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Allied Air Forces Losses and Incidents Database.

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Data derived from many sources. Incorporates 125,000 entries from Aircrew Deaths 39-47 Database. Corrections/Additions welcomed via Helpdesk

NOTE ON DATES: IMPORTANT: For consistency, the Date is given as the date the mission TOOK OFF since the precise time of a loss is not always certain. Take Off date is unambigous and fixed in the official records, but obviously in those cases where the incident occurred before midnight UK time, then the Take Off Date will be the same as the Incident Date. Of course, most Bomber Command missions flew through midnight, therefore a Luftwaffe claim against a plane - or a locally generated crash report - may record the incident as occurring on the day following our Take Off Date. Bear this in mind when cross-referencing to our Luftwaffe Victories by Name/Date Database and other Luftwaffe sources. In some cases other sources may quote the date following our date, using locally generated reports as their source. To add to the potential for confusion, remember to take into account a Luftwaffe recorded date will be in local time, 1 hour ahead of UK time. When we discover a validated Incident Date we change our record if necessary.



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Thanks to Personnel of the Polish Air Force in Great Britain for supplementary data and images (marked with a chequerboard device) related to the Polish Air Force, and many images courtesy of our respected colleagues Wojtek Matusiak and Robert Gretzyngier. Other images from our own archives.
Responding to requests that respects may be paid in this database to a loved one or friend, or someone you want to recognize, an In Memoriam plaque may now be placed next to any entry. See our Donate Page for details. Search for In Memoriam in this database to see examples of plaques which have been placed.

Polish Air Force personnel have a supplementary database containing more information and many more entries. Check the following:
Personel Polskich Sił Powietrznych posiada dodatkową bazę danych zawierającą więcej informacji i wiele innych wpisów. Sprawdź następujące elementy:
Archiwum: PSP 1939 -1947 Database 17,000+ Polish Air Force Entries
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You searched for: “"SAAF"

#Name* SORT (↑)First NamesTitleRankRAF Equivalent RankService No.BornNationalityRoleAwardsAir ForceCommandUnitDateofIncident *See Note SORT (↑)AircraftTypeSerialCodeVictories (Fighters)BaseTimeMission                        Incident                        FateCommemoratedPhoto (Click to Expand)Referring Database                        Notes                        Links/Archive Reports
1 WildsmithHugh Errol NoelCaptainP.47885DFC

SAAFFighter2Sqn (SAAF)
2 TilleyDon PaxMajor, Lt. ColSqd Ldr, Wng CmdrSouth AfricaPilotDSO

DFC & Bar
SAAF227Sqn

BeaufighterBiferno Attack minelaying Ship Kuckuck Fiume, Yugoslavia Low level rocket attackSurvived war. Died 1978

Malta veteran

Ace ship buster

Lt. Col. Don Tilley was a Beaufort pilot seconded to the RAF. He was one of the 'Malta Boys' who flew daring anti-shipping strikes and was responsible for the damage and sinking of several enemy ships in the effort to defeat Rommel. Later in the war he became OC of 19Sqn SAAF in Italy which flew rocket firing Beaufighters and again was responsible for the sinking of an important German war ship.

Joined the SAAF in late 1940. Seconded to RAF. Training in Scotland as a torpedo attack pilot. Then 39 squadron stationed in Malta. In 1942-43, Don perfected skills as anti-shipping pilot. A very hazardous occupation owing to heavy armour of ships and the necessity for close attacks. Flying slow Bristol Beaufort he was hit on several occasions but always came home. His torpedo hit in February 1943 on a 10,000 ton Italian fuel tanker cut Rommel's Afrika Korps off from its needed oil. Promoted twice and DFC twice for his ship-busting successes. He is the record holder (shared) in the RAF for confirmed torpedo hits on enemy shipping.

In mid 1944 posted to the Middle East with RAF 227Sqn, later to be renamed as 19Sqn SAAF, stationed in Italy and equipped with rocket firing Beaufighters. Became OC in early 1945.

