List of Pages Related to South Africa

Archive Reports 1939 • Archive Reports 1940 • Archive Reports 1941 • Archive Reports 1942
Archive Reports 1943 • Archive Reports 1944 • Archive Reports 1945

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Animated Map Showing Allied Bombing in WW2
Staggering Cost in Human Lives in WW2

When the Second World War broke out the SAAF consisted of a Central Flying School at Zwartkop, two light bomber squadrons which were equipped with Hartbees and based at Waterkloof, the Aircraft and Artillery Depot at Roberts Heights (Voortrekkerhoogte), and a number of detached flights operating at the out stations.

In October 1939, the Peace Expansion Scheme began, under which a total of 720 aircraft were acquired - 336 of which were fighters. When Italy entered the war in 1940, SAAF squadrons were deployed to East Africa with the aircraft available at the time, later to be supplemented by more modern aircraft. The SAAF played a tremendous part in the conquest Mussolini's African Empire. Without air superiority, it may have taken months to move the Italians from their positions in the mountains.

Nearer to home the SAAF supported the RAF in the British invasion on Vichy held Madagascar in May 1942. Two flights, equipped with Marylands and Beauforts, operated in ground support and reconnaissance roles. The SAAF played a vital role in photographing the island prior to the invasion. The operation ended in November 1942.

On 1 August 1940, a Joint Air Training Scheme was adopted. The scheme provided for the establishment of 24 flying schools with a target of 3,000 and at least 2,000 observers by 1942. By the end of 1944 SAAF strength had reached 44,417 inclusive of 2,349 pilots, some 1, 535 observers and gunners, 9,661 artisans and 6,595 basic trainees.

SAAF squadrons moved on to Northern Africa in April 1942 equipped with the latest aircraft. They participated in the invasion of Sicily with 1, 12, 21 and 24 Squadrons operating from Malta. They supported the British Eighth Army and the American 5th Army, of which 6 Division was part. 25 and 30 Squadrons were part of the Balkans Air Force and operated in support of partisans in Yugoslavia.

60 Squadron, operating Mosquitoes, carried out strategic reconnaissance for the whole of the Mediterranean theater.

While based in Italy 31 and 34 Squadrons were part of 205 Group RAF and undertook 181 sorties during August and September 1944, dropping supplies to the Polish patriots who were fighting desperately for their lives on the ground. Although very little was accomplished by these operations, they nevertheless represent one of the most outstanding achievements in the history of the SAAF.

The SAAF was at its peak strength at the end of the North African Campaign. There were 26 squadrons in North Africa, the personnel strength numbering 8,976. This included 2, 789 Non-European Auxiliary Service and 83 Women's Auxiliary Air Force personnel. The SAAF made up a third of the RAF Operational Command in the theater. Approximately another 9,000 SAAF personnel served in other allied Air Forces. Including personnel in the Union and elsewhere, the total SAAF strength was 45,000.

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The Memoirs of Ralph 'Bull' Malan: beautifully written

Alamein Memorial for SAAF airmen

SAAF crew members in Allied Losses & Incidents Database

South Africans in Battle of Britain Database

South Africans buried in CWGC graves worldwide

South Africa War Graves Project: Ralph Malan