12 Squadron SAAF
| 12 Squadron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active |
1939–1945? 1946–? 1963–1990 |
| Country |
 |
| Branch | South African Air Force |
| Engagements |
World War II South African Border War |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Identification Code | VL 1942[1] |
| 12 Squadron Insignia |
 |
12 Squadron was a South African Air Force squadron that served in World War II in East Africa and the Western Desert as a medium bomber squadron. After the war, the squadron was used in various roles, including that of a helicopter squadron until 1963 when it was equipped with Canberra light bombers - remaining a light bomber and reconnaissance squadron until disbanded in 1990.
History
12 Squadron was formed in December 1939.[2] On 16 June 1940 it flew the first SAAF bombing raid against Italian forces in Abysinna when it attacked the town of Moyale using Junkers Ju 86 bombers.[3][4] 12 Squadron later saw combat during the Second Battle of El Alamein operating Boston light bombers.[5] Following the end of the war in Europe the squadron flew South African personnel home until it was disbanded.[6]
12 Squadron was re-formed in October 1946 equipped with Avro Anson aircraft for anti-Tsetse fly spraying duties. It operated in this role in Zululand and Mtubatuba.[6]
The squadron was later re-equipped with Sikorsky S-51 helicopters that were at times also utilised in anti-Tsetse fly spraying duties, it but was eventually made a flight of 28 Squadron.[6]
The squadron was re-formed in late 1963 to operate English Electric Canberra bombers.[6] It was the only SAAF squadron equipped with Canberras, and they were used as both tactical bombers and high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft.[7] The squadron saw combat over Angola during the South African Border War,[8] and was still active with these aircraft in 1981.[6] 12 Squadron was disbanded in 1990.[2]
Two ex-12 Squadron Canberras have been preserved by the SAAF.[7]
Aircraft
| Aircraft flown by 12 Squadron Note: Aircraft type photographs may not necessarily represent aircraft of the same mark or actual aircraft belonging to the Squadron. | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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References
- Citations
- ↑ Flintham, Vic (2003). Combat Codes. Barnesly: Pen & Sword Aviation. p. 165. ISBN 978-1-84415-691-7.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Wingrin, Dean. "12 Squadron". The Unofficial Website on the South African Air Force. Dean Wingrin. Retrieved 8 September 2011.
- ↑ Potgieter (1970), p. 264
- ↑ Macdonald, J.F. (1945). "Chapter II - The Story of 237 Squadron". Lion with tusk guardant. Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia: The Rhodesian Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd. pp. p. 23.
- ↑ Latimer (2002), p. 292
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Potgieter and Steenkamp (1981), p. 68
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Steyn, Leon. "SAAF Museum News: What happened to the Canberra?". SAAF News. South African Air Force. Retrieved 8 September 2011.
- ↑ Lord (2008), pp. 70, 101, 139, 172
- Bibliography
- Latimer, Jon (2002). Alamein. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press. ISBN 0-674-01016-7.
- Lord, Dick (2008). Vlamgat : The Story of the Mirage F1 in the South African Air Force. Johannesburg, South Africa: 30° South Publishers. ISBN 1-920143-36-X.
- Potgieter, D,J. (1970). Standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa, Volume 1. NASOU.
- Potgieter, Herman and Steenkamp, Willem (1981). Aircraft of the South African Air Force (2nd ed.). Cape Town: C. Struik. ISBN 0-86977-133-7.
External links
Media related to 12 Squadron SAAF at Wikimedia Commons
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