SAAF Museum
Articles
George Counts Jr, USAAF
The 315th Airlift Wing received news late last week that one of its members, Senior Master Sgt. George Counts Jr., died in a car crash along with his wife and father. Majors Mike Stratton and Jason Williams along with loadmasters Eric Zilaitis and George Counts, 317th Airlift Squadron Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., maintained the
Read MoreCollective Heritage Display
The Chief of the Air Force unveiled the Collective Heritage Display Hall at the Swartkop branch of the SAAF Museum on Thursday 15th of September. It is the first phase of the complete revamp. Here’s how it looks:
Read MoreSAAF Sabre in War Eagles Museum New Mexico
Wilfred Teper visited the War Eagles Air Museum in New Mexico and found a SAAF Sabre #365 on Display. It seems that this aircraft was one of around 10 sold to Flight Systems of California to be used as target drones, but is in a flying condition at the War Eagles Museum. (Civil
Read MoreC-47 6855 SA-7 Missile Strike
In 1986, while on a flight to Ondangwa at about 8000ft, Dakota C-47 #32961, SAAF 6855 was hit by a SA-7 missile. The explosion ripped off most of the tail. To add additional pressure, the Dakota was full of military VIP passengers including the Chief of the Army. The aircraft commander, Capt Colin Green slowed
Read MoreIt took 15 years to save MT-2800
After decades of neglect and threat of destruction MT2800 has a proper home and a future. MT 2800 built by British Power Boat Company at their Hythe yard as a 24ft marine Tender Mk II and was assigned the Yard number 1961. She was completed and taken on charge by the RAF at 62
Read MoreSteve Stevens, DFC (SAAF Beaufighter Pilot)
Steve Stevens, DFC, is frail, bedridden and in pain. However, there is no doubt that this man is a force, a man who has packed more into his 96 years on Earth than most of us, and who is firmly committed to his goals and his religion. When I call him to arrange the meeting,
Read MoreJohan Conradie – Buccaneer Images
Some more feedback on the Buccaneer profile sketch project. Johan Conradie now has the following sketches completed A sketch of each of the eight Buccaneers (412 to 419) with the flight crew names at Lossiemouth on 27 October 1965 Buccaneer G-2-1 (411) fitted with long range fuel tanks Buccaneer G-2-2 (412) equipped with French
Read MoreMuseum Stalwarts
F Sgt Elna Hadfield is a museographer and a jack of all trades, from managing the SAAF Museum “Ops” Room to running 110 Squadron. She says that nothing is impossible and is responsible for all staff matters to ordering a pot of paint of paint. She is married to Lt Col Pierre Hadfield and
Read MoreKorean War – 62nd Anniversary
On the 25th June 2015 at the 62nd Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Day Memorial Service, the South Korean Ambassador to SA paid tribute to the SA airman that took part in the war which started on 25 June 1950. 34 South African Air Force airmen lost their lives and eight were taken prisoner.
Read MoreMajor Edwin Swales VC DFC Memorial
On 06 May 2015 a memorial service was held at the Major Edwin Swales VC DFC memorial at the Durban High School to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Edwin Swales (1915 – 2015), the 70th anniversary of the death of Edwin Swales (1945 – 2015) and the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe
Read MoreFriends Committee – Cape Town 2015
Dear Friends, It is with great pleasure that we welcome the following members that were elected to the committee at the 27th AGM of the Friends of the SAAF Museum on Saturday, 7th March 2015. Robin Meyerowitz: Chairman/Secretary Norman Larsen: Vice-Chairman/Fund Raising/Librarian Mike Phillips: Treasurer Janine Nudblicher: Projects Co-Ordinator/Membership Dave Smith: Projects Co-Ordinator
Read MoreInvitation to a Fund Raising Evening with Rocco
THE MTR Smit Children’s Haven and the South African Air Force (SAAF) Museum will benefit from a World War One Centenary Commemoration evening with Rocco de Villiers. The event takes place on Saturday, February 28, at Grey High School in Port Elizabeth and will boast Rocco’s unparalleled talent, raising much needed funds for the beneficiaries.
Read More2015 Aircraft Raffle
The 2015 Aircraft Raffle has started – Win a Piper Cherokee 180 plus a PPL course or advance training worth R100,000.00 redeemable from any flight school of your choice within RSA and a free PPL medical from 24/7 GP. DJA have, since 1998, been raffling an aircraft and pilot license course each and every year
Read MoreMirage Art Raffle Winner
The winner of the Mirage digital art raffle displayed in the PE SAAF Museum reception during the air show is Sally Soule of Port Elizabeth. Well done and thank you to all those kind donors who supported the raffle – your contributions have been invaluable.
Read MoreSAAF Boats
Article by Willie (Buskruit) Burger Velddrif Dec 2014 SAAF Boats – Short History THE NOW ALMOST INVISIBLE BOND BETWEEN THE NAVY AND THE AIR FORCE By 1940, when the first South African forces were deployed in East Africa, the Mediterranean Sea was under German and Italian control. The Suez Canal was thus an ambush, just
Read MoreThank You, CS Auto Body
The SAAF Museum extends its thanks to Lionel Barnard and CS AUTO BODY, Vehicle Specialists of note for their kind donation of CIC anti-corrosion products. These products will be used to preserve & protect the Museum aircraft at the Ysterplaat & PE Museums.
