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South African Air Force Squadrons in WWII
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Geoffrey Sinclair
Oct 19, 2017, 10:51:41 AM10/19/17
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South Africa originally restricted its forces to operating within
Africa only. It also had to cope with the U-boat threat in the
South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
The air fighting in and around Ethiopia, the East African
Campaign, in 1940/41 would be using many aircraft that
looked like they were out of WWI.
Three RAF squadrons were redesignated SAAF during the war.
Dates,
Italy declares war on France and Britain effective 11 June 1940
29 November 1941 the last Italian troops in East Africa surrender.
13 May 1943 axis forces in North Africa surrender.
Sicily invaded 10 July, resistance ceases 18 August.
Italy invaded 3 September 1943.
The SAAF used 35 squadron numbers of which 31 were active
at nominal peak strength. The single pre war squadron was
joined by a second in January 1940, 4 more squadrons formed
in May 1940 then a steady expansion to 15 in mid 1941. Active
squadrons declined to 13 in November 1941 then a steady
expansion to 22 in September 1942, generally 24 to 26 active
squadrons from the end of 1942 to April 1944 when the final
expansion began that pushed the active squadrons to 31 by
September, then back down to 29 in January 1945.
7 squadrons never left South Africa, 6, 13, 23, 29, 35, 43 and
61, plus the first incarnation of 10 squadron.
The extension of the U-boat campaign to the South Atlantic
and Indian Oceans can be seen in the formation of 7 General
Reconnaissance squadrons, mostly with Lockheed Venturas,
February to October 1942. Then charting the changes in the
U-boat campaign when those squadrons moved or changed
missions.
By the start of 1941 the SAAF was in East Africa except for
2 squadrons that stayed in South Africa all war. While the
commitment was mainly wound down in mid 1941 the last
SAAF squadron left East Africa in March 1943.
The first SAAF squadrons arrived in North Africa/Middle
East in April 1941 and by early 1942 that is where about
two thirds of the SAAF squadrons were operating. The
U-boat threat meant for around the period August 1942
to March 1943 the SAAF was split about 50:50 between
North and South Africa. Over the course of 1943 and
1944 the proportion of SAAF squadrons in South Africa
declined to a third then a tenth of total strength.
With the invasions of Sicily then Italy about half of the
SAAF squadrons in the Middle East command went to
Italy, the others stayed in North Africa, a situation that
persisted until June 1944, at 11 squadrons apiece,
by December it was 19 Italy, 6 North Africa.
In February 1945 the SAAF active squadrons were
deployed, 4 in North, 4 in South and 1 in West Africa,
20 in Italy.
My classification of the squadrons is,
Fighter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10
Army Co-operation to fighter 11, 40, 41
Army Co-operation 13, 43
General Reconnaissance 6, 17, 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, 35
General Reconnaissance to Bomber 25
Bomber 12, 15, 21, 24, 30, 31, 34
Bomber to Anti Shipping, 16
Anti Shipping 19
Transport 28, 44
Reconnaissance 60
Communications 61
So the squadrons,
1 squadron, formed 14 January 1939 in South Africa, in May
1940 it had 3 flights of Hawker Hurricanes and Furies. Moved to
Kenya in June and moved around various airfields. In October
part of the squadron was used to form 2 squadron. In November
1 squadron was in the Sudan with the Furies replaced by Gloster
Gladiators and Gauntlets.
In March 1941 the squadron was operating Hurricanes only, in April
it was in Egypt, initially the defence of Alexandria. Thereafter it
participated in the North Africa fighting, moving as the front line
changed. In November 1942 it moved from Hurricanes to
Spitfires.
In June 1943 it was detailed for service outside of Africa, the first
squadron so designated, receiving Spitfire IX to supplement the
Spitfire V it had. In Sicily in July, Italy in September, by November
it was a Spitfire VIII unit. Last entry is on 4 March 1945 with the
squadron at Ravenna.
2 squadron, started out as a detached flight of 1 squadron in
May 1940 with Hurricanes and Furies. Moved to Kenya on
8 June 1940, in July the flight was given some Gladiators.
On 8 October 2 squadron was officially formed, by November
the Gladiators had been removed, by February 1941 the
Hurricanes had been replaced by Gauntlets. Took part in the
fighting in Ethiopia etc.
Returned to South Africa on 25 April 1941, sent to Egypt in
May and equipped with Hurricanes. Tomahawks replaced
the Hurricanes in June. Moved from mainly defensive
operations in November 1941, thereafter moved with the
armies in North Africa. Converted to Kittyhawks in November
1942, by the end of the North African campaign the squadron
had claimed 105 kills.