Flew mostly ground attack and ship busting sorties all across the Adriatic. Shot down but helped by Tito's partisans to safely return to the squadron. Don's most famous achievement was the brilliantly planned and executed rocket strike on the German mine layer ship, the 'Kuckuck'. Sank this ship in Fiume harbour, Yugoslavia. An immediate DSO was awarded. See account of attack at Steve Steven's entry. Don flew a total of 40 operations with Beaufighters by the end of the war.
3 TylerDerrickSecond LieutenantP/3434Age 23SAAF1939-09-05KilledSouth Africa, Cape Town (Plumstead) Cemetery, Grave UN. 18.Son of Harold O and E S Tyler, of Port St. Johns, of Cape Province.
4 BanksAir Apprentice4767Age SAAF1939-10-07KilledSouth Africa, Bloemfontein (in Memoriam) Cemetery, Plot L. Grave 443.Son of Mr and Mrs J Banks, of Bloemfontein.
5 LourensAir MechanicP/6825Age SAAF1939-12-22KilledSouth Africa, Frankfort Cemetery, Row N. Grave 27.
6 SolomonJohn Howard SteytlerPupil Pilot103193Age 22SAAF1940-03-22KilledSouth Africa, Thaba Tshwane (Old No.1) Military Cemetery,Son Of Charles W. Solomon And Annie E. C. Solomon, Of Cape Town.
7 AmmB BSecond Lieutenant639627Age 21SAAF1940-03-22KilledSouth Africa, Johannesburg (Brixton) Cemetery, Gen. Sec. Grave 4416 Def.Son Of Mr. And Mrs. A. P. Amm, Of Johannesburg.