Read MoreOur Sponsors
The Museum is growing from strength to strength. This growth is made possible by the kind sponsorship of Individuals, Companies and Associations. Among the individuals who contribute to this website, the following stalwarts assist with historical and other queries, advice and support: Regular Advisors: Brig-Gen Derrick Page, Chris Teale, Steve McLean, John Coutts, Greg Pullin,
Read MoreShortfinal TV
A huge thank you to Hilton Mundy of Shortfinal for giving us access to his videos.
Read MoreThank You, Urban Espress!
A BIG THANK YOU TO URBAN ESPRESS. The PE SAAF Museum and Friends of the SAAF Museum extend our gratitude to Donovan McLagan of Urban Espress for assisting us at the 11th hour with a coffee making machine and coffee during the Baywest Air Show. Without the Urban Espress help our VIP’s would have gone
Read MoreHistory Made and Heritage Lost
By Geoff Hamp-Adams. With the cessation of hostilities in May 1945, aircraft in their hundreds lined the runways of both friend and foe right across the expanse of Europe and the Far East, and the problem of de-mobilisation of personnel was compounded by the recovery and disposal of aircraft and related equipment. South Africa was
Read MoreThe South African Air Force in Korea
On the 26th September 1950, 207 men of 2 Sqn SAAF sailed from Durban on the Royal Interocean Lines’ Tjisdane for Korea. The article can be viewed in full on the SA Military History website.
Read MoreThe story of Colonel “Oom Vuil” Fred Potgieter.
The story of Colonel “Oom Vuil” Fred Potgieter. When the SAAF bought the farm at Ondangwa to establish an air force base there was pretty much nothing but an open expanse of savanna grasslands. When the Mobile Radar Unit moved in to establish themselves, this convoy of trucks drove into the new base and
Read MoreSA Fleet Air Arm Exercises
Film of Fleet Air Arm exercise in South Africa. Film includes Wingfield, Marmon Herrington Armoured Cars, and PV1.
Read MoreAlan Weinburg – RIP 13.06.2014
It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Alan passed away this morning. Alan dedicated many years to the SAAF Museum as a fundraiser, shop manager, long standing committee member amongst a host of other activities. Very few people have spent the amount of time and effort that Alan contributed to
Read MoreBuccaneer 416 restoration project
With the kind permission of Johan Conradie. Both these photos reflects historical occasions. 1st Photo 25 May 1965, the delivery of the 1st Buccaneer – 413 at the newly formed 24 Sqn at RNAS Lossiemouth, Scotland. Standing with Bucc 413 is Neels Theron and Paul Claasen. 2nd Photo 1 March 2014, nearly 49 years
Read MoreArmourers Publication for Sale
Armourers Anonymous Publication The cause: Fund raising for PE SAAF Museum displays. 1. Book Information: Title: Armourers Anonymous. Author: Willie Burger with Boff van Zyl Type: Soft cover. Colours: Black text and black photos with a few colour photos as well as black & white technical drawings of bombs etc. Size:210mm x 145mm x
Read MoreWarswaw Airlift 69th Anniversary
By Kind Permission – Tinus Le Roux Commemoration of Warsaw Airlift 1944 SAAF flights 69th anniversary. I attended this function at the Katyn Memorial in Jhb last Saturday 7 Sept. [scrollGallery id=25] Thanks to the Polish embassy for a memorable and pleasant event. The only surviving SAAF airman who participated in the 1944 Warsaw supply
Read MoreBuilding the 1:48 scale 35 Sqn C47TP Falcon
Building the 1:48 scale 35 Sqn C47TP Falcon My name is Stewart Moon and I am an ex-SAAF member now living in the United Kingdom. I served from 1986 to 2001 and was based at Air Force Base Durban and Forward Air Command Post Durban (FACP DBN). On 24th February 2013 I purchased myself a
Read MoreSAS President Kruger
Today, 31 years ago on the 18th February 1982 the SAS President Kruger and 16 of my crewmates were lost at sea. http://www.saspresidentkruger.com/
Read MoreAvro Shackleton Ground Run
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfo8iBeAdZ0 httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egtOY5IEPuM Video by kind permission of Marek Vincenc.
Read MoreSAAF Museum PTA -100 Hours for Charity
By Garth Calitz The South African Air Force Museum in conjunction with the a group of dedicated volunteers will be hosting a social responsibility project to raise funds for PinkDrive, charity of choice of the SAAF Museum, by hosting a 100 hour marathon sit-in in various fighter jets and a team of ladies that will
Read MoreRemembrance Day SA Legion in UK
SA Legion UK Remembrance Day This year on 11 November for the very first time, the South African Legion UK formally marched in London and Glasgow to remember the fallen. Read more here.