Equipped with Spitfires in August 1943 and moved to Sicily,
then to Italy in September, last entry is 31 March 1945 at
Ravenna.
3 squadron, formed 9 September 1940 in South Africa with
Hurricanes, moved to Kenya in October, took part in the
fighting in East Africa, Gladiators added in March 1941,
at Addis Ababa in April, disbanded in September.
Reformed in South Africa in December 1942 with Hurricanes,
sent to Suez and Aden in January 1943, South Sudan in
April, Libya in May, Tunisia in August 1943. Italy in November
with continued missions as shipping protection. Spitfires
replaced Hurricanes in February 1944, thereafter more
ground force support, last entry 12 May 1945 at Udine.
4 Squadron, formed 24 March 1941 in South Africa, to Kenya
in May with Audax, Mohawk and Fury aircraft. To Egypt in
September and equipped with Tomahawks, Western Desert,
first operations 20 November. Thereafter moved with the front
line, re-equipped with Kittyhawks in May 1942, and Spitfires
in July 1943. To Sicily in August, Italy in September, last entry
March 1945 at Ravenna
5 Squadron formed 7 May 1941 in South Africa, no aircraft
until August, 6 light civil types assigned. Mohawks replaced
the civil types (which went to 61 squadron) in October, while
the pilots were flown to the Middle East, Harvards added in
November, Squadron sent to Egypt in December and became
part of the Middle East Pool. Pilots to OTU in January 1942,
the first casualty occurred on the 24th. Tomahawks assigned
in February, operations began on 2 March, 1st victory claimed
on the 5th, first pilot killed on operations on 3 April.
Thereafter moved with the army. Kittyhawks replaced the
Tomahawks in January 1943, To Sicily and Italy August
and September 1943 (rear partly still at Tripoli on 23
September). Re-equipped with Mustang III in September
1944. Last entry Lavariano (Udine) on 10 May 1945.
6 squadron, formed from about 23 February 1942 in South
Africa, Mohawks arrived in March, Ansons in May. Furies
replaced the Ansons in September, Battles and Masters
replaced the Mohawks in December. Disbanded 31 July
1943 while flying Wapati, Fury and Battle, squadron never
left South Africa.
7 squadron formed in January 1942 in South Africa with
Mohawks, in April the aircraft were given to 6 squadron
while 7 squadron went to the Middle East. Given Hurricane I
and used them on its first missions in July 1942, moved to
Hurricane II in July. In November doing night flying and given
Harvards during January 1943 to help night training. Stayed
in Libya until August 1943 when transferred to Egypt.
Re-equipped with Spitfires June/July 1943 at Derna, used
for the defence of Cos in September then Egypt.
To Italy in March 1944, in April Spitfire IX replaced the mark V.
Last entry 1 March 1945 at Ravenna.
8 8quadron not formed.
9 squadron formed in May 1944 in Egypt with Spitfires, defence
of Egypt, Syria and Cyprus, disbanded 31 January 1945.
10 squadron, formed April 1942 in South Africa with Harvards,
Mohawks added in May 1942 from 6 squadron. Conversion
to Kittyhawks started in June and by end July the Mohawks
and Harvards had been sent (back) to 6 squadron.
Fairey Battle and Hawker Audax added in October allowing
anti submarine patrols as well as training. Audax removed by
April 1943, squadron disbanded in May and June.
Squadron reformed on 25 May 1944 in Egypt with Spitfires
plus some Harvards for training, Harvards removed by July.
Defence of Egypt, to Italy 16 October 1944, disbanded on
the 31st.
11 squadron, formed in South Africa in May 1940 with Hawker
Hartbees, first SAAF squadron sent on active service with
flights in Kenya by end May, Took part in East Africa campaign,
Re-equipped with Fairey Battles in August, some Furies added
as a fighter detachment in February 1941, Furies replaced by
Ju86 by April, squadron disbanded 31 May 1941, personnel
used to form 15 and 21 squadrons.
Squadron reformed in Egypt in July 1944 with Spitfires, to Italy
in September, Kittyhawks replaced the Spitfires in November,
last entry 12 May 1945 at Udine.
12 squadron, formed May 1940 in South Africa with Ju86 (plus
some Ansons for a short time), to Kenya 23 May. East Africa
campaign, Martin Marylands added in March 1941, at Addis
Ababa in April, moved to Middle East in May flying Marylands.
Active service there from probably July 1941.
Converted to Douglas Bostons in January 1942, followed army
to Tunisia, to Malta July 1943, to Sicily/Italy August to October
1943, converted to Martin Marauder in December. Last entry
May 1945 at Jesi/Iesi.