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8 LushAir Sergeant29387Age 39SAAF1940-03-28KilledSouth Africa, Durban (Stellawood) Cremation Memorial, Husband Of B.E. Lush, Of Germiston, Transvaal.
9 Du PlooyAir SergeantP/2503Age SAAF1940-03-30KilledSouth Africa, Thaba Tshwane (Old No.1) Military Cemetery, K. 1.
10 CampbellC E SAir MechanicP/4580Age SAAF1940-03-31KilledSouth Africa, Thaba Tshwane (Old No.1) Military Cemetery, J. 1.
11 EsterhuizenJozuaPupil Pilot47820Age 21SAAF1940-04-02KilledSouth Africa, Hartebeesfontein Farm Burial Ground, Rustenburg, Son Of Mr. And Mrs. J. Esterhuizen, Of Hartebeesfontein.
12 DonaldsonJohnSecond Lieutenant203085Age 31SAAF32Sqn1940-04-04KilledSouth Africa, Cape Town (Plumstead) Cemetery, Grave Un. 17.Son Of John And Chrissie Donaldson; Husband Of G.I. Donaldson, Of Cape Town.
13 GoblePupil Pilot103103Age 25SAAF1940-04-08KilledSouth Africa, Cape Town (Maitland) Cemetery, Sec. 1. Grave 23440A.Son Of Mrs Military Medal Goble, Of Cape Town.
14 BarrIden E.Air Mechanic58036Age 21SAAF1940-04-18KilledSouth Africa, Thaba Tshwane (Old No.1) Military Cemetery, N. 6.Son Of Charles T. Barr And W. F. Barr, Of Durban.
15 GordonIan H.M.Second Lieutenant47418Age 22SAAF1940-04-19KilledSouth Africa, Johannesburg (Brixton) Cemetery, C. Of E. Sec. Grave 12700.Son Of C. C. Gordon And Mary A. Gordon, Of Randfontien. His Brother Charles Cornack Gordon, Also Died On Service.
16 WardenPieterSecond LieutenantP/6814Age 21SAAF1940-05-23KilledSouth Africa, Krugersdorp Cemetery, Sec O. Grave 5211.Son Of Charles C Warden And Hellegonda C. Warden, Of Krugersdorp.
17 MullerJohann A.Second Lieutenant47293Age 25SAAF1940-06-18KilledSouth Africa, Johannesburg (Bezuidenhout Valley) Cemetery,  Son Of Mr And Mrs. F. J. Muller, Of Johannesburg.
18 HollMurrayFlight SergeantP/559Age 31SAAF1940-06-18KilledSouth Africa, Pretoria (Rebecca Street) Cemetery, D.R. Church Sec. "D". Grave 410.Son Of Colonel George W. Holl And Susana J. Holl; Husband Of M. Holl, Of Pretoria.
19 WildC RAir Mechanic96023Age 37SAAF1940-06-18KilledSouth Africa, Thaba Tshwane (Old No.1) Military Cemetery, J 2.Husband Of M. E. Wild, Of East London.
20 GriffithsBrian LlewellynLieutenant102663Age 23SAAF1Sqn1940-06-19KilledKenya, Nairobi War Cemetery, 2. G. 36.Son Of Charles H. Griffiths And Elizabeth H. Griffiths, Of George, Cape Province, South Africa.
21 MckechnieHaroldAir Mechanic94376Age 47SAAF1940-06-22KilledSouth Africa, Johannesburg (West Park) Cremation Memorial, Son Of John B. Mckechnie And Ida G. Mckechnie; Husband Of Eileen Z. Mckechnie, Of Florida.
22 FultonAir Mechanic96282Age 25SAAF1940-06-23KilledSouth Africa, Germiston (Primrose) Cemetery, Block 219. Row C. Grave 2.Son Of Mrs. M. Fulton, Of Johannesburg.
23 RobinsonDSecond Lieutenant202923Age 25SAAF1940-06-26KilledSouth Africa, Germiston (Primrose) Cemetery, Block 189. Row I. Grave 23.
24 MartinJ CAir Mechanic100475Age 55SAAF1940-06-29KilledSouth Africa, Cape Town (Plumstead) Cemetery, Grave Ul. 76.Son Of Frank And Charlotte Martin; Husband Of Q D Martin, Of Cape Town.
25 MossL WAir Mechanic96353Age 49SAAF1940-07-05KilledSouth Africa, Thaba Tshwane (Old No.1) Military Cemetery, J. 5.
26 NinnisJosephWarrant Officer Class II98575Age 42SAAF1940-07-10KilledKenya, Nairobi (Forest Road) Cemetery, Block 16. Grave 10.Son Of Joseph And Bessie C. Ninnis; Husband Of Edna J. Ninnis, Of Gwelo. Southern Rhodesia.
27 HughesDennis HaigAir Sergeant47935Age SAAF1940-07-11KilledKenya, Nairobi War Cemetery, 2. H. 16.
28 RankinNeville KeithLieutenant102766Age 23SAAF40Sqn1940-07-11KilledKenya, Nairobi War Cemetery, 2. H. 17.Son Of George And Philippine Rankin, Of Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa.
29 KrielW LCaptain102644Age 25SAAF11Sqn1940-07-12KilledKenya, Nanyuki War Cemetery, 1. 50.Son Of John D. V. Kriel And Ada G. E. Kriel, Of Barkly East, Cape Province, South Africa.
