5 Squadron SAAF

5 Squadron SAAF was a South African Air Force Fighter / Fighter-Bomber squadron during World War II. It was disbanded at the end of the war and was re-commissioned in 1950. It remained active until 2 October 1992, when it was disbanded; its Atlas Cheetah E aircraft were also decommissioned.

5 Squadron
Cheetah E Fighter
Active1939, 1941–1944, 1950–1992
Country  South Africa
BranchSouth African Air Force
RoleWorld War II: Fighter and Fighter Bomber
Post World War II: Fighter Squadron
Garrison/HQAFB Louis Trichardt when disbanded
Nickname(s)The Shakas, named after the Zulu warrior King Shaka[1]
Motto(s)Difficultates Aspiciemus (We shall confront all difficulties)
Insignia
Squadron Identification CodeGL (1939–1945)[2]
5 Squadron Insignia

History

The squadron was initially designated as a fighter-bomber unit and formed in Cape Town in April 1939. It was only active for eight months and was disbanded in December that year. It was re-formed on 7 May 1941 as a fighter squadron operating from Zwartkop Air Station equipped with Mohawk Vs. It deployed to Egypt in December 1941 re-equipped with Tomahawk IIBs.[1]

The squadron was initially tasked with providing anti-shipping patrols and subsequently deployed as a fighter squadron over the Western Desert battlefield area. At the end of 1942 it received Kittyhawk IIIs and later Kittyhawk IVs and began to specialize in the ground-attack role, although still being retained as an ordinary fighter squadron as required. After the cessation of hostilities in Africa, the squadron moved to Malta to support the invasion of Sicily, after which it moved to that island and then on to mainland Italy. By the time the squadron was deployed to Italy, it was used only in the ground attack role.[1]

While deployed to Italy, the squadron flew close air support and fighter-bomber missions, some over Yugoslavia. The squadron took part in the battles on the Sangro River, Monte Cassino and the Gustav and Gothic Lines. The Kittyhawks were replaced by Mustang IIIs (and later Mustang IVs) and these aircraft were retained until the end of the war in Italy when the squadron was disbanded.[1]

5 Squadron was re-formed in Durban in December 1950 as an 'Active Citizen Force' unit flying Harvards. It was re-equipped with Impala Mk Is in July 1973 and Impala Mk IIs in early 1981. The squadron then moved to AFB Louis Trichