latter aircraft landed safely, only to be written-off in an
accident a couple of days later. Three crew members (1136) sustained fatal injuries.
Anson ‘4306’, was involved in a fatal accident too, there were four persons on-board the aircraft.
1945
7 Squadron
The squadron reported the loss of two Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX aircraft: MJ670: Undercarriage
collapsed during landing. MJ901: Pilot abandoned aircraft in-flight – hang-up bomb.
30 Squadron
Reported the loss of two Marauder aircraft. The detail is as follows: HD-461 crashed with five fatalities,
one Prisoner of War when it was involved with a mid-air collision during an operational mission,
presumably with HD-457 which was also reported ‘crashed’.

1952
A Harvard (7023) was involved in a fatal accident.
1965
General Information
Buccaneer ‘411’ became the first SAAF aircraft to conduct RATO trials at RAF Elvington.
1979
3 Squadron
A formation of Mirage F1CZ, 3 Squadron conducted Search and Rescue’ support mission for the downed
Canberra. (Photo: Unknown Photographer)
12 Squadron
During Operation ‘REKSTOK / SAFFRAAN’ 12 Squadron conducted two attacks, the first strike was
on an African National Congress camp at Nova Catengue (20nm south west of Lobito – Angola); a
second strike involved four aircraft when Canberra bombers attacked Ediva (Angola).
12 Squadron
A Canberra (452) was lost during a mission, both crew were fatally wounded. (above)
1989
An Impala Mk II (1059) crashed during a mission in the Winburg area.
1992
Sorties
Flew show number 225 at Paarl, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.

2013
General Information
All 11 Rooivalk ‘Block 1F’aircraft were reported operational ready for deployment on operations.

15 March
1917
General Information
C.J.Q. Brand, a South African pilot, serving in the RFC (World War 1), flying a Nieuport, shot-down a
German LVG-C (Kill # 02/12) and an Albatros DV (Kill #03/12).
1918
General Information
Andrew Beauchamp Proctor, a South African , flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5A in the Royal Flying
Corps (during World War 1); engaged and successfully shot-down a German ‘DFWC’, this was his 6th
air-to-air kill.
1922
Following the commencement of earlier air operations, it was reported that these operations were
completed according to the assigned task in the Benoni and Brakpan area. The air force had flown 172
operational hours, two pilots fatally wounded, two injured and two aircraft irreparably damaged. This
heralded the first operational use of the South African Air Force’s assets.
1940
A Hartbees (828) was written-off following a crash. (Unknown)
1941
Sorties
3 Squadron
Twelve Hurricanes conducted a combined Offensive Combat Air Patrol and Airfield Interdiction mission
from Dagah Bur, two aircraft were lost during the mission (see below).
51 Flight
Two Air Support missions were flown from Nairobi, to Germiston and Mogadishu respectively.
3 Squadron
A Hurricane Mk 1 (280 “W”) was shot-down by hostile surface-to-air fire, pilot rescued by a second
Hurricane that landed and ‘picked-up’ the pilot. The aircraft belonged to 3 Squadron.
A second Hurricane Mk 1 (294), was shot down during hostile ground-fire engagement, fatally wounding
the pilot.
1942
2 Squadron
A Tomahawk (AN321) was written-off (after landing safely) following damage sustained when a
Luftwaffe Bf-109 engaged this aircraft.
1943
A Maryland (1628/AH318) crashed – the aircraft apparently ‘spun-in’.
A Bristol Blenheim Mk-IV (Z7698) crashed, there were two fatalities as result of the accident.

1944
41 Squadron
The unit reported a fatal accident involving a Supermarine Spitfire Mk VC (MA264).
1945
A C-47 Dakota (KG525), crashed when it stalled on take-off.
1969
2 Squadron
A Mirage IIIEZ (821) was written-off during an accident, in the Baragwaneth area.
1978
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1050.
1982
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1093.
1983
The C-47 ‘Dragon’ Dakota deployed to the operational area (Ondangwa). The aircraft was on strength
of 44 Squadron and armed with a 20mm cannon.
Sorties
Puma helicopters were also used to insert special force operators in the Chicusse area (Angola).
1991
Sorties
Flew show number 188 at Vredenburg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1996
General Information
Approval was received to continue/start the Oryx M2 project (Antarctica). The Oryx Mk. 2 contains such
a number of differences, that a different model number is used, to distinguish the type. Although,
operated and flown by 22 Squadron of the South African Air Force.
These helicopters were specifically built for use by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
(DEAT), as part of SANAP (South African National Antarctic Program).
Two Oryx helicopters were modified for operations in the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic, for which
they have been painted (for a period) in the red and white colour scheme. Highly effective, de-icing
equipment, of up rated specification, was the central requirement of the Mk. 2 program. The project
received the go-ahead on 15 March 1996, with Lt Col K. Viljoen as project leader. The project was
completed three weeks ahead of schedule and the two helicopters delivered to 22 Squadron, during
October 1997. One of the Mk. 2 Oryx helicopters was written off subsequent to a crash landing in July
2004.

16 March
1918
General Information
War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #06 & 07).
1930
A Mantis (originally a converted DH.9 serial 104) re-numbered to 157 was written-off following an
accident.
1937
A de Havilland DH.9 (125) was written-off following an accident.
1941
General Information
Major T. Ross appointed as the new Commanding Officer 1 Squadron.
No 51 Flight was deployed at Nairobi, comprising of 6 Ju-52 (14 Officers and 49 NCO). Three aircraft
were also deployed at Khartoum.
1943
A Boston (unidentified) reportedly crashed, possibly belonging to 24 Squadron.
1944
12 Squadron
A B-26 Marauder (FB492) was shot down by hostile anti-aircraft artillery. Four of crew were fatally
wounded and two crew were taken Prisoner of War.
A Harvard Mk IIA (7241) was involved in a fatal accident over a weapons range area, the aircraft
apparently stalled.
1953
2 Squadron “Flying Cheetahs” commenced operations from the airbase at K-55 (Korea).
1965
A Dakota (6824) crashed and was reported written-off.

1971
1 Squadron (?)
A de Havilland Vampire FB.9 (237) executed a forced landing, and written-off in the South African Air
Force. The aircraft was transferred to the Rhodesian Air Force after the accident.
1978
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1051
1979
General Information
The Angolan government claimed to have shot-down six South African aircraft during Operation
REKSTOK. The South African Air Force only acknowledged a single loss, that of a Canberra (see 14
March 1979).
1991
Sorties
Flew show number 189 at Vredenburg, and show number 190 at Mykonos, quipped with Impala Mk 1
aircraft.
2009
Exercise SHIELD III commenced as part of the preparation training for the Soccer World Cup.