13 squadron, formed 10 January 1940, in South Africa, Tiger
Moths added in March, replaced by Hartbees and Wapati in
July, Wapati removed in August. However by January 1941 it
was a pure Wapati unit. In February Hartbees and Furies
added, in March 1941 renamed 43 squadron, though 43
squadron suggests it was in April.
14 squadron not formed
15 squadron formed at Algato, East Africa in June 1941 with
Fairey Battles, from personnel of 11 squadron. End August
at Addis Ababa then Kenya in September, South Africa in
September. Converting to Marylands in December. Moved
to Middle East Command in February 1942 and given
Blenheims, Bisleys (or Blenheim V) added in May 1942.
Stayed in Egypt, with some detachments to eastern Libya
and Palestine, until August 1944, doing reconnaissance
and shipping patrols. Re-equipped with Baltimores in June
1943. To Italy in August 1944, part of 253 wing, 212 Group,
last entry May 1945 at Cesenatico.
16 squadron formed May 1941 at Addis Ababa, East Africa,
with Ju86 from 12 squadron and Marylands. Disbanded on
5 August.
Reformed in South Africa in February 1942, took part in
Madagascar operation from August 1942 with Beauforts,
apparently called 20 squadron while in Madagascar.
Marylands added in October, squadron converted to Bisley
in November. To East Africa in December for convoy
escort and anti submarine patrols. To Egypt in April 1943,
with the same duties, to western Libya in June and converted
to Beauforts. Converted to Beaufighter X in November, to
Italy on 10 August 1944, last entry 10 May 1945 at Biferno.
17 squadron formed 8 October 1942 in South Africa as
General Reconnaissance, Blenheim V in December 1942
To Aden in January 1943. To Egypt in May, re-equipped
with Ventura V in August, detachments to various parts
of the Mediterranean, squadron moved to Algeria in April
1944, last entry December 1944 at Bone.
18 squadron not formed.
19 squadron, from about March 1944 227 Beaufighter,
squadron RAF based in Libya, began conversion to
becoming a SAAF unit. Moved to Italy in August 1944
and renamed 19 squadron SAAF, last entry January 1945
at Biferno.
20 squadron not formed
21 squadron formed in Kenya (Nakuru) in May 1941 with
Marylands using personal from 11, 15 and 16 squadrons.
To Egypt in August 1941, began operations in September.
Thereafter moving with the front line, re-equipped with
Baltimores in February 1942.
To Malta then Sicily in August 1943, to Italy in October,
re-equipped with Marauder in July 1944, last entry June
1945 at Jesi/Iesi.
22 squadron formed 1 July 1942 in South Africa as General
Reconnaissance, number 31 flight renamed, using Anson
and Ju86. Re-equipped with Ventura from September, to
Gibraltar in July 1944 and re-equipped with PV.1 or in
other words Ventura. Last entry January 1945 at Gibraltar.
23 squadron formed 31 August 1942 from part of 37 flight
not sent to Madagascar. Never left South Africa, had
Ventura plus some Anson and Oxford at times. Last entry
December 1944 at Brooklyn.
24 squadron, formed as 14 squadron on 5 December 1940
in East Africa with Ju86 and Maryland, became 24 squadron
in January 1941 and sent to Kenya. To Egypt in April 1941,
with Marylands. Thereafter largely followed the front line.
Converted to Bostons in November 1941. To Malta July 1943,
Sicily in August, Italy in October, converted to Marauder
November/December 1943. To Egypt for operations in
eastern Mediterranean January 1944, to Italy 29 June 1944,
last entry May 1945 at Jesi/Iesi.
25 squadron formed 1 July 1942 in South Africa from 33 flight,
with Anson and Ventura. To Italy 17 July 1944 with Ventura,
re-equipped with Marauder October 1944 onwards, last entry
January 1945 at Biferno.
26 squadron formed 24 August 1942 in South Africa with Ventura.
To Takoradi, West Africa in July 1943 and re-equipped with
Wellingtons. Remained mainly at Takoradi on anti submarine
patrols. Last entry February 1945 at Waterloo, Ikeja and Takoradi.
27 squadron formed 24 August 1942 in South Africa with Ventura
and Anson. To Oran, Algeria in June 1944 with Ventura, disbanded
in November 1944.
Last entry March 1945 reformed at Gianaclis with Wellington and
Warwick.
28 squadron formed June 1943 in Egypt from number 34 and 35
flights for transport duties with, from July, Anson, Wellington and
Dakota. Main base moved to Tripoli in Libya in July, with many
detachments to other bases. Wellingtons removed by January 1944,
Ansons by end April 1944. Main base moved to Algiers, Algeria in
June 1944. Last entry February 1945 at Maison Blanche.