Read More68th Anniversary of the Warsaw Flights – Saturday, 8th September 2012
68th ANNIVERSARY OF THE WARSAW FLIGHTS – Saturday, 8 September 2012 Tomorrow we will commemorate the 68th Anniversary of the heroic flights over Warsaw by South African and Allied airmen to drop supplies to the Polish Home Army and civilian population of Warsaw, at that time locked in a mortal struggle for freedom. Details of
Read MoreDonation of Aeroshell W120 for the Griffons
The South African Air Force Museum and the Crew of 1722 take the opportunity of thanking Mr Freddi Stafford of SOS Oil for the desperately needed generous donation of a drum of Aeroshell W120 oil for our four hungry Rolls Royce Griffon 57A’s.
Read More80 ANS Anniversary
“Peritia Per Scientiam” (Skills Through Knowledge) Today, 60 years ago, 80 Air Navigation School was founded at Air Force Station Langebaanweg. A new exhibition has been mounted by 80 ANS in the Museum and will be unofficially opened this afternoon at the Museum at 16H00B. There is a reunion of 80 ANS members who will
Read MoreExhibition – Not My War
Exhibition: Not My War Artist: Wayne Barker, Christo Doherty, Paul Emmanuel, John Liebenberg, Jo Ractliffe, Colin Richards, Chad Rossouw, Penny Siopis, Christopher Swift and Gavin Younge Date: 29 Jun 2012 – 25 Jul 2012 Venue: Michaelis Galleries The Michaelis Galleries and the Gordon Institute for Creative and Performing Arts (GIPCA) present Not My War,
Read MoreAppointment Of New Chief Of The South African Air Force
C SANDF has pleasure in announcing the appointment of Major General Fabian Zimpande (ZAKES) Msimang as the new Chief of the South Africa Air Force with effect from 01 October 2012. Maj Gen Msimang intergrated into the South African National Defence Force in 1994 after the first democratic Elections as a qualified pilot on the
Read MoreShackleton MR.3 Engine Run
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfo8iBeAdZ0 Video courtesy of Hilton Mundy, Short Final TV
Read MoreTAF Skimmerfoil arrives in Port Elizabeth
On Wednesday 4th July 2007 an unusual new exhibit arrived on a flatbed at the SAAF Museum in Port Elizabeth. The Skimmerfoil Jörg IV is an extremely interesting craft which brought a uniquely new dimension to the Museum. The TAF (Tandem Airfoil Flareboat) Skimmerfoil is referred to as a WIG (wings into ground) craft. Its
Read MoreSunset Call – Tom Cockbain
It is with sadness that we have to report the passing away of Tom Cockbain on 24 May 2012 at the age of 94. The funeral service details are as follows: Thursday 31st,May 15h00 hrs. Settlers Park Retirement Village in Don Prowess Hall Port Alfred. Our Condolences goes to the family and friends.
Read MoreSpitfire Replica Project
SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK-IX PROJECT By Rob Tribelhorn – Project Leader A full size scale model of the WW2 Supermarine Spitfire MK-IV fighter is being constructed in the Bellman Hangar. In about March 2010 the former curator of the Museum, Lt. Col. Tinus Janse van Rensburg initiated building a full size Supermarine Spitfire and asked me
Read MoreBofors Ant-Aircraft Gun – PE
The restoration of a WW2 40mm Mk 1 Anti-Aircraft field gun is taking place in the Parachute loft. Permission to visit this work in progress must be obtained and guided by a staff member. The Bofors gun is an anti-aircraft autocannon designed by the Swedish defense firm Bofors. It was the most popular medium-weight anti-aircraft
Read MoreAirspeed Oxford Restoration
By Paul Stringer When Airspeed Oxford G-AITF (ED290) arrived at the SAAF Museum in Port Elizabeth, it was hoped that with assistance from the SAAF and interested local commercial sponsors, the aircraft might be put back into the air – or at the very least into a taxi-able condition. [scrollGallery id=2] The engines were
Read MoreBy: The German Aces Speak – Book Review » Armchair General
[…] in their introduction, talk about having originally conducted these interviews for publication in Aviation History, World War II and Military History magazines. (These are partner publications of Armchair […]
Read More6832 Restoration Committee
The Friends of the South African Air Force Museum, Ysterplaat, have appointed the following committee to manage the Friends involvement in the restoration of C-47 6832: David Owen Smith (Chair) Michelle Viljoen (Secretary) John Coutts (Treasurer) Norman Tinkler Darrell Ackermann Peter Elrick Campbell Lyons Bernard Schaffer Reggi Leader Kirk Kinnear Project 6832 is a Friends
Read MoreTragedy at Kufra