17 March
1918
General Information
Corps (during World War 1); engaged and successfully shot-down a German ‘Albatros DV’, this was his
7th air-to-air kill.
Corps (during World War 1); engaged and successfully shot-down a German ‘DFWC’, this was his 8th
air-to-air kill.
Corps (during World War 1); engaged and successfully shot-down a German ‘Pfalz D III’, this was his
9th air-to-air kill.
1920
Sorties
The ‘Voortrekker’ departed Bulawayo en-route to Pretoria.
1941
Sorties
51 Flight
1942
An Anson (1176) crashed at George during a night landing – undercarriage failure.
1944
3 Squadron
The squadron reported the loss of a Supermarine Spitfire (unidentified serial).
1945
40 Squadron deployed ‘C-Flight’ to El Adem, the flight comprised of two Hurricanes and one Curtiss
Tomahawk.
1 Squadron
Reported the loss of a Supermarine Spitfire (EN201).
4 Squadron
A Supermarine Spitfire (MJ588) suffered engine failure and crashed – during the return to base route of
the operational mission.
1975
Information Note
Delegates from UNITA, RSA Military Intelligence and the Bureau of State Security met in Gaborone
(Botswana).

1981
Sorties
12 and 24 Squadron (Op INTERRUPT)
Four Canberras (12 Squadron) and five Buccaneers (24 Squadron) conducted an interdiction mission
from Grootfontein to targets south west of Lubango (Angola).
1990
Sorties
Flew show number 169 at Stellenbosch, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1994
Sorties
Flew show number 272 and 273 at Hoedspruit, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.

18 March
1918
General Information
E.T. Hayne, a South African pilot, serving in the RNAS (World War 1), flying a Sopwith Camel, shot-
down a German Fokker D V (Kill # 03/15) and a DFW-C (Kill # 04/15).
1940
General Information
No 50 (Transport) Squadron was formed at Zwartkop, following the transfer of seven Vickers Valentias
from No 70 Squadron (Royal Air Force).
1941
Sorties
51 Flight
1942
Tiger Moth: (Arrived in Union) 2407 to 2426
1944
3 Squadron
A Supermarine Spitfire (JK108), reported an undercarriage problem, and executed a belly-landing.
1945
Sorties
3 Squadron
Ten Spitfires conducted Air-to-Ground sorties on gun emplacements.
Three Spitfires flew escort for three C-47s involved with a supply drop.
Four Armed Reconnaissance sorties were flown too.
1949
A Harvard (7438), Mk III version, crashed during take-off; apparently it collided with a vehicle.
1950
A Harvard Mk IIA (7046) lost its engine cowling during flight, the aircraft crashed in the Baragwaneth
area, both crew sustained fatal injuries.
1974
General Information
A report in the Sunday Times newspaper quoted ‘PW Botha’ (Minister of Defence) as stating that there
was only one solution to the long-term war being waged on the borders (he did not mention specific
borders) and that was ‘a military solution with highly trained people and weapons!’. This was his
standpoint since being appointed as Minister of Defence six years earlier.

1975
General Information
Delegates from UNITA, RSA Military Intelligence and the Bureau of State Security met in Gaborone
(Botswana).
1989
Sorties
Flew shows number 157 and 158 at Ysterplaat, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1998
SAAF Museum (FASK)
Rick Culpan was fatally injured at Air Force Base Swartkop when the South African Air Force’s Percival
Provost crashed at the airfield.
2000
Sorties
Flew show number 355 at Stellenbosh, equipped with PC-7 Mk II Astra aircraft.
2005
17 Squadron (?)
An S-316 Alouette III (626), crashed in the Harrismith area.

19 March
1940
Aircraft Deliveries
Valentia: 264 to 268.
1941
Sorties
51 Flight
An Air Support mission was flown using a Ju-52 from Nairobi to Mogadishu.
1943
A Fairy Battle (990) crashed during an attempted forced landing on a beach, after suffering engine failure.
1944
2 Squadron
Reported the loss of Supermarine Spitfire (MJ196), an Mk IX – it was shot down by ground fire.
1945
Sorties
3 Squadron
15 Spitfires conducted Air-to-Ground sorties on various targets, e.g. gun emplacements, regimental
command posts and troop concentrations.
Two aircraft conducted Weather Reconnaissance missions.
Four Spitfires conducted Armed Reconnaissance sorties whilst another escort four sorties were flown in
support of a B25 conducting supply drops.
7 Squadron
Reported the loss of a Supermarine Spitfire (MK783) at Ravena.
31 Squadron
A Consolidated Liberator, KH-244 ‘Q’, crashed when an in-flight fire caused the crew to abandon the
aircraft en-route to their designated target.
1970
Aircraft Deliveries
C-160Z Transall: 332
A Canadair CL13B Sabre Mk.6 (355) crashed following a mid-air collision with another Sabre Mk.6
(370).
1974
Aircraft Deliveries

1988
1 Squadron
A 1 Squadron Mirage F-1AZ (223) was lost during an operational mission in Angola, fatally wounding
the pilot Maj W van Coppenhagen.
2005
Sorties
60 Squadron
A 60 Squadron Boeing B-707 arrived in Sweden to start trails in support of the Gripen Air-to-Air
Refuelling qualification program.
Flew show number 459 at Simon’s Town, equipped with PC-7 Mk II Astra aircraft.

20 March
1920
Sorties
The ‘Voortrekker’ departed from Bloemfontein to Cape Town, on the last leg of this epic flight. The trip
took 45 days to complete, during which 109.5 hours of flying was logged and two aircraft written-off.
1941
3 Squadron, successfully shot-down an Italian CR32 (see below).
Sorties
3 Squadron
Two Hurricanes flew an escort mission frim their home base at Dagah Bur for three Junkers (12
Squadron), during which the flight intercepted hostile aircraft (see above).
1942
40 Squadron commenced operations in support of 13 Corps, by conducting Tactical and Photo
Reconnaissance missions.
1943
Tiger Moth: (Arrived in Union) 2495 to 2500; 4601 and 4602
Operations and Operational Statistics
1 Squadron aircraft destroyed one FW-190 (1st over Western Desert) and two FW-190 probable destroyed,
when engaged by 20 Spitfires.
Sorties
1 Squadron
20 x Spitfires conducted intercept mission against 12 x FW-190 and 12 Me-109/Me-202 aircraft. (Results
above).
24 Squadron
Reported the loss of the following two aircraft: HK-918; Boston; Shot down; two fatalities and two
Prisoners of War. HK-981; Boston; Shot down; three fatalities and one Prisoner of War.
An Airspeed Oxford (3571) was crashed when it executed a forced landing, due to engine failure.
1944
2 Squadron
A Supermarine Spitfire (MJ185), crashed due to engine failure whilst on an operational mission.
1945
Sorties
3 Squadron
Eight Spitfires conducted attacks on a Regimental Command Post and various gun emplacements.
Four Spitfires conducted a Maritime Interdiction sortie, attacking a harbour.
Four Spitfires performed escort duties for two C-47s (supply drop).
A further eight Armed Reconnaissance sorties were flown.