29 squadron formed 21 April 1943 in South Africa in June 1943
doing convoy escort with Ventura and Anson, became 29
Operational Training Unit on 15 November 1943, became 29
squadron again on 21 June 1944 with Oxford (until 29 July) and
Ventura. Remained in South Africa, last entry March 1945 at
M'tubatuba.
30 squadron, from April 1944 223 RAF squadron in Italy with
Baltimore V, began conversion to a SAAF squadron, officially
renamed 30 squadron SAAF on 12 August 1944 and
re-equipped with Marauder. Last entry May 1945 at Jesi/Iesi.
31 squadron formed in South Africa in January 1944, to Egypt
in February, equipped with Liberators in April. To Italy on 16
June 1944, under 2 South Africa Wing, RAF 205 Group.
Supply drops over Warsaw in August cost 7 aircraft. Last
entry in February 1945 at Celone.
32 and 33 squadrons not formed.
34 squadron formed Egypt on 14 April 1944, equipped with
Liberators in June, to Italy in July. Last entry February 1945 at
Celone.
35 squadron, from November 1943 262 squadron RAF in
South Africa with Consolidated Catalina began conversion to
SAAF, became 35 squadron SAAF in February 1945. Last
entry April 1945 at Congella, Lengebaan and Umsingazi
reporting the arrival of the first Short Sunderlands on the 24th.
36 to 39 squadrons not formed.
40 squadron formed May 1940 in South Africa with Hawker
Hartbees as army co-operation. To Kenya in June, Tiger
Moths added but replaced by Furies in July. First sorties
were from Durban to intercept two Italian boats. East African
campaign with mostly Hartbees but some Furies. Most
Hartbees transferred to 41 squadron 2 June 1941. To South
Africa September 1941, to Middle East December 1941.
In March 1942 operating in Western Desert with Tomahawk
and Hurricane and commenced following the front line.
Tomahawks removed by November, Spitfires added in
March 1943, last Hurricanes removed in May. To Malta
18 June, to Sicily 14 July, to Italy September/October 1943.
Last entry Mordendorf, Austria 27 May 1945.
41 squadron formed 16 October 1940 in South Africa with
Hawker Hartbees. To Kenya 30 October. East African
campaign, at Addis Ababa May 1941. In Kenya in April
1942. Blenheims and Hurricanes added by September,
Hartbees removed by November. Blenheims removed by
February 1943. To Egypt 16 March 1943, defence of
Tobruk July 1943. Egypt February 1944 and Spitfires
added, Hurricanes removed by April, detachments to
Syria and Cyprus, disbanded 30 October 1944.
42 squadron not formed.
43 squadron formed South Africa 15 April 1941, being 13
squadron renamed, with Fury, Hartbees and Hind, the Hind
were removed in June, the Fury in September while Wapati,
CR.42 and Tutor were added.
In January 1942 it was Fury, Hartbees and Mohawk, by May
the Mohawk had gone. By November aircraft were Audax
and Battle. In July 1943, Maryland, Hartbees and Hind.
Sent to Egypt. Renamed 44 squadron in March 1944.
44 squadron, 43 squadron renamed on 11 March 1944
first aircraft arrived 27 April, equipped with Dakotas.
Detachments to various parts of Africa. One detachment
to Bari in Italy in December dropped supplies to partisans.
To Bari in February 1945, final entry March 1945 at Bari
with detachments at Khartoum, Aden and Athens.
45 to 59 squadrons not formed.
60 squadron formed June 1940 in South Africa with 2
Airspeed Envoy for reconnaissance and Survey work.
In Kenya in January 1941 with Anson and Maryland. To
Egypt in July 1941 with Maryland. Squadron followed
the front line but included time in places like Beirut in
July 1942. Baltimore added in November. In February
1943 Mosquitoes replaced Marylands. Baltimores only
in November 1943, to Italy in December where the
squadron was commended for highly successful
mapping of Austria. Last entry is simply April 1945, no
details.
61 squadron, formed July 1940 in South Africa as a
communications squadron with such aircraft as Leopard
Moth, Dragonfly, Rapide and various civil types. Never
left South Africa nor it seems changed aircraft types.
last entry 27 November 1944 at Swartkop Air Station.
Geoffrey Sinclair
Remove the nb for email.
Africa only. It also had to cope with the U-boat threat in the
South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
The air fighting in and around Ethiopia, the East African
Campaign, in 1940/41 would be using many aircraft that
looked like they were out of WWI.
Three RAF squadrons were redesignated SAAF during the war.