By J J M Coetzee Member of the ground staff of 15 Squadron from November 1941 to May 1944 (Unless indicated otherwise, photographs are author’s own) Re-Published with Kind Permission of the South African Military History Society In the annals of war, great campaigns and battles are often reduced to a few paragraphs, or,
Read MoreSouth Africa’s oldest paratrooper
Bloemfontein- The oldest still-serving member of South Africa’s elite paratroops, Major Hans Human, has been a paratrooper all his life, whether as a National Serviceman or a member of the Reserve Force. He’s been jumping out of aeroplanes for more than 47 years. Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/305317#ixzz1nsezUykE
Read MoreBeaufighter KV-930 of 19 Squadron based at Biferno, Italy
QUESTION: Dear Sir or Madam, I research to find any information about the following crashed-ditched. 0n 12 September 1944 a Beaufighter KV-930 of 19 (SAAF)Squadron,crashed near to the shore of Ithaki Island (Greece).Both crew members survived the crash. My interest is in discovering further information.Any details that you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Read MoreSchoongezicht Vampire Forced Landing
QUESTION I am seeking information on a vampire that forced landed after a flame out. Unfortunately I do not have exact detail except that this event took place approximately July 1959 whilst operating from AFS Langebaanweg. It would be greatly appreciated if you could help in any way. ANSWER The incident you’re referring to
Read MoreCT Friends February Meeting
Dear Friends You are cordially invited to the February meeting of the Cape Town Friends on Monday, 6 February 2012 at 19.00 for 19.30 hrs. in the Tunnel. Our guest speaker (health permitting) will be Mr Victor Martin, who will give a talk on his wartime experiences with the SAAF, Vic flew with 2
Read More“A Day in the Life of … Freddie Coates”
This online exhibition features images and experiences of various members of the SAAF and RAF. Frederick George Coates was born in Enfield, Middlesex, England on 14th March 1920. His brother Albert joined the Royal and Merchant Navies and was on HMS Southampton when it was bombed. He had a little sister Olive who died
Read More“A Day in the Life of … Joe Joubert”
This online exhibition features images and experiences of various members of the SAAF and RAF and RAAF. Joe Joubert flew as a navigator in the Berlin Airlift. On the 9th July 1949 he and the radio operator were ordered to jettison 63 sacks of coal as the aircraft could not gain height in a
Read MoreWings and Wheels DVD – “In the Jumpseat”
Have you ever wanted to fly, wondered how aerobatic teams prepare their displays, thought about how many crew it takes to pilot a helicopter or dreamed of breaking the sound barrier in a fighter jet? Well, now you can! In this documentary, filmed over four days at the Wings and Wheels Airshow at Air Force
Read MoreWings and Wheels 2011 Air Show Participants
PROVISIONAL AIR SHOW PROGRAM AFB YSTERPLAAT WINGS & WHEELS SHOW 09 & 10 DECEMBER 2011 Air Show Helpline Number: 021 508 6414 JET PROVOST FLYING DISPLAY L39 FLYING DISPLAY L39 FLYING DISPLAY 2 X MX2 FLYING DISPLAY 4 X HARVARD FLYING DISPLAY P51 MUSTANG FLYING DISPLAY SEA FURY FLYING DISPLAY YAK 55 FLYING DISPLAY PITTS
Read MoreAFB Ysterplaat Timeline
1941 – 1945 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 Brooklyn Air Station established on
Read MoreAFB Ysterplaat – 70 Years of Aviation Excellence – Part Two
HISTORY AND LOCATION OF AFB YSTERPLAAT PART II The History of Ysterplaat 1810 – 1941 (The Early Years) (View Part One Here) To a certain extent it is not known precisely when aviators started using Ysterplaat as a landing field, but it is interesting to know some of the background to what we know as
Read MoreSAAF Air Capability Demonstration, 01 September 2011
On the first of September the SAAF held its second bi-annual air capability demonstration at Roodewal bombing range. After an early morning welcome briefing at AFB Waterkloof, invited VIP’s and guests were flown to Polokwane International Airport, and then driven by bus the further half hour to the site in the Limpopo province. Further comprehensive
Read MoreRoyal Air Force Officers’ Club (RAFOC) Lunch – 7th October
Royal Air Force Officers’ Club (RAFOC) Lunch Friday 7 October By Gordon Dyne Members of RAFOC are reminded that this coming Friday 7 October sees the monthly ‘get together’ of many of the ‘crème de la crème’ members past and present from the SAAF, RAF, RRAF,SAA, SAS, French Foreign Legion and countless other military organisations.
Read MoreWings and Wheels 2011 Airshow
Ysterplaat Air Show incorporating Wings and Wheels Air Show Helpline Number: 021 508 6414 Click for further information!