4 Squadron
A Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX (MH556), allocated to 4 Squadron was shot down whilst on an operational
mission; it is not known whether it was due to hostile air-to-air or ground-to-air fire.
16 Squadron
A Bristol Beaufighter Mk X (NV593) crashed during landing – it is reported that the aircraft’s
undercarriage failed/collapsed.
A second aircraft, NV122 crashed, due to engine failure as well – the two crewmembers unfortunately
did not survive the accident.
1951
2 Squadron
An F-51 Mustang (315), crashed due to an engine fire, on a hillside SW of Wonju (Korea). The pilot
bailed out successfully.
A Supermarine Spitfire (5590) crashed during a heavy landing, at an airfield in South Africa.
1952
Sorties
2 Squadron
Lieutenant Enslin, a 2 Squadron pilot flying an F-51D Mustang in Korea, successfully engaged a North
Korean MiG-15, which had been reported ‘damaged’ following the intercept effort. Reports indicate that
eight Mustangs were conducting a Flak Suppression sortie when the latter incident occurred.
2 Squadron
It is assumed that during the above engagement a second F-51 Mustang (320), allocated to 2 Squadron,
based in Korea crashed after being shot-down by a MiG-15
1975
Aircraft Delivery
Impala Mk II: 1009.
1982
Sorties
Flew show number 68 at Kimberly, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1995
Sorties
Flew show number 316 at Cape Town (QE2 visit), equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
2003
Sorties
Flew show number 406 at Simonstown, equipped with PC-7 Mk II Astra aircraft.

21 March
1918
Information Notes
E.T. Hayne, a South African pilot, serving in the RNAS (World War 1), flying a Sopwith Camel, shot-
down a German Albatros C. (Kill # 05/15)
L.A. Payne, a South African pilot, serving in the RFC/RAF (World War 1), flying a Bristol fighter, shot-
down a German LVG-C (Kill # 07/11).
1929
An Mpala (i.e. a converted de Havilland DH4 serial 201) re-numbered to 153 was written-off following
an accident in the Nimule area - no further information is available.
A second Mpala (i.e. converted de Havilland DH9 serial 138) re-numbered to 155 crashed in Salisbury.
The aircraft was subsequently rebuilt and re-introduced into active service.
1931
A de Havilland DH-9 (106) was written-off following a possible mid-air collision with an Avro 504K.
A de Havilland DH-9 (150) was written-off following an accident in the Standarton area - no further
information.
1941
1 Squadron intercepted four Italian Air Force CR-42s, the four Hurricanes successfully downed two CR-
42s and damaged one.
Sorties
3 Squadron
Reports indicated that three waves of Ju bombers (most likely 12 Sqn) were escorted by Hurricanes from
Dagah Bur airfield.
51 Flight
Two Ju-52s flew Air Support missions, 1 x Nairobi to Mogadishu, and 1 x Mogadishu to Nairobi.
1942
24 Squadron
Reported the loss of two aircraft (Boston) during operational missions: Z-2225 was shot-down by enemy
aircraft. / No detail regarding second aircraft, also presumed to have been shot-down if it had been part
of a formation in which Z-2225 was an element too.
An unidentified Hurricane was lost due to hostile action; the pilot was taken Prisoner of War.
1943
4 Squadron
During an operational mission, a Tomahawk (AK832) flew into the sea off Tunisia, the pilot sustained
fatal injuries.
1945
Sorties
3 Squadron
12 Spitfires flew attack sorties against a regimental command post and Petrol/Oil/Lubricants
infrastructure. Eight Armed Recces were flown. Four Spitfires also conducted Escort for two C47s
involved in supply drops.
A Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX (MA801) was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft artillery. The pilot was
captured and held as a Prisoner of War.
1966
An AT-6 Harvard (7685) crashed at Eendrag, both crew sustained fatal injuries.
1975
An S-316 Alouette III (23), crashed in the Windhoek area, there were four fatalities.
1980
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1069.
1987
Sorties
Flew show number 112 at Stellenbosch, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1992
Sorties
Flew show number 225 & 226 at Bredasdorp, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
2003
Sorties
Flew show number 407 at Lambertsbay, equipped with PC-7 Mk II Astra aircraft.

22 March
1918
General Information
Samuel M. Kinkead (photo below), a South African, serving in the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal
Air Force, flying a Sopwith Camel during World War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim
#18).
1941
General Information
Discussions were underway to decide whether or not No 51 Flt should report to Group 5 (Germiston) or
Air HQ East.
Captain Theron, 3 Squadron, awarded a DFC.
1943
A Master (2627) suffered structural failure during aerobatics, the crew survived the accident.
1944
An Anson (4359), crashed after take-off from Oudtshoorn – engine failure was reportedly the cause of
the accident.
A De Havilland DH-82 (2420) crashed during a low-level roll, possibly during aerobatic training.

1945
General Information
Lt Col Viney, assigned to 30 Squadron (Italy) was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Sorties
3 Squadron
16 Air-to-Ground sorties were conducted using Spitfires, on targets ranging from Ammunition Dumps to
a town.
Three aircraft conducted Escort sorties for three C47s on supply drop missions.
1958
Sorties
35 Squadron
A Shackleton conducted the first flight from the RSA to Marion Island.
1977
Aircraft Delivery
Impala Mk II: 1033 and 1034.
1980
An Impala Mk II (1050), on a cross-border mission into Angola was shot down by hostile ground fire in
the area of Ongiva (Southern Angola).
1991
Sorties
24 Squadron
Last official Buccaneer sortie took place.

23 March
1918
General Information
War 1 shot-down a German Balloon (Kill Claim #10).
War 1 shot-down a German Albatros DV (Kill Claim #11 & 12).
1941
Sorties
3 Squadron
Four Hurricanes ferried from Dagah Bur to Jijiga (“Giggiga”) to perform standby duties and two aircraft
performed escort missions.
51 Flight
A Ju-52 arrived at Nairobi from Germiston on an Air Support mission.
A second aircraft returned from Mogadishu to Nairobi.
1942
24 Squadron
Boston: AL733; four fatalities; Shot Down by Enemy Fighter Aircraft.
Boston: AL800; one Prisoner of War; Shot Down by Enemy Aircraft.
Boston: Z2278; no further information.
Boston: Z2206; Damaged by Enemy Anti-Aircraft Artillery; Crash Landed.
1944
41 Squadron
A Supermarine Spitfire (serial unknown), allocated to 41 Squadron crashed. The pilot sustained fatal
injuries
A De Havilland DH-82 (2198) crashed, the crew sustained fatal injuries. According to information at
hand, the aircraft was later re-registered as ZS-BXT.
An Airspeed Oxford (3378) crashed after take-off from Port Alfred.
1945
Sorties
3 Squadron
a town.
Four aircraft conducted Escort sorties for three C47s on supply drop missions.
A Hurricane (5535) crashed at an unknown location in South Africa after take-off.
An Airspeed Oxford (3767) was involved in a fatal accident (two crew) when it got lost during a night
flying mission and crew reportedly lost control over the aircraft.