Dates,
Italy declares war on France and Britain effective 11 June 1940
29 November 1941 the last Italian troops in East Africa surrender.
13 May 1943 axis forces in North Africa surrender.
Sicily invaded 10 July, resistance ceases 18 August.
Italy invaded 3 September 1943.
The SAAF used 35 squadron numbers of which 31 were active
at nominal peak strength. The single pre war squadron was
joined by a second in January 1940, 4 more squadrons formed
in May 1940 then a steady expansion to 15 in mid 1941. Active
squadrons declined to 13 in November 1941 then a steady
expansion to 22 in September 1942, generally 24 to 26 active
squadrons from the end of 1942 to April 1944 when the final
expansion began that pushed the active squadrons to 31 by
September, then back down to 29 in January 1945.
7 squadrons never left South Africa, 6, 13, 23, 29, 35, 43 and
61, plus the first incarnation of 10 squadron.
The extension of the U-boat campaign to the South Atlantic
and Indian Oceans can be seen in the formation of 7 General
Reconnaissance squadrons, mostly with Lockheed Venturas,
February to October 1942. Then charting the changes in the
U-boat campaign when those squadrons moved or changed
missions.
By the start of 1941 the SAAF was in East Africa except for
2 squadrons that stayed in South Africa all war. While the
commitment was mainly wound down in mid 1941 the last
SAAF squadron left East Africa in March 1943.
The first SAAF squadrons arrived in North Africa/Middle
East in April 1941 and by early 1942 that is where about
two thirds of the SAAF squadrons were operating. The
U-boat threat meant for around the period August 1942
to March 1943 the SAAF was split about 50:50 between
North and South Africa. Over the course of 1943 and
1944 the proportion of SAAF squadrons in South Africa
declined to a third then a tenth of total strength.
With the invasions of Sicily then Italy about half of the
SAAF squadrons in the Middle East command went to
Italy, the others stayed in North Africa, a situation that
persisted until June 1944, at 11 squadrons apiece,
by December it was 19 Italy, 6 North Africa.
In February 1945 the SAAF active squadrons were
deployed, 4 in North, 4 in South and 1 in West Africa,
20 in Italy.
My classification of the squadrons is,
Fighter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10
Army Co-operation to fighter 11, 40, 41
Army Co-operation 13, 43
General Reconnaissance 6, 17, 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, 35
General Reconnaissance to Bomber 25
Bomber 12, 15, 21, 24, 30, 31, 34
Bomber to Anti Shipping, 16
Anti Shipping 19
Transport 28, 44
Reconnaissance 60
Communications 61
So the squadrons,
1 squadron, formed 14 January 1939 in South Africa, in May
1940 it had 3 flights of Hawker Hurricanes and Furies. Moved to
Kenya in June and moved around various airfields. In October
part of the squadron was used to form 2 squadron. In November
1 squadron was in the Sudan with the Furies replaced by Gloster
Gladiators and Gauntlets.
In March 1941 the squadron was operating Hurricanes only, in April
it was in Egypt, initially the defence of Alexandria. Thereafter it
participated in the North Africa fighting, moving as the front line
changed. In November 1942 it moved from Hurricanes to
Spitfires.
In June 1943 it was detailed for service outside of Africa, the first
squadron so designated, receiving Spitfire IX to supplement the
Spitfire V it had. In Sicily in July, Italy in September, by November
it was a Spitfire VIII unit. Last entry is on 4 March 1945 with the
squadron at Ravenna.
2 squadron, started out as a detached flight of 1 squadron in
May 1940 with Hurricanes and Furies. Moved to Kenya on
8 June 1940, in July the flight was given some Gladiators.
On 8 October 2 squadron was officially formed, by November
the Gladiators had been removed, by February 1941 the
Hurricanes had been replaced by Gauntlets. Took part in the
fighting in Ethiopia etc.
Returned to South Africa on 25 April 1941, sent to Egypt in
May and equipped with Hurricanes. Tomahawks replaced
the Hurricanes in June. Moved from mainly defensive
operations in November 1941, thereafter moved with the
armies in North Africa. Converted to Kittyhawks in November
1942, by the end of the North African campaign the squadron
had claimed 105 kills.
Equipped with Spitfires in August 1943 and moved to Sicily,
then to Italy in September, last entry is 31 March 1945 at
Ravenna.
3 squadron, formed 9 September 1940 in South Africa with
Hurricanes, moved to Kenya in October, took part in the
fighting in East Africa, Gladiators added in March 1941,
at Addis Ababa in April, disbanded in September.