Read MoreHeritage Day 2011
A number of events were held at the Cape Town Museum on HeritageDay, 24th September 2011. These events included Archery, and Tug-of-War competitions, followed by a ‘braai.’ To celebrate Johan Ackerman’s birthday he was presented with a model of a Grippen by the Youth Development Programme Team. The winning team “The Fabulous Four” received a
Read MoreThe Fallen
Image by Anton Crone In the last Great War, South Africa committed 120,000 soldiers to the battlefields of North Africa & Europe. 11,900 soldiers did not return. The Fallen is a 60-second war film by South African director Bauke Brouwer. Set during the Second World War, the production has been chosen as a finalist for
Read MoreDave Henderson – Aircraft Enthusiast and Modeller
Christopher David Henderson known as Dave 16.8.1952 – 26.12.2010 Written by his wife, Alison Henderson Dave was born in Omagh, Northern Ireland and moved to Nairobi, Kenya when he was two years old as his father had joined the Kenyan Police after leaving the army . From a very young age, Dave was an airplane
Read More12th Reunion of Pelican 16
The 12th reunion of the survivors of Pelican 16 took place at the Blue Peter Hotel in Blaauwberg Strand on the evening of 13 July 2006. The Blue Peter Hotel has become a significant contributor to the SAAF Museum, and in this instance, the spread of Moroccan food, the decor in the dining room as
Read MoreThe Search for Puma 164 – A Book Launch
and Invite you to a book launchwith authors Neill Jackson and Rick van Malsen in attendance to sign books Venue: Dickie Fritz Shellhole, Dickie Fritz Avenue, Dowerglen, Edenvale Date: Saturday, 27th August 2011 Time: 13:30 RSVP: office@30degreessouth.co.za . The Search for Puma 164 Operation Uric and the assault on Mapai . The battle for Mapai
Read MoreWarrant Officer Mykes James Patric Boyd
WARRANT OFFICER MYLES JAMES PATRIC BOYD 13.12.1938 – 10.08.2011 Pat was born in Brakpan South Africa and was educated at Nottingham Road Boarding School in the Midlands of Natal, some 65Km west of Pietermaritsburg. Joining the South African Air Force in 1955, he underwent Basic Training at the newly created Air Force Gymnasium
Read MoreAFB Ysterplaat – 70 Years of Aviation Excellence – Part One: Introduction
HISTORY AND LOCATION OF AFB YSTERPLAAT Introduction to flight in South Africa The dream of flight was long given hopeful expression in the mythology of the ancient civilisations and indeed the great Leonardo de Vinci also saw the possibility of flight and drew it on paper centuries before it became reality. And when flight
Read MoreObituary – WO2 Kevin Furness
Kev Furness 1951 – 2011 Kevin was born on 05 November 1951, 11 months after his brother Alan at Shabani in Rhodesia, who both eventually lived in Salisbury. After they left high school Kevin went first of all into the British South Africa Police in Harare and then into the Rhodesian Air Force in the
Read MoreMemorial to World War 2 SAAF airmen unveiled in Sofia
Article reprinted with kind permission – The Author Clive Leviev-Sawyer Seven South African Air Force fliers who died in June 1944 after being shot down during a bombing mission, and who are buried in the Commonwealth War Graves section of Sofia Cemetery, now have a plaque commemorating them at the South African embassy. The plaque
Read MoreYouth Day, 16th June 2011
The Cadets were treated to a special day on Youth Day, Thursday 16 June 2011 at the SAAF Museum, to honour them for all their achievements and to celebrate the day. Unfortunately the weather did not play along, but they did manage some outdoor activities when the rain eased, scampering back indoors when the rain
Read MoreDave Becker – Author, Photographer and Historian
Our condolences to the family of Dave Becker, Aviation Photographer, Author and Historian who passed away yesterday.
Read MoreYouth Development Program
The Young Falcons came to the Museum for an aircraft recognition course with Chris Teale and the Youth Development Program joined them. The YDP took the Young Falcons of a tour through the Museum as well as a tour to Hanger 4. It was great for finally met some of the Young Falcons who we
Read MoreKH158 – Update
On Sunday 15th May a memorial plaque for the 12th October 1944 missing in action crew of Liberator KH158 of 31 Squadron SAAF was unveiled, in a ceremony high in the Ligurian part of the Apennine mountains, ENE of Genoa, Italy. The plaque is in place on an old “round house” wall in the grounds
Read More32 Squadron Badge found in POW camp in Singapore?
Tigers in the Park The Adam Park Project (TAPP) is a ground breaking battlefield archaeology project looking into the wartime heritage of the Adam Park housing estate in Singapore. It is headed up by the Singapore Heritage Society and the National University of Singapore and partly sponsored by the National Heritage Board of Singapore. The
Read MoreRooivalk stars at Air Capability Demo
The recently upgraded and redelivered Rooivalk attack helicopter participated in the simulated operational exercise during the Air Capability Demonstration held by the SAAF at the Roodewal weapons range today. The Air Capability Demonstration (ACD) is normally held twice a year in which the SAAF is able to demonstrate its operational capabilities, including co-operation with the
Read MoreMajor General Msimang and the Youth Development Program
(All images by Alan Wienburg) On Saturday 02 April 2011, Major General Msimang, Chief Director: Policy & Planning from the SAAF Air Command visited the SA Air Force Museum Youth Development Program participants. He has a great enthusiasm for young people and he greeted and introduced himself to each and every youngster present. He gave
Read MoreSAAF to hold Air Capability Demonstration
SAAF to hold Air Capability Demonstration The South African Air Force will mark the return of the Rooivalk attack helicopter in style when it hosts an Air Capability Demonstration (ACD) next week. The first of the bi-annual exercises will be held at the Roodewal weapons range on Thursday 12 May 2011. The Rooivalk has undergone
Read MoreFriends Meeting Monday, 9th May 2011
Dear Friends You are cordially invited to the April meeting of the Cape Town Friends on Monday, 9 May 2011 at 19.00 for 19.30 hrs. Our quest speaker will be WO1 Chris Pedler, Chief Flight Engineer 35 Squadron. I think you will find his talk more than fascinating. He has agreed to talk about his