1950
A Supermarine Spitfire (5520) crashed in the Pretoria area.
1965
A Harvard Mk III (7473) was reported to have landed on-top of a DH Moth Minor (1474), three crew
members sustained fatal injuries.
1970
Aircraft Deliveries
1973
Aircraft Deliveries
MC-33 Bosbok: 920 to 923
1982
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1094.
1983
Operation RHUBYN’s strategic planning finalized and presented.

24 March
1935
Prototype Aircraft (First Flight)
The Anson prototype took to the air for the first time.
1941
General Information
4 Squadron was reformed and equipped with Curtis Mohawk and Fury aircraft at Air Force Base
Waterkloof.
Sorties
3 Squadron Jijiga (“Giggiga”).
Two Hurricanes flew Combat Air Patrol missions.
Two were later scrambled to intercept a S-79 (unsuccessful), and a third aircraft also performed an
unsuccessful intercept later the day.
Operations Instruction 172 (SAAF 2 Wing)
Two Hurricanes tasked to support (Escort) an upcoming mission to be conducted by three Fairey Battle
(11 Squadron).
1943
A de Havilland Tiger Month (2165), crashed.
An Airspeed Oxford (3760), crashed after structural failure in flight approximately 11 nautical miles from
Pietersburg, the crew escaped.
1945
Sorties
3 Squadron
a town.
Four aircraft conducted Escort sorties for supply drop missions.
2 Squadron
A 2 Squadron Spitfire, MJ-308 crashed during an inverted dive.
16 Squadron
A Bristol Beaufighter Mk X allocated to 16 Squadron was shot down by hostile ground fire. Aircraft
serial: NV-567
30 Squadron
30 Squadron reported the loss of a Marauder, one fatality was also reported.
A Vickers Wellington Mk XIII, MP-285, crashed after take-off.
1976
Sorties
“13 Squadron”
Captain Gawie Winterbach became the first pilot to fly a Mirage F1AZ in South African skies!

1980
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1070.
1990
Sorties
Flew show number 170 at Pietersburg, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1993
General Information
State President de Klerk acknowledged that South Africa had a nuclear weapons capability, four years
after ordering the complete destruction of the capability.
A 28 Squadron C-130B Hercules painted in special anniversary colours, was displayed for the first time:
“SAAF Hercs 30”.

25 March
1931
The Fury prototype flew for the first time.
1941
Sorties
3 Squadron
Three Hurricanes conducted an escort mission in support of 12 Squadron. An unsuccessful scramble to
intercept hostile aircraft was performed by three Hurricanes from Jijiga (“Giggiga”).
A Fairy Battle (923), crashed.
1942
An Airspeed Oxford (3564) crashed in the Brooklyn area during a test flight, the elevator apparently
detached; the pilot did not survive the accident.
1943
1 Squadron claimed the following: 1 x Me210, 2 x Me202, 2 x Me109 destroyed; and 1 x Me109 damaged.
A de Havilland DH-82 (2165) crashed in the vicinity of Benoni.
1944
1 Squadron
A 1 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII (JG316) crashed – it lost control during bad weather.
1945
Sorties
3 Squadron
20 Spitfire Air-to-Ground sorties were performed against a Regimental Command Post and POL
infrastructure.
34 Squadron
A Consolidated B-24 Liberator (EJ204), was shot down whilst striking railway infrastructure, all nine
crew were fatally wounded
A Baltimore was reported to have crashed, one crew member sustained fatal injuries.
1949
A Supermarine Spitfire (5528) crashed in the Nigel area during landing.

1961
A Harvard Mk IIIA (7460), crashed during low-level aerobatics, the pilot sustained fatal injuries.
1966
A T-6G Harvard (7724) crashed during a low-level training mission, the pilot sustained fatal injuries.
1980
Buccaneer (421) participated in OP SANITARY, the first firing of the Navy’s Scorpion Surface to
Surface Missile.
42 Squadron
An Atlas AM3C Bosbok (923) crashed in the Potchefstroom area. The crew Lt’s PF Smit and EJ le Roux
were fatally injured.
1982
During Operation REKSTOK III; 1 Squadron deployed nine Mirage F-1AZs to Air Force Base
Ondangwa, from their home base Hoedspruit. The deployment was in support of three Canberra (12
Squadron) and two Mirage IIIRZ (2 Squadron ‘Recce Flight’) tasked to conduct photo-reconnaissance
missions over hostile territory. The F-1AZ’s primary task for this deployment was ‘fighter escort’.
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1095.
1983
A mini—Helicopter Administration Area was established at the Evale airfield (Angola) to enable air
support operations to take place, supporting a 32 Battalion operation. Fuel was flown in to the airfield,
using 28 Squadron’s assets (most likely C-130).
1988
The last four Mirage F1AZs, 1 Squadron that were deployed in the 1987/88 campaign in South Eastern
Angola returned to their home base, Hoedspruit. 1 Squadron flew at total of 683 operational sorties in
144 strikes in a period of 191 days. Two aircraft and pilots Majors Ed Every and Willie van Copenhagen,
did not return to South Africa.
Sorties
Flew show number 142 at Durban, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft; this was at the re-commissioning
parade held for 5 Squadron, Air Force Base Louis Trichardt, which was equipped with Cheetah E aircraft.
2003
General Information
No 4 Air Servicing Unit, laid-up the unit Colours after 63 years of service.
2012
Exercise Good Hope concluded a combined RSA/German military exercise conducted on a biannual basis.
26 March
1925
Accidents
A de Havilland DH-9 (128) was written-off following an accident - no further information.
1930
Accidents
An Avro 504K (429) was written-off following an accident, the pilot survived the accident. It was
involved in a mid-air collision with a de Havilland DH-9.
1941
General Information
Lt Kershaw, 3 Squadron, became the first SAAF pilot to be awarded the DSO.
Sorties
A Lodestar conducted an Air Support mission from Nairobi to Germiston.
51 Flight
One Ju-52 flew a support mission from Eastleigh.
1942
Accidents
A de Havilland Tiger Month (2181) crashed during a low-level exercise.
1943
Accidents
4 Squadron
Kittyhawk ‘ET851’ possibly shot-down by anti-aircraft artillery.
5 Squadron
Kittyhawk: EV-430; missing from interdiction mission, pilot presumed killed.
Kittyhawk: AK-615; possibly shot down by anti-aircraft fire.
21 Squadron
AG-919, Baltimore Mk III; engine failure – forced landing.
AG-956, Baltimore Mk III; forced landing (reason unknown).
22 Squadron
A Ventura (6061), allocated to 22 Squadron, suffered engine failure after take-off and crashed
24 Squadron
A Boston (AL-276) allocated to 24 Squadron did not return from an interdiction mission.
1944
Accidents
A Vickers Wellington Mk IX (MP692), suffered engine failure after take-off and ditched.