Reformed in South Africa in December 1942 with Hurricanes,
sent to Suez and Aden in January 1943, South Sudan in
April, Libya in May, Tunisia in August 1943. Italy in November
with continued missions as shipping protection. Spitfires
replaced Hurricanes in February 1944, thereafter more
ground force support, last entry 12 May 1945 at Udine.
4 Squadron, formed 24 March 1941 in South Africa, to Kenya
in May with Audax, Mohawk and Fury aircraft. To Egypt in
September and equipped with Tomahawks, Western Desert,
first operations 20 November. Thereafter moved with the front
line, re-equipped with Kittyhawks in May 1942, and Spitfires
in July 1943. To Sicily in August, Italy in September, last entry
March 1945 at Ravenna
5 Squadron formed 7 May 1941 in South Africa, no aircraft
until August, 6 light civil types assigned. Mohawks replaced
the civil types (which went to 61 squadron) in October, while
the pilots were flown to the Middle East, Harvards added in
November, Squadron sent to Egypt in December and became
part of the Middle East Pool. Pilots to OTU in January 1942,
the first casualty occurred on the 24th. Tomahawks assigned
in February, operations began on 2 March, 1st victory claimed
on the 5th, first pilot killed on operations on 3 April.
Thereafter moved with the army. Kittyhawks replaced the
Tomahawks in January 1943, To Sicily and Italy August
and September 1943 (rear partly still at Tripoli on 23
September). Re-equipped with Mustang III in September
1944. Last entry Lavariano (Udine) on 10 May 1945.
6 squadron, formed from about 23 February 1942 in South
Africa, Mohawks arrived in March, Ansons in May. Furies
replaced the Ansons in September, Battles and Masters
replaced the Mohawks in December. Disbanded 31 July
1943 while flying Wapati, Fury and Battle, squadron never
left South Africa.
7 squadron formed in January 1942 in South Africa with
Mohawks, in April the aircraft were given to 6 squadron
while 7 squadron went to the Middle East. Given Hurricane I
and used them on its first missions in July 1942, moved to
Hurricane II in July. In November doing night flying and given
Harvards during January 1943 to help night training. Stayed
in Libya until August 1943 when transferred to Egypt.
Re-equipped with Spitfires June/July 1943 at Derna, used
for the defence of Cos in September then Egypt.
To Italy in March 1944, in April Spitfire IX replaced the mark V.
Last entry 1 March 1945 at Ravenna.
8 8quadron not formed.
9 squadron formed in May 1944 in Egypt with Spitfires, defence
of Egypt, Syria and Cyprus, disbanded 31 January 1945.
10 squadron, formed April 1942 in South Africa with Harvards,
Mohawks added in May 1942 from 6 squadron. Conversion
to Kittyhawks started in June and by end July the Mohawks
and Harvards had been sent (back) to 6 squadron.
Fairey Battle and Hawker Audax added in October allowing
anti submarine patrols as well as training. Audax removed by
April 1943, squadron disbanded in May and June.
Squadron reformed on 25 May 1944 in Egypt with Spitfires
plus some Harvards for training, Harvards removed by July.
Defence of Egypt, to Italy 16 October 1944, disbanded on
the 31st.
11 squadron, formed in South Africa in May 1940 with Hawker
Hartbees, first SAAF squadron sent on active service with
flights in Kenya by end May, Took part in East Africa campaign,
Re-equipped with Fairey Battles in August, some Furies added
as a fighter detachment in February 1941, Furies replaced by
Ju86 by April, squadron disbanded 31 May 1941, personnel
used to form 15 and 21 squadrons.
Squadron reformed in Egypt in July 1944 with Spitfires, to Italy
in September, Kittyhawks replaced the Spitfires in November,
last entry 12 May 1945 at Udine.
12 squadron, formed May 1940 in South Africa with Ju86 (plus
some Ansons for a short time), to Kenya 23 May. East Africa
campaign, Martin Marylands added in March 1941, at Addis
Ababa in April, moved to Middle East in May flying Marylands.
Active service there from probably July 1941.
Converted to Douglas Bostons in January 1942, followed army
to Tunisia, to Malta July 1943, to Sicily/Italy August to October
1943, converted to Martin Marauder in December. Last entry
May 1945 at Jesi/Iesi.
13 squadron, formed 10 January 1940, in South Africa, Tiger
Moths added in March, replaced by Hartbees and Wapati in
July, Wapati removed in August. However by January 1941 it
was a pure Wapati unit. In February Hartbees and Furies
added, in March 1941 renamed 43 squadron, though 43
squadron suggests it was in April.