Read MoreSAAFA Cape Town Notice
SAAFA Lunch Arrangements – Officers’ Mess, Ysterplaat. Our next Lunch will be on 12th April 2011, and will be held at the Officers Mess, Ysterplaat. NOTE WELL! Please book as early as possible so as to allow Juliana to finalise arrangements in good time with the Mess. Date: Tuesday 12th April 2011 Lunch: 12h30 for 13h00
Read MoreWings Parade, AFB Langebaanweg, 24th March 2011
Wings Parade, AFB Langebaanweg 24th March 2011 Irene McCullagh attended the Wings Parade held at AFB Langebaanweg on 21st March for the student pilots, course 114/11 (13 in total). It was also the official introduction of the Silver Falcons Team 71 Outgoing leader Maj Scott Ternent handed over to new Number 1 Capt Roy Sproul
Read MoreProject Dreamwings
In 1984 Arthur was sent to 3 Squadron at AFB Waterkloof to fly Mirages. Since seeing a Mirage F1 at an airshow in 1971, he had always wanted to fly Mirages. In 1987 Arthur’s aircraft was hit in the tail area by an air-to-air missile during a dogfight with a Mig 23. He brought his
Read MoreThe Shackleton in the SAAF
And what is it then that this old “grey lady” does to all who come into contact with her? It defies logic, even the men who fly and maintain her are also tightly bound within that intrinsic aura that surrounds Pelican 22. The aircraft has a long and illustrious history. The Shackleton was born due
Read MoreMuseum wins prestigious award
SAAF Museum wins prestigious award By Dean Wingrin The Air Force Prestige Support Unit of the Year for 2010 has been awarded to the SAAF Museum, head-quartered at Zwartkop airfield near Centurion. The aim of the SAAF annual awards competition is to give recognition to those SAAF units and personnel who have achieved the best
Read MoreSwellendam Airshow
SWELLENDAM AIR SHOW – 5 MARCH 2011 Airshow flyer email final Gates open at 8.00 am Air show – 10 am – 4.00 pm The year’s first and the Cape’s largest air show will be hosted at the Swellendam air field on 5 March 2011. The air in the Overberg area will be alive with dozens
Read MoreNew Photographer
New Photographer Appointed Irene McCullagh has joined the website team to bring you more aviation heritage news and images. Irene’s superb images will greatly assist in bringing more news to our visitors.
Read MoreArthur D. Piercy – 27th September 1987
It was approximately 1500B (local) on 27th September 1987 when all hell broke loose. There had been numerous call-outs previously which proved to be nothing at all, so when the “hot-line” started ringing there was very little reaction from us. However this time the call wasn’t to go on cockpit standby like before, but rather
Read More“Pottie” Potgieter has a visitor
WO R.G. (Jock) Smail (RAF) was one of the engineers who came out with the Shackleton delivery flight. He then joined 35 Squadron SAAF, and was Pottie’s mentor on the “Shack.” Denise dos Santos is Jock Smail’s daughter.
Read MoreMuseum Aircraft Cockpit Images
As part of a project to document the aircraft of the SAAF Museum, we have created a Gallery to show the various cockpits of these aircraft. All submissions will be welcome, and we are interested in older images as well. [dmalbum path=”/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/museum-aircraft-cockpits/”/]
Read MoreMach Plus Club Function
MACH PLUS CLUB FUNCTION!! 01 APRIL 2011 IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE SAAF MACH PLUS CLUB PLEASE CONTACT 2LT NTSANE ON 012 312 1033 OR machplusclub@gmail.com TO VERIFY YOUR DETAILS Kindly inform other Mach Plus Members of the event and ask them to provide their details to ensure a complete guest list
Read More2 ASU wins Air Force Prestige Unit Award
2 ASU does it again! Date: 28 January 2011 For the third successive year, the Air Force Prestige Unit of the year for 2010 has been awarded to 2 Air Servicing Unit, head-quartered at AFB Langebaanweg. The aim of the SAAF annual awards competition is to give recognition to those SAAF units and personnel who
Read MoreMuseum Volunteers attend Fire Briefing
The volunteers at the AFB Ysterplaat branch of the museum attended a full morning’s briefing by WO2 Mark Howell. The Museum Volunteers were divided into two groups, and the briefings will be repeated on the last Saturday of each month. The session started at the Fire and Rescue Section’s briefing room, where WO2 Mark Howell
Read MoreAir Force Day Parade
The annual Air Force Day Parade took place on Friday 28 January 2011 at Swartkop. The Air Force Day parade is held every year, on or near to the 1st February, which was the day the SAAF was established in 1920.
Read MoreMystery Evening at the Museum
A Mystery Night at the Museum Join the Friends of the SAAF Museum for an evening of fun and intrigue and help us hunt for the ghost of the Museum. Bring your family and friends along to help solve the mystery while also learning about the colourful history of the South African Air Force. Teams
Read MoreSkeleton Coast Hero
Hail the modest hero of the merciless Skeleton Coast! In a retirement community in Potchefstroom a real South African hero died, almost unsung in his own country. AT the age of 83 Immins Overbeek Naude succumbed to a double onslaught of asthma and angina. He probably wasn’t unhappy, because he had cheated death 52 years
Read MoreThe Saaf and the Warsaw Flights
(This article was first published on 24 September 2008, by Anne Lehmkuhl) THE SAAF AND WARSAW Earlier this month, I was blessed to attend a very special remembrance day – that for the brave young men of the South African Air Force who flew to the aid of Polish citizens in Warsaw during World War
Read MoreThe Flight to Fetch a Fish – coelacanth C-47 6832
On December 21st, 1938, a strange fish was caught off the East London coast. Professor J. L. B. Smith was fascinated by this fish, identified as a coelacanth. This fish was thought to have been extinct for over two hundred million years. (NOTE: Travel here for a full version of this story…) Excited at
Read MoreThe Catalinas of Lake St Lucia
THE CATALINAS OF LAKE St LUCIA By Jeff Gaisford Jeff Gaisford is currently Media Officer for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. He has a deep interest in the flying doats which operated in Zululand and this led to the writing of this article. It first appeared in World Air News and is reprinted here with kind permission.