1945
Accidents
An Anson (3174) was involved in an accident.
A Harvard (7372) crashed in the Rietkuil area.
1957
Accidents
An AT-6A Harvard (7644), crashed during a night navigation exercise. The crew sustained fatal injuries.
1971
The prototype Casa-212 Aviocar also took to the skies for the first time, the Air Force operates a number
of Casa 212 (-300s).
Accidents
A Canadair CL13B Sabre Mk.6 (377) was written-off during an accident on the Bloubergstand beach
area.
1977
Sorties
Flew show number 32 at Van Rynsdorp, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1981
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II serial 1082 and 1083.
1987
Sorties
1988
Sorties
Flew show number 143 at Rand Airport, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1992
Accidents
An S-316 Alouette III (40[2]), crashed in the Louis Trichardt area.
2003
General Information
The first all-black crew mission took place in the South African Air Force, from 21 Squadron in a Falcon
50 that flew from Waterkloof to Bloemspruit then back to Waterkloof.

2006
Sorties
Flew show number 481 at Simonstown, and show number 482 at Langebaanweg equipped with PC-7 Mk
II Astra aircraft.

27 March
1918
General Information
War 1 shot-down a German LVG-C (Kill Claim #13).
1941
General Information
3 Squadron’s HQ contingent had their first view of enemy aircraft, when four Fiat CR.42 aircraft attacked
their airfield.
1 Squadron took part in the fighting around the key Italian fortress at Keren, which fell on 27 March
1941.It is reported that during the ‘Battle for Keren’, +- 4,000 Allied troops and 3,000 enemy troops lost
their lives.
Sorties
3 Squadron
A Hurricane escorted three aircraft allocated to 12 Squadron during a bombing mission.
Two Hurricanes were scrambled – unsuccessful.
Two aircraft escorted an 11 Sqn mission.
Two Combat Air Patrols were also flown.
51 Flight
A Ju-52 conducted a mission from Nairobi to Khartoum.
1942
Combat Claims
5 Squadron
A Tomahawk IIB (AN448) successfully shot down a Bf-109 approximately 15nm from El Adem.
2 Squadron
Two Curtiss Tomahawks, allocated to 2 Squadron were shot down by enemy aircraft (most likely Bf-
109s), the serial numbers were AN-295 and AN439
A Master (2628) reportedly crashed.
1943
Combat Claims
1 Squadron
A 1 Squadron Spitfire V intercepted and damaged a Messerschmitt Me-210 approximately 30nm North
West of Gabes.
4 Squadron
The following Curtiss Kittyhawk aircraft were written-off during operational missions:
EV-418; Pilot – Prisoner of War.
AK-741; Aircraft did not return from interdiction mission.
ET-244; Damaged by anti-aircraft fire; returned to home base; written-off.

5 Squadron
The following Curtiss Kittyhawk aircraft were written-off during operational missions:
AK-766; fatal accident – crashed on road.
ET-926 and ET-1025; Damaged by anti-aircraft fire; returned to home base; written-off.
1944
A Harvard Mk IIA (7283) was involved in a fatal accident – a wing broke off during flight.
1945
Sorties
22 Squadron
A squadron Ventura, participated in a Search and Rescue mission for a USAAF B-17 Fortress that had
been reported missing. After an 18hour search, the aircraft was found in Southern Portugal subsequent
to a forced landing.
A Harvard Mk III (7420) crashed in the Heidelberg area, both crew sustained fatal injuries.
1968
A de Havilland Vampire (225) was involved in a fatal mid-air collision with a Sabre in the Pietersburg
area.
2004
Sorties
Flew show number 424 at Simonstown, equipped with PC-7 Mk II Astra aircraft.

28 March
1935
The first Consolidated PBY Catalina made its prototype flight. The South African Air Force took
delivery of a number of Catalina’s during World War II.
1941
General Information
The Jijiga (“Giggiga”) airfield came under attack, where 3 Squadron was deployed at, by four Italian Fiat
aircraft.
Four Gladiator aircraft were attached to 3 Squadron.
Sorties
3 Squadron
Two Hurricanes were scrambled to do an intercept from Jijiga (“Giggiga”), it was not successful.
A 18-08 Lodestar (ex ZS-AST, c/n 2034), crashed during bad weather in the Eland’s Bay area. There
were seven fatalities.
1942
12 Squadron
A Boston allocated to 12 Squadron, was written-off due to shrapnel damage after returning safely to
home base, one crew member sustained fatal injuries. Aircraft serial: Z-2198.

1944
A Curtiss Kittyhawk (5069) crashed at Waterkloof.
1945
Sorties
3 Squadron
Two Spitfires flew a Weather Reconnaissance sortie.
1969
A Dakota (6818) was involved in an accident.
1977
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1035.
1981
Sorties
Flew show number 48 at Goodwood, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
1982
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1096
1991
General Information
The remaining Buccaneers , allocated to 24 Squadron were withdrawn from active service during a final
farewell parade held at Air Force Base Waterkloof.
2002
General Information
ZS-RSA, the South African Air Force’s Boeing B-737 BBJ was rolled-out at the Boeing factory in the
United States of America.

29 March
1941
3 Squadron ‘ran short’ of Hurricanes, as a stop-gap measure, 12 Gladiators were allocated from 94
Squadron (Royal Air Force).
Hurricane (287) “S’ destroyed on the ground, during a strafing run executed by an CR32 aircraft,
following the aircraft initially being shot-up by own ground fire earlier the day!
A Vickers Valentia (264) was destroyed by enemy aircraft (strafing) at Jijiga (“Giggiga”) airfield. No
loss of life reported. A Junkers Ju-52/3M (serial 660, ex ZS-AFD) was also destroyed during the strafing.
1942
5 Squadron
A Tomahawk IIB (AN-448) shot down a Luftwaffe Bf-109.
A Maryland (1679) crashed after take-off – cockpit hatch opened, one fatality reported.
1943
5 Squadron
5 Squadron reported the loss of the following Curtiss Kittyhawk aircraft: ET-793 ; shot down by hostile
anti-aircraft artillery. / ET-1021; shot down by hostile anti-aircraft fire – ditched.
A de Havilland Tiger Month (2476), crashed in the Bloemfontein area.
1944
5 Squadron
Kittyhawk: FX-574; ditched during operational mission.
Kittyhawk: FX-714; damaged by hostile anti-aircraft fire – written-off at home base.
1945
Sorties
3 Squadron
Spitfires conducted 18 Air-to-Ground sorties against oil filed infrastructure and eight aircraft performed
Escort sorties for Air Drop aircraft.
3 Squadron
A Supermarine Spitfire (PT-455), allocated to 3 Squadron suffered engine failure whilst escorting
transport aircraft (apparently C-47 Dakotas).
11 Squadron
11 Squadron reported the loss of a Curtiss Tomahawk (FT945) crashed – engine failure after take-off.
A Hurricane (5341) crashed in the Pretoria area, the pilot sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft ran out of
fuel.

1958
Sorties
35 Squadron
A Shackleton conducted a second flight to Marion Island, following a successful first flight earlier the
month.
1969
A Harvard IIA (7291) was involved in a fatal accident in the Thabazimbi area.
1979
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1059.