14 squadron not formed
15 squadron formed at Algato, East Africa in June 1941 with
Fairey Battles, from personnel of 11 squadron. End August
at Addis Ababa then Kenya in September, South Africa in
September. Converting to Marylands in December. Moved
to Middle East Command in February 1942 and given
Blenheims, Bisleys (or Blenheim V) added in May 1942.
Stayed in Egypt, with some detachments to eastern Libya
and Palestine, until August 1944, doing reconnaissance
and shipping patrols. Re-equipped with Baltimores in June
1943. To Italy in August 1944, part of 253 wing, 212 Group,
last entry May 1945 at Cesenatico.
16 squadron formed May 1941 at Addis Ababa, East Africa,
with Ju86 from 12 squadron and Marylands. Disbanded on
5 August.
Reformed in South Africa in February 1942, took part in
Madagascar operation from August 1942 with Beauforts,
apparently called 20 squadron while in Madagascar.
Marylands added in October, squadron converted to Bisley
in November. To East Africa in December for convoy
escort and anti submarine patrols. To Egypt in April 1943,
with the same duties, to western Libya in June and converted
to Beauforts. Converted to Beaufighter X in November, to
Italy on 10 August 1944, last entry 10 May 1945 at Biferno.
17 squadron formed 8 October 1942 in South Africa as
General Reconnaissance, Blenheim V in December 1942
To Aden in January 1943. To Egypt in May, re-equipped
with Ventura V in August, detachments to various parts
of the Mediterranean, squadron moved to Algeria in April
1944, last entry December 1944 at Bone.
18 squadron not formed.
19 squadron, from about March 1944 227 Beaufighter,
squadron RAF based in Libya, began conversion to
becoming a SAAF unit. Moved to Italy in August 1944
and renamed 19 squadron SAAF, last entry January 1945
at Biferno.
20 squadron not formed
21 squadron formed in Kenya (Nakuru) in May 1941 with
Marylands using personal from 11, 15 and 16 squadrons.
To Egypt in August 1941, began operations in September.
Thereafter moving with the front line, re-equipped with
Baltimores in February 1942.
To Malta then Sicily in August 1943, to Italy in October,
re-equipped with Marauder in July 1944, last entry June
1945 at Jesi/Iesi.
22 squadron formed 1 July 1942 in South Africa as General
Reconnaissance, number 31 flight renamed, using Anson
and Ju86. Re-equipped with Ventura from September, to
Gibraltar in July 1944 and re-equipped with PV.1 or in
other words Ventura. Last entry January 1945 at Gibraltar.
23 squadron formed 31 August 1942 from part of 37 flight
not sent to Madagascar. Never left South Africa, had
Ventura plus some Anson and Oxford at times. Last entry
December 1944 at Brooklyn.
24 squadron, formed as 14 squadron on 5 December 1940
in East Africa with Ju86 and Maryland, became 24 squadron
in January 1941 and sent to Kenya. To Egypt in April 1941,
with Marylands. Thereafter largely followed the front line.
Converted to Bostons in November 1941. To Malta July 1943,
Sicily in August, Italy in October, converted to Marauder
November/December 1943. To Egypt for operations in
eastern Mediterranean January 1944, to Italy 29 June 1944,
last entry May 1945 at Jesi/Iesi.
25 squadron formed 1 July 1942 in South Africa from 33 flight,
with Anson and Ventura. To Italy 17 July 1944 with Ventura,
re-equipped with Marauder October 1944 onwards, last entry
January 1945 at Biferno.
26 squadron formed 24 August 1942 in South Africa with Ventura.
To Takoradi, West Africa in July 1943 and re-equipped with
Wellingtons. Remained mainly at Takoradi on anti submarine
patrols. Last entry February 1945 at Waterloo, Ikeja and Takoradi.
27 squadron formed 24 August 1942 in South Africa with Ventura
and Anson. To Oran, Algeria in June 1944 with Ventura, disbanded
in November 1944.
Last entry March 1945 reformed at Gianaclis with Wellington and
Warwick.
28 squadron formed June 1943 in Egypt from number 34 and 35
flights for transport duties with, from July, Anson, Wellington and
Dakota. Main base moved to Tripoli in Libya in July, with many
detachments to other bases. Wellingtons removed by January 1944,
Ansons by end April 1944. Main base moved to Algiers, Algeria in
June 1944. Last entry February 1945 at Maison Blanche.
29 squadron formed 21 April 1943 in South Africa in June 1943
doing convoy escort with Ventura and Anson, became 29
Operational Training Unit on 15 November 1943, became 29
squadron again on 21 June 1944 with Oxford (until 29 July) and
Ventura. Remained in South Africa, last entry March 1945 at
M'tubatuba.
