2 Squadron SAAF

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2 Squadron
Information
Role	Attack/Interception
Aircraft Operated	Atlas Cheetah C and D
Home Base	AFB Makhado
Motto	"Sursam Prorsusque" (Upward and Onward)
History
Date Founded	January 1939
Badge
Notable Battle Honours	Pyongyang, Gothic Line, Italy 1943-45, Mediterranean 1943, El Hamma, El Alamein, Agedabia, Western Desert 1941-43, The Juba, East Africa 1940-41, The Lakes, Sidi Rezegh, Gazalal, French North Africa 1943, Tunis, South East Europe 1944-45, The Sango, Korea 1950-53, Korea 28 November 1951 to 30 April 1952, SWA/Angola 1979-1989

2 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a fighter squadron.

[edit] History

2 Squadron is currently the premier squadron in the South African Air Force, and has a long history, having been involved in every single combat action in which the SAAF has taken part.

During the Second World War it made a name for itself in the battles for East Africa, before distinguishing itself in North Africa as part of the Desert Air Force, and later in Italy.

The squadron was South Africa's contribution to the United Nations war effort during the Korean War from November 1950 to December 1953. Initially flying the P-51 Mustang, the squadron re-equipped with the F-86 Sabre in February 1953. During the war the squadron flew a total of 12 067 sorties, most being dangerous ground attack missions. 74 of the 94 Mustangs and 4 out of the 22 Sabres were lost, along with 34 pilots.

For their actions, the squadron received the United States Presidential Unit Citation, along with numerous other awards and decorations.

In addition, the Commanding Officer of the USAF's 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, to which the squadron was assigned, issued a directive at the end of the war that: "In memory of our gallant South African comrades, it is hereby established, as a new policy that at all Retreat Ceremonies held by this Wing, the playing of our National Anthem shall be preceded by playing the introductory bars of the South African National Anthem, 'Die Stem van Suid-Afrika'. All personnel of this Wing will render the same honours to this Anthem as our own."

The squadron also played a vital role during the South-West Africa/Angola Border War.

It will be re-equipping with the JAS-39C/D Gripen from 2007 onwards.