30 March
1941
Sorties
3 Squadron
Three Spitfires were scrambled to intercept hostile aircraft, unsuccessful.
No 50 Flight
Reported 1 x Valentia (264) destroyed by fire.
No 51 Flight
Reported the following: 1 x Ju-52 (660) destroyed by fire; 1 x Ju-52 (669) damaged by machine gun fire;
All these aircraft were on the ground when damaged/destroyed.
1943
A Ventura (6003) crashed.
1944
27 Squadron
27 Squadron reported an aircraft accident that involved one of the units Ventura aircraft (6404),
apparently the brakes failed and the aircraft then overshot the runway on landing.
Two fatal Kittyhawk accidents took place at Umkomaas. The aircraft were reported to be serials 5006
and 5096.
1945
Sorties
3 Squadron
Spitfires conducted 20 Air-to-Ground sorties against ground deployments.
1946
An Anson (1103) crashed at Khartoum during landing.
1955
17 Squadron
Reported the loss of a Ventura (6527) in the Port Elizabeth area.
1979
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1057.
1988
An Impala Mk II (1010) was involved in an accident in the Ondangwa area. (If my memory recalls
correctly, a ‘panel’ opened in-flight).

1994
Sorties
Flew show number 274 at Hoedspruit, equipped with Impala Mk 1 aircraft.
2004
General Information
Buccaneer ‘412’ was unveiled as a static display at AFB Waterkloof
2006
The Pilatus PC-7 Mk II aircraft reached the 100,000 flying hours mark.
2013
15 Squadron
An Agusta A-109 (4018), allocated to 15 Squadron, crashed during an Anti-Poaching mission in the
Kruger National Park. Tragically five members of the SANDF sustained fatal injuries during the accident.

31 March
1939
The prototype Miles Master made its first flight.
SAAF Order of Battle
Hartbees (65), Hart (74 with 23 still to be delivered), Fury (6), Wapiti (23), Tutor (37/still in production),
Airspeed Envoy (6), Hurricane Mk1 (3 with 4 still to be delivered), Bristol Blenheim (1), Fairey Battle
(1), Gloster AS.31 (1), DH.66 Hercules (3) and DH9J (1).
1941
Sorties
3 Squadron
2 x 2 Hurricane flights from Jijiga (Giggiga) escorted three Ju-86 (12 Sqn) and three Battles (11 Sqn).
Three Gladiators conducted Tactical Reconnaissance from the deployment at Diredawa airfield, one of
the aircraft performed a forced landing.
1 Squadron
A Hurricane (VT733) allocated to 1 Squadron, was shot down, in the Asmara area. The pilot was fatally
wounded.
East Africa (Various Squadrons)
The following aircraft were reportedly destroyed at Jijiga (Giggiga) airfield during an attack conducted
by the Italian Air Force: 1 x Valentia; 1 x Ju-52; 1 x Hartbees; 1 x Hurricane. A number of aircraft were
damaged too, these being: 2 x Ju-52; 1 x Vega Gull; 1 x Rapide; and 1 x Hurricane. Two Italian Air
Force aircraft crashed while attacking the aerodrome.
A Fairy Battle (907), crashed.
1942
2 Squadron
A 2 Squadron Curtiss Tomahawk (AN-429) whilst in the circuit, preparing to land, was shot-down by a
Luftwaffe Bf-109.
A de Havilland Tiger Month (2251), crashed during a low-level flying in the Kroonstad area, the aircraft
struck a ground object (telephone pole).
1943
A Hartbees (810) was written-off during an accident in the Eastleigh area of Nairobi, fatally injuring the
pilot Capt. Donnelly - no further information available.
Two Airspeed Oxfords (3448 and 3729) were involved in a mid-air collision.
An Airspeed Oxford (3716), crashed in the in the Alicedale area along the Bushman’s River, during a
night flying sortie. Both crew sustained fatal injuries.
A Miles Master (2879) was written-off during a forced landing, the aircraft’s reduction gear and propeller
fell off in flight.

1944
Two Harvard Mk IIAs (7160 and 7217) were involved in a fatal mid-air collision during low-level
aerobatics.
1945
Sorties
3 Squadron
Spitfires conducted eight and four Combat Air Patrols and Escort duties respectively.
1952
Two Supermarine Spitfires (5561 and 5616) crashed during landing at Air Force Base Ysterplaat.
1975
Information Note
South African and Israeli officials met to discuss the possible sale of Main Battle Tanks, Fast Attack Craft
to South Africa, as well as joint development of aircraft engines. During the meeting, an official offer
was made to sell Jericho nuclear capable missiles to South Africa.
1976
Aircraft Deliveries
Impala Mk II: 1022.
1983
Two Puma helicopters deployed to the Evale Helicopter Administration Area to support 32 Battalion. An
undisclosed number of Impala aircraft were also on standby (most likely at Ondangwa).
1999
General Information
8 Squadron was disbanded at AFB Hoedspruit.
2005
Sorties
Flew show number 460 at Langebaanweg, equipped with PC-7 Mk II Astra aircraft.

March (Unknown Dates)
1923
General Information
Records indicate that the planned force structure for the South African Air Force would be two operational
squadrons by the end of 1923. The South African Air Force since its inception would be plagued with
resource restrictions and ‘problematic’ defence budget allocations. Due to these restrictions since
inception in 1920, the Air Force only had one squadron (1 Squadron), which too did not have three ‘flights’
as planned, but only one!
The unit (1 Squadron) would only achieve the force level of three flights somewhere in mid-1924. Each
of these flights had a Flight Commander and five officers – pilots. Partially to ‘blame’ were the losses of
aircraft and aircrew following the Air Force’s operations (internally in the Union of South Africa), during
the ‘Rand Revolt – March 1922. The air force had flown 127 hours during the Rand Revolt (10-15 March
1922), and had lost two aircraft, two crews injured and two crews sustained fatal injuries.
1934
General Information
Imperial Airways, solicited an offer to supply DH.66 aircraft to the SA Air Force.
1937
General Information
An announcement was made by the Minister of Defence (Union of South Africa) that the South African
Air Force had placed an initial order for three Hurricane Mk-1 aircraft, from the United Kingdom.
1940
Aircraft Deliveries
Lockheed 18-08 Lodestar (Serials: 231 to 249 and 1370 to 1378).
1941
Plans to re-equip and allocate 2 Squadron with Mohawk aircraft were cancelled due to the fact that on
arrival in Kenya, the engines were damaged, and all were sent to the UK for repairs.
12 Squadron was re-equipped with Maryland aircraft.
24 Squadron was re-equipped with Maryland II aircraft, and deployed to Shandur from Nakuru.
1942
General Information
New Squadron Commanding Officer appointed: 12 Sqn / Lt Col Martin.
1 Squadron ceased operating from Sidi Haneish and re-deployed to Landing Ground 13
2 Squadron deployed from Landing Ground 115 to Gasr el Arid (Libya). 2 Squadron was part of No 233
Wing; 211 Group; Western Desert (forces).
5 Squadron officially commenced operations in the designated Western Desert Theatre of Operations;
received Mustang Mk IVs and deployed to Hazbub from Nefatai.
12 Squadron ceased operating Maryland Mk II aircraft, after receiving Boston Mk IIIs. The squadron
also deployed from Landing Ground 99 to Landing Ground 121.
15 Squadron deployed from Amriya to Landing Ground 98.

