14 Squadron SAAF

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14 Squadron, SAAF

Royal Air Force Operations in the Middle East and North Africa, 1939-1943. CM1326.jpg

24 Sqn Maryland being refuelled at Ma'aten Bagush, Egypt
Active ??-21 April 1941
Country Flag of South Africa (1928-1994).svg
Branch South African Air Force
Role Medium Bomber

14 Squadron was a South African Air Force Squadron during the Second World War. The Squadron was initially deployed to East Africa and was transferred to Egypt in April 1941 when hostilities ceased in East Africa. It had been partially re-equipped with Marylands in early 1941 and was fully converted to these aircraft once in Egypt. On arrival in Egypt, it was renamed 24 Squadron SAAF in order to prevent confusion with RAF No. 14 Squadron. [1]

South African Air Force Air warfare branch of the Republic of South Africas armed forces

The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the air force of South Africa, with headquarters in Pretoria. The South African Air Force was established on 1 February 1920. The Air Force has seen service in World War II and the Korean War. From 1966 the SAAF was involved in providing infantry support in a low intensity war in Angola, South-West Africa (Namibia) and Rhodesia. As the war progressed, the intensity of air operations increased until in the late 1980s, the SAAF were compelled to fly fighter missions against Angolan aircraft in order to maintain tactical air superiority. On conclusion of the Border War in 1990, aircraft numbers were severely reduced due to economic pressures as well as the cessation of hostilities with neighbouring states. Today the SAAF has a limited air combat capability and has been structured towards regional peace-keeping, disaster relief and maritime patrol operations. During the apartheid era, it was known by its Afrikaans name of Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmag, a moniker which has since been depreciated.

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24 Squadron SAAF

24 Squadron SAAF is a disbanded squadron of the South African Air Force. Its last role was as an attack aircraft squadron. The squadron was first formed during World War II on 5 March 1941 by renumbering 14 Squadron SAAF in Egypt. It later carried out bombing operations in Kenya and North Africa, before taking part in the Italian campaign before disbanding in late 1945 at the conclusion of hostilities. The squadron was later re-raised and operated jet aircraft in an attack role during the Border War. It was finally disbanded in early 1991.

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References

  1. Shores, Christopher; Massimello, Giovanni; Guest, Russell. A History of the Mediterranean Air War: 1940-1945: Vol I: North Africa June 1940 - January 1942. London: Grub Street. p. 162. ISBN   9781908117076.