30 squadron, from April 1944 223 RAF squadron in Italy with
Baltimore V, began conversion to a SAAF squadron, officially
renamed 30 squadron SAAF on 12 August 1944 and
re-equipped with Marauder. Last entry May 1945 at Jesi/Iesi.
31 squadron formed in South Africa in January 1944, to Egypt
in February, equipped with Liberators in April. To Italy on 16
June 1944, under 2 South Africa Wing, RAF 205 Group.
Supply drops over Warsaw in August cost 7 aircraft. Last
entry in February 1945 at Celone.
32 and 33 squadrons not formed.
34 squadron formed Egypt on 14 April 1944, equipped with
Liberators in June, to Italy in July. Last entry February 1945 at
Celone.
35 squadron, from November 1943 262 squadron RAF in
South Africa with Consolidated Catalina began conversion to
SAAF, became 35 squadron SAAF in February 1945. Last
entry April 1945 at Congella, Lengebaan and Umsingazi
reporting the arrival of the first Short Sunderlands on the 24th.
36 to 39 squadrons not formed.
40 squadron formed May 1940 in South Africa with Hawker
Hartbees as army co-operation. To Kenya in June, Tiger
Moths added but replaced by Furies in July. First sorties
were from Durban to intercept two Italian boats. East African
campaign with mostly Hartbees but some Furies. Most
Hartbees transferred to 41 squadron 2 June 1941. To South
Africa September 1941, to Middle East December 1941.
In March 1942 operating in Western Desert with Tomahawk
and Hurricane and commenced following the front line.
Tomahawks removed by November, Spitfires added in
March 1943, last Hurricanes removed in May. To Malta
18 June, to Sicily 14 July, to Italy September/October 1943.
Last entry Mordendorf, Austria 27 May 1945.
41 squadron formed 16 October 1940 in South Africa with
Hawker Hartbees. To Kenya 30 October. East African
campaign, at Addis Ababa May 1941. In Kenya in April
1942. Blenheims and Hurricanes added by September,
Hartbees removed by November. Blenheims removed by
February 1943. To Egypt 16 March 1943, defence of
Tobruk July 1943. Egypt February 1944 and Spitfires
added, Hurricanes removed by April, detachments to
Syria and Cyprus, disbanded 30 October 1944.
42 squadron not formed.
43 squadron formed South Africa 15 April 1941, being 13
squadron renamed, with Fury, Hartbees and Hind, the Hind
were removed in June, the Fury in September while Wapati,
CR.42 and Tutor were added.
In January 1942 it was Fury, Hartbees and Mohawk, by May
the Mohawk had gone. By November aircraft were Audax
and Battle. In July 1943, Maryland, Hartbees and Hind.
Sent to Egypt. Renamed 44 squadron in March 1944.
44 squadron, 43 squadron renamed on 11 March 1944
first aircraft arrived 27 April, equipped with Dakotas.
Detachments to various parts of Africa. One detachment
to Bari in Italy in December dropped supplies to partisans.
To Bari in February 1945, final entry March 1945 at Bari
with detachments at Khartoum, Aden and Athens.
45 to 59 squadrons not formed.
60 squadron formed June 1940 in South Africa with 2
Airspeed Envoy for reconnaissance and Survey work.
In Kenya in January 1941 with Anson and Maryland. To
Egypt in July 1941 with Maryland. Squadron followed
the front line but included time in places like Beirut in
July 1942. Baltimore added in November. In February
1943 Mosquitoes replaced Marylands. Baltimores only
in November 1943, to Italy in December where the
squadron was commended for highly successful
mapping of Austria. Last entry is simply April 1945, no
details.
61 squadron, formed July 1940 in South Africa as a
communications squadron with such aircraft as Leopard
Moth, Dragonfly, Rapide and various civil types. Never
left South Africa nor it seems changed aircraft types.
last entry 27 November 1944 at Swartkop Air Station.
Geoffrey Sinclair
Remove the nb for email.
Jim Wilkins
Oct 19, 2017, 12:28:41 PM10/19/17
to
"Geoffrey Sinclair" <gsinc...@froggy.com.au> wrote in message
news:or-dncSvr69pJnXE...@westnet.com.au...
http://www.spitfiresocietytrustza.org/sailor-malan-forgotten-hero-of-democracy/
news:or-dncSvr69pJnXE...@westnet.com.au...
> South Africa originally restricted its forces to operating within
> Africa only. It also had to cope with the U-boat threat in the
> South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
> ....
> Africa only. It also had to cope with the U-boat threat in the
> South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
http://www.spitfiresocietytrustza.org/sailor-malan-forgotten-hero-of-democracy/
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