1943
1 Squadron deployed to Ben Gardane (Tunisia) from Hazbub and on to Bu Grara
2 Squadron remained deployed at Nefatai Main
12 and 21 Squadron deployed from Sertain (Main) to El Assa (Libya) to Zuara
24 Squadron deployed to Zuara (possibly from Sertain).
60 Squadron deployed to Senem from Castle Benito.
1944
General Information
2 Squadron ceased operations utilizing the Supermarine Spitfire Mk VC
1 Squadron deployed from Forli (Italy) to Ravenna (Italy).
17 Squadron deployed from St Jean to Ramat David.
44 Squadron was deployed at Cairo (West)
1945
2 Squadron deployed from Forli (Italy) to Ravenna (Italy).
27 Squadron flew their last operational missions using the Vickers Wellington XIV aircraft, the unit
subsequently received Vickers Warwick V aircraft.
44 Squadron was re-equipped with Anson XII aircraft.
1946
General Information
17 Squadron’s ceased operating the Vickers Warwick V aircraft.
1973
Aircraft Deliveries
The South African Air Force took delivery of its first Aermacchi AM.3C Bosbok light tactical
reconnaissance aircraft. A total of 40 aircraft were delivered to the South African Air Force. 12 aircraft
were lost during the subsequent in service period.
1974
Aircraft Deliveries
Mirage IIID2Z: 843 to 847
1975
Information Note (Border War)
FNLA forces were approaching Luanda from the north, assisted with troops from the Zaire Army.
6 Squadron, based in Port Elizabeth was re-equipped with the Atlas Impala Mk 1 jet trainer aircraft.
1976
Aircraft Deliveries
The last aircraft of a batch of five Swearingen Merlin IVAs was delivered to 21 Squadron, South African
Air Force. Two South African Police Merlins brought the order up to a total of seven aircraft, i.e.
including ZS-JLZ and ZS-JMA. Globally 1,053 aircraft of various models have been delivered.

1979
General Information
The South African Defence Force’s Chief Special Operations attended a Jericho missile test over the
Mediterranean Sea.
During Operation REKSTOK I, conducted during August 1979, 12 Squadron flew 25 operational
missions; totalling 75 hours and dropping in excess of 7,300 ‘Alpha Bombs’ on selected enemy targets.
1982
General Information
The acquisition phase (delivery) commenced for the first three Boeing B-707, Electronic Warfare and
Air Refuelling aircraft destined for 60 Squadron, Air Force Base Waterkloof.
1985
Information Note (Border War)
UNITA occupied the town of Andrada (Lunda Province) and executed attacks on Maquela Do Zobo;
Angola.
1988
Aircraft Deliveries
Beechcraft 200C King Air: ZS-LXS / 651
1992
General Information
11 Air Depot, amalgamated with 2 Air Depot at Air Force Base Ysterplaat.
1994
General Information
A contract was concluded to sell 17 x SA-330H and L Pumas to Romania.

APPENDIX A
Summary of Aircraft and Crew Losses (March)
This table provides a summary of the reported aircraft losses for the month of March only.
Aircraft Type Losses Fatalities

Aerospatiale SA-316 Alouette III 4 4
Agusta A-109 1 5
Airspeed Oxford 13 8
Atlas AM3C Bosbok 1 2
Atlas Cheetah D 1 0
Atlas Impala Mk II 3 0
Avro 504 1 0
Avro Anson 17 25
Avro Tutor 2 3
Blackburn Buccaneer S.Mk-50 1 0
Bristol Beaufighter 5 6
Bristol Beaufort Mk-1 1 0
Bristol Blenheim 1 2
Canadair CL-13B Sabre 2 0
Cessna Airmaster 1 2
Consolidated Liberator 6 34
Curiss Tomahawk 6 1
Curtiss Kittyhawk 31 4
Curtiss P-75 Mohawk 1 1
Dassault Mirage F-1AZ 2 1
Dassault Mirage IIIEZ 1 0
De Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth 1 0
De Havilland DH.9 11 1
De Havilland Mosquito 2 2
De Havilland Vampire 2 1
Dornier Do-27A 1 0
Douglas Boston 12 12
Douglas C-47 Dakota 1 0
English Electric Canberra 1 2
Fairly Battle 2 0

Aircraft Type Losses Fatalities

Hawker Hartbees 3 1
Hawker Hind 3 1
Hawker Hurricane 11 4
Junkers Ju-52/3m 1 0
Lockheed 18-08 Lodestar 1 7
Lockheed Ventura 11 5
Martin Baltimore 7 12
Martin Marauder 11 40
Martin Maryland 2 1
Miles Master 5 3
North American P/F-51 Mustang 7 4
North American T.6 Harvard 22 24
Supermarine Spitfire 29 6
Vickers Wellington 4 11
Total 251 235

APPENDIX B
Aircraft Attrition Summary (Selected Types)
Aircraft Total Attrition % Loss of Fatal Injuries Survived

Delivered (A: Accident) Total
Delivered
(CL: Combat)
B-707 05 Nil Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable
A: 0
B-737 BBJ 01 CL: 0 Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable
Total: 0
A: 13 36.1%
Beaufort 36 CL: 0 -
Total: 13 36.1% 8 >15
A: 16 26.2%
Blenheim 61 CL: 2 3.3%
Total: 18 29.5% 28 16
A: 3 25%
Caravan C208 12 CL: 0 -
Total: 3 25% Nil ± 6 (?)
A: 3 27%
Catalina 11 CL: 0 -
Total: 3 27% 18 5
Cessna C320 1 Nil Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable
Citation C550 2 Nil Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable
Islander 1 Nil Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable
King Air 06 Nil Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable
A: 20 22%
Liberator B24 90 CL: 28 31%
Total: 58 53% 271 74
A: 18 53%
Sabre CL13B 34 CL: 0 -
Total: 18 53% 7 11

APPENDIX C
Airfields North and Eastern Africa Campaign WW2


APPENDIX D
Squadron / Aircraft Serial Numbers [World War II]
Lockheed Ventura (1945)

The following serial numbers were reported in 22 Squadron documents covering the period 01-31 March
1945: D-6463; F-6460 (also reported as 6469); J-6416; Q-6450; S-6452; T-6429; FN-994; R-FP-568
(replacement aircraft received in Mar ’45); N-FN-957; ‘G’’ ‘H’; ‘K’; ‘L’; ‘P’; ‘V’; ‘W’ and ‘X’.
Hawker Hurricane (1941)

1941: 273/274 & 288.
Hawker Fury (1941)

1941: 209, 210, 211 and 216.
Martin Maryland (1941)

1941: “B”, “C”, “E”, “H”, “U”, “W” and “Z”.
Supermarine Spitfire (1945)