30 MeintjesStephanusLieutenant102830Age 28SAAF1940-07-23KilledSouth Africa, Bloemfontein (In Memoriam) Cemetery, Plot T. Grave 499.Husband Of H.H.P. Meintjes, Of Johannesburg.
31 KruyshaarJacobAir CorporalP/5793Age 25SAAF1940-07-31KilledSouth Africa, Thaba Tshwane (Old No.1) Military Cemetery, K. 6.Son Of Elizabeth J. Kruyshaar, Of Pretoria.
32 PowellI J H BWarrant Officer Class II47524Age 24SAAF1940-08-03KilledSouth Africa, Johannesburg (Brixton) Cemetery, C. Of E. Sec. Grave 14218.Son Of Mr. And Mrs. W. I. Powell, Of Johannesburg.
33 ClunieHarry AllenLieutenant102835Age SAAF1940-08-04KilledTanzania, Dodoma Cemetery, Plot 2. Row A.A. Coll. Grave.
34 GeyserStefanus LodewicusWarrant Officer Class IIP/14414Age 23SAAF1940-08-04KilledTanzania, Dodoma Cemetery, Plot 2. Row A.A. Coll. Grave.Son Of Matthys J. Geyser And Anna J. Geyser, Of Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa.
35 Ffytche-HoggPeter JohnCaptainP/102617Age 24SAAF1940-08-04KilledTanzania, Dodoma Cemetery, Plot 2. Row A.A. Coll. Grave.Son Of Harold And Ivy M. Ffytche-Hogg, Of Scottburgh, Natal, South Africa.
36 BartonDesmondSecond Lieutenant47531Age SAAF1940-08-04KilledTanzania, Dodoma Cemetery, Plot 2. Row A.A. Coll. Grave.
37 NezarGysbertus AlbertusAir Mechanic48033Age SAAF1940-08-04KilledTanzania, Dodoma Cemetery, Plot 2. Row A.A. Coll. Grave.
38 HuptonAir Mechanic97747Age 40SAAF1940-08-04KilledSouth Africa, Thaba Tshwane (Old No.1) Military Cemetery, N. 9.Son Of Nelson And Sarah A. Hupton, Of Cape Town.
39 MckenzieIan GeorgeAir Mechanic96106Age 18SAAF1940-08-04KilledTanzania, Dodoma Cemetery, Plot 2. Row A.A. Coll. Grave.Son Of Eric Y. Mckenzie And Coral E. Mckenzie, Of De Deur, Transvaal, South Africa.
40 MckellarArnandLieutenantP/102717Age 19SAAF1940-08-04KilledTanzania, Dodoma Cemetery, Plot 2. Row A.A. Coll. Grave.Son Of William D. Mckellar And Frances W. Mckellar, Of Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa.
41 LazarusSydney LewisFlight Sergeant47940Age 33SAAF1940-08-09KilledKenya, Nairobi War Cemetery, 2. H. 18.(Served As Lewis).  Son Of Lewis And Ethel Lazarus, Of Cape Town, South Africa.
42 GieAir Apprentice96892Age 18SAAF1940-08-11KilledSouth Africa, Cape Town (Plumstead) Cemetery, Grave Ul. 78.Son Of W. S. And Agnes Gie, Of Cape Town.
43 FrankPupil Pilot103145Age 22SAAF1940-08-17KilledSouth Africa, Johannesburg (Brixton) Cemetery, C. Of E. Sec. Grave 14242.Son Of Philip And Annie R. Frank, Of Durban.
44 Du PlessisMornie AndreAir Sergeant47922Age 31SAAF1940-08-20KilledEgypt, Alamein Memorial, Column 240.Son Of Stephanus H. And Martha L. Du Plessis.
45 De GreefGideon JohannesLieutenant47410Age 23SAAF40Sqn1940-08-20KilledEgypt, Alamein Memorial, Column 239.Son Of Andrew A. De Greef, And Of Anna E. De Greef, Of Melville, Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa; Husband Of M. De Greef.
46 RynhoudDouglas Haig VaughanAir CorporalP/5339Age 21SAAF40Sqn1940-08-30KilledKenya, Nairobi War Cemetery, 2. H. 27.Son Of Mr. And Mrs. L. E. V. Rynhoud, Of Vanderbijl Park, Transvaal, South Africa.
47 CusensAlexander AdolphusAir Sergeant48099Age 25SAAF12Sqn1940-09-03KilledKenya, Nairobi War Cemetery, 2. G. 34.Son Of Claude E. Cusens And Margaret E. Cusens, Of Northcliff, Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa.
48 DonaldsonRobert GrahamLieutenant102790Age 24SAAF1940-09-03KilledKenya, Nairobi War Cemetery, 2. G. 23.Son Of Mr. And Mrs. James Donaldson; Husband Of Mae Hunton Carter, Of Helsby, Cheshire.
49 ByrnesPatrick William WestleyWarrant Officer Class II47578Age 22SAAF1940-09-03KilledKenya, Nairobi War Cemetery, 2. G. 31.Son Of Patrick And Matilda Byrnes, Of Kimberley, Cape Province, South Africa.
50 Du PlessisAir MechanicP/5599Age SAAF1940-09-03KilledKenya, Nairobi War Cemetery, 2. G. 11.

Results 1 to 50 of 2976.

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