Read MoreSunderlands of Lake Umsingazi
THE SUNDERLAND FLYING BOATS OF LAKE UMSINGAZI By Jeff Gaisford Jeff Gaisford has a deep interest in the flying doats which operated in Zululand and this led to the writing of this article. It first appeared in World Air News and is reprinted here with kind permission. 262 Squadron RAF used Catalina Bay at the
Read MorePreliminary Year Events
Preliminary Year Planner 2011 Date Day Event 13th January Meeting 28th January Friday Airforce Day 3rd February Meeting 5th February Flying Training 12th/13th February SA Model Jets Night At The Museum Thursday SAAF Museum Council Meeting 3rd March AGM and Braai 5th March Flying Training 2nd April Flying Training 7th April Meeting 22nd April Friday
Read MoreWestland Wasp HAS. Mk1
Wasp #93 and website author at AFB Ysterplaat in 2002. He served on the SAS President Kruger, which operated Wasp helicopters in an anti-submarine role. Taken by the website author in 1981 from the helicopter deck of the SA Navy Flagship SAS President Kruger, SAS President Pretorius and WASP HAS. MK1 operate south of Cape
Read MoreCorporal Chloe
(Article by Chris Teale, Images by Irene McCullagh – Article originally appeared in All About Cats magazine in December 2010) The armed forces of the world since time immemorial have always seemed to have an affinity with various animals both wild and domestic. They seem to cheerfully join the ranks and fit in with the
Read MoreSikorsky S55 Whirlwind (HAS 22)
The S-55 was introduced into the SAAF in 1956, with further airframes arriving in 1956 and 1957. These were assembled at Ysterplaat, and joined an S-51 as the Helicopter flight at AFS Langebaanweg. This flight was later re-established as 17SQN. WV 224 HISTORY 1953 – Built by Kaiser Corporation and delivered to Sikorsky on
Read MoreThomas Roberts Millar
Flying Officer Thomas Robert Millar, RAAF AWARDS : 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45. Polish Home Army Medal 1939-1945; Warsaw Insurgents Cross 1944. COMMEMORATION : Panel 16, Col 1 of the Malta War Memorial, Malta. Bob was born in Narromine NSW, Australia, and educated in Sydney becoming Dux
Read MoreMustang P-51D-20NA
Serial Number 44-72202 was delivered to the USAAF in September 1945 12/21/46: Delivered RSwAF 26112 F4, later F16 1952 Dec: Delivered Dominican AF FAD 1917 1984: (Johnson Av.) 1987: SAAF Historic Flight -restoration 1993: SAAF Museum -restoration 1998: Flying again as SAAF 325 2001: suffered a wheels up landing (repairs began) The airframe was acquired
Read MoreAeromacchi Atlas MB326M Impala Mark I and Mark II
An Italian design, the South African versions are known as Impalas. The dual seat prototype first flew in 1957, with the single seat version’s first flight occurring in 1970. The power plant is a Rolls Royce Viper Mk 540 turbojet offering 1547kg’s of static thrust. The principal dimensions include a wingspan of 10,56 metres, a
Read MoreNorth American Harvard
The first prototype flew in 1937, the T6G had a top speed of 341 kmh at sea level with an operational ceiling of 6500m. A batch of 9 Mk I’s were delivered between 1940 and 1942, and the SAAF took delivery of their first batch of Harvard Mk II’s in 1942, with deliveries continuing until
Read MoreSuper Frelon 321L
The first prototype flew on December 7th, 1962, and the first production model flew on November 11th, 1965. This French aircraft was powered by three Turbomeca Turmo IIIC turbo shaft engines rated at 1320 shp (985Kw) each. The fuselage is 19.4 metres and the rotor diameter is 18.9 metres. The gross mass is 13 000
Read MoreFieseler Fi 156 Storch
The first prototype flew in 1936, and the aircraft became one of the greatest recconaissance aircraft of all time. Powered by an Argus AS 10-C eight cylinder air-cooled piston engine of 176 kW, the aircraft has a wingspan of 14.22 meters, a height of 3 meters and a length of 10 meters. The maximum speed
Read MoreDASSAULT-BREGUET MIRAGE F.1, Mirage III, 111EZ, AND 111CZ
The first production F.1 flew in 1973, with South Africa receiving it’s first delivery in 1975. Powered by a Snecma-Atar 09k-50 turbojet rated at 5035 kg (7166 kg on afterburner) the Mirage is capable of Mach 2.2 The length is 15 meters, the height is 4.5 meters and the wingspan is 8.4 meters.