1945: PT-458

APPENDIX E
World War II Airfields and Landing Grounds Used By SAAF
Gasr El Arid (LG-141, Landing Ground 141)

Used by British during World War II and is located in Libya. The WGS84 Coordinates are reported to
be: 31°45'5"N 24°33'7"E
Ben Gardane Airfield

Is an abandoned World War II military airfield in Tunisia, which was located near Bin Qirdan (Madanin);
about 420 km south-southeast of Tunis. It was a temporary airfield built by the United States Army Corps
of Engineers, used by the United States Army Air Force Ninth Air Force during the Tunisian Campaign. It was
used by the 57th Fighter Group, which flew P-40 Warhawks from the airfield between 9-21 March 1943
during the British Eighth Army's advance into Tunisia from Libya, to which the 57th was attached. When
the Americans moved out at the end of April 1943, the airfield was dismantled and abandoned. Today the
airfield's precise location is undetermined, as agricultural fields have obliterated its existence. The
reported WGS84 location is: 33° 8′ 23.72″ N, 11° 12′ 50.01″ E
El Assa Airfield
Is an abandoned World War II military airfield located in the vicinity of Al `Assah in the Baladiyat al
Jumayl region of Libya. It is about 140 km west of Tripoli near the Tunisian border. It was used by the
United States Army Air Force Ninth Air Force 83d Bombardment Squadron (12th Bombardment Group) during
the Eastern Desert Campaign by the British Eighth Army between 3 March and 4 April 1943. The 83d flew
B-25 Mitchell medium bombers from the airfield. The airfield most likely was constructed from compacted
sand with tents being used as support facilities. Today it is probably overlaid by the town of Al `Assah.
The most likely WGS coordinates are: 32° 49′ 37.67″ N, 11° 37′ 16.12″ E
Forlì Airport
Also known as Luigi Ridolfi Airport (Italian: Aeroporto di Forlì - "L. Ridolfi"), is an airport serving Forlì,
a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It is named for Italian aviator Luigi Ridolfi . The
WGS Coordinates are: 44° 11′ 44″ N, 12° 4′ 11″ E
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 from 19 January to 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

APPENDIX F
Summary WWII Combat Claims
1 Squadron (1941)
The following claims were made following air-to-air encounters with enemy aircraft:
 21 March 1941: 3 x CR.42 shot-down.

 31 March 1941: 1 x SM.79 shot-down.
1 Squadron (1942)
The following claims were made following air-to-air encounters with enemy aircraft:
 29 March 1942: 1 x He-111 shot-down.
1 Squadron (1944)
The unit records claim the following over the period 14-15 March 1944:
 Shot Down: 3 x Me-410; 1 x Fw-190; 3 x Me-109 and 1 x Ju-88.

 Damaged: 2 x Me-109.
3 Squadron (1941)
The unit records claim the following:
 Air-to-Air (13th): Shot Down 1 x S.79.

 Shot-Down (15th): 1 x CR.42 and 2 x CR.32 or ‘Romeo’.
 Air-to-Ground (15th): Destroyed on Ground; 3 x CR.32 or ‘Romeo’ and 4 x Savoias.
 Air-to-ground (15th): Damaged on Ground; 5 x CR.32 or ‘Romeo; 2 x Savoias and 1 unknown.

APPENDIX G
“First Flight” / Events” in March Anniversary List
1922 (11 March)

During the Rand Revolt; permission was granted to arm Air Force aircraft in anticipation of operations
against the revolting miners, Pierre van Ryneveld was also authorized to use the aircraft in operations to
suppress the revolting miners in the area of operation. This heralded the first operational employment of
South African Air Force in ‘offensive’ missions, albeit against South Africans on home territory
1925 (02 March)

A de Havilland DH-9 of the South African Air Force commenced an inaugural flight (mail delivery)
between Durban and Cape Town.
1927 (07 March)

The Wapiti aircraft flew for the first time.
1931 (25 March)

The Fury prototype flew for the first time.
1932 (07 March)

The first flight of the Junkers Ju-52/3M three-engine prototype, powered by three 410 kW (550 hp) Pratt
& Whitney Hornet engines took place in Germany.
1935 (24 March)

The Anson prototype took to the air for the first time.
1935 (28 March)

The first Consolidated PBY Catalina made its prototype flight. The South African Air Force took
delivery of a number of Catalina’s during World War II.
1936 (05 March)

The first of the South African Air Force’s Fury aircraft flew - these aircraft were ordered in 1934. The
first batch consisted of seven aircraft (single seat).
1939 (06 March)

The first locally ‘assembled’ Hurricane Mk 1 (L1708) was test-flown in Durban.
1939 (11 March)

The first South African Air Force ‘evaluation’ Bristol Blenheim Mk1 (401) was test-flown in Cape Town,
crewed by Colonel Sir Pierre van Ryneveld and Lt Col HC Daniel.
1939 (31 March)

The prototype Miles Master made its first flight.
1949 (09 March)

The first test flight of the prototype Shackleton GR.1, serial VW135, took place at the hands of Chief
Test Pilot J.H. “Jimmy” Orrell. The aircraft was initially referred to during development as the Lincoln
ASR.3.
1953 (12 March)

The first 2 Squadron jet combat missions were flown along Yalu River, ‘Mig Ally’ (Korea), with their
newly delivered F-86-30F Sabres
1955 (12 March)

The SE 3130 first flew on 12 March 1955 and within 3 months on a pre-production Alouette II flown by
Jean Boulet set a new helicopter altitude record of 8,209 m (26,926 ft).
1958 (22 March)

A Shackleton conducted the first flight from the RSA to Marion Island
1965 (14 March)

Buccaneer ‘411’ became the first SAAF aircraft to conduct RATO trials at RAF Elvington.
1971 (27 March)

The prototype Casa-212 Aviocar also took to the skies for the first time, the Air Force operates a number
of Casa 212 (-300s).
1978 (08 March)

The first Mirage III (CZ) landed at Air Force Base Hoedspruit. The ‘Flying Cheetahs’, i.e. 2 Squadron
operated various versions of this ‘delta’ from Hoedspruit till its disbandment, prior to receiving the
Cheetah C’s in the 1990’s.
1979 (07 March)

A number of Mirage IIID2Z fighters, deployed on the type’s first operational deployment (Op REKSTOK
1). The aircraft belonged to 85 Advanced Flying School.
Impala Mk IIs also conducted the type’s first operational sortie in Border War (Op REKSTOK 1)
1980 (03 March)

The first new ‘Maanskyn’ (i.e. Moonshine) mission was flown by Impalas from Air Force Base
Ondangwa. The call sign ‘Skunk’ became familiar for these types of missions, during the subsequent
years whilst conducting such Border War operations.
1987 (12 March)

The first night Air-to-Air Refuelling using a B-707 to refuel a Buccaneer took place.

South African Air Force History Operations Diary March

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SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE AIRPOWER JOURNAL 1

South African Military Air Operations Diary

Side view profiles: Kind permission from Brent Best.

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