Read MoreC-47 6832 Accident Summary (The coelacanth Dakota)
DOUGLAS C-47 DAKOTA 6832 (Reprinted by kind permission of Clinton Barnard – Aviation & Safety Magazine) NOTE: This is the same aircraft that was involved in the coelacanth flight in December 1952 Occurrence Date: 26 January 1966 Aircraft Involved: one Douglas C-47A Dakota Mk III NAV (serial 6832) Aircrew & Aircraft Home Unit: Station Flight,
Read MoreDouglas C-47 Dakota
The C47 prototype first flew in 1935. One of the most famous aircraft of all time, the ‘Dakota’ was powered with two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 radial piston engines of 1200 hp (882 kw) With a length of 19,66 meters, height of 5,16 meters and wingspan of 28,96 meters. The maximum speed at sea level
Read MoreDenel Cheetah
The Atlas (later Denel) Cheetah was built as an upgrade of the Dassault Mirage III, and served between 1986 and 2008. There were three variants, the dual seat Cheetah D, and the single seat E and C. The Cheetah was replaced by the SAAB Gripens. The Cheetah is 15.5 m in length, with a wingspan
Read MoreEnglish Electric Canberra
The English Electric Canberra T.4 flew in June 1952, and the B(I)8 in 1955. No 12 Squadron operated both versions, and the first delivery to South Africa took place in 1963. Powered by two Rolls Royce Avon 101 turbojets of 2954 kg (T4) and two Rolls Royce Avon 109 turbojets of 3357 kg in the
Read MoreHawker Siddeley Buccaneer
The first Buccaneer S Mk2 flew in 1963. Powered by two Rolls Royce RB.168-1A Spey Mk 101 turbofans of 5035 kg thrust and generating a top speed of 1038 k/mh. The range was 3700 km. The wingspan is 13.4 metres, height is 4.95 metres and length is 19.33 metres.
Read More40mm Bofor Anti Aircraft Gun
A decision was taken to restore the gun by the Friends of the S.A.A.F. Museum and a dedicated work party of volunteers committed themselves to the task. A cost analysis was compiled for the necessary sundries and restoration commenced in early 2002. Each Saturday the team met and “the gun” as she became known, was
Read MorePiaggio P166 Albatross
The first flight of the P166S took place in October 1968, and South Africa’s order of 20 began arriving in 1969. Powered by two Piaggio-Lycoming GSO-480-B1C6 six cylinder engines of 254 kW, the Albatross had a maximum speed of 357 km/h and a range of 1930 km.
Read MoreDakota 75 Anniversary
Dakota 75 Anniversary The maiden flight of the Douglas DC-3 took place on 17th December 1935. In 2010 her 75th anniversary was celebrated all over the globe and locally a special function was hosted by Capt. Flippie Vermeulen at Rand Airport. Flippie Vermeulen, veteran SAA pilot for 41 years with over 23,500 hours under his
Read MoreReconnaissance Car (Marmon Herrington)
Reconnaissance Car (Marmon Herrington) The South African Reconnaissance Car, also known as the Marmon-Herrington Armoured Car, was produced in South Africa during the Second World War. Initiated in 1938 by the South African Government, the first version was based on a Ford 3 ton chassis, imported from Canada, and fitted with a four wheel drive
Read MoreBattle of Britain
Battle of Britain – Adler Tag The Exhibition was held to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and was based on the personal experiences of Survivors of The Battle. In particular, two survivors were on hand to give first hand accounts of what the experience was like. They explained what is was
Read MoreAvro Shackleton
A descendant of the Lancaster, the Shackleton is an experience to see and hear. Often described in terms far from complimentary, the Shackleton is a marvelous aircraft, and to be involved in assisting in the protection and upkeep of this important piece of aviation history, this “Katherine Hepburn” of the skies, is a remarkable privilege.
Read MoreFather of the SAAF
GENERAL SIR HESPERUS ANDRIAS (PIERRE) VAN RYNEVELD, KBE CB, DSO AND MC Van Ryneveld was born on 2 May 1891 at Senekal in the Orange Free State. After matriculating at Grey College School in Bloemfontein he trained as engineer in London. In July 1915 he joined the Royal Flying Corps (forerunner of the RAF), and
Read MoreKorean War 60th Anniversary
Dean Wingrin conducted a series of interviews for the Anniversary: A veteran of the Berlin Airlift, Joe flew the P-51D Mustang during the Korean War. Joe was the only SAAF pilot to reach 175 combat missions, achieved during two combat tours. He was also the only recipient to receive the Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu
Read MoreQ&A – 21 Squadron East African Operations
Comments: I have a request for information relating to 21 Squadron SAAF that operated in East Africa during WW2 (1941-43?) On a visit to Kenya earlier in the year I visited the CWG Cemetery at Gilgil and noticed one of the graves bore the Jewish Star of David and was placed on the resting place
Read MorePelican 16
On the morning of July 13th 1994, the headline news read “SAAF Plane Down in Desert”. Avro Shackleton, number 1716 was one of eight four-engined maritime patrol aircraft commissioned by the South African Air Force in 1957. 1993 saw an ambitious plan to restore one of these decommissioned aircraft and turn it into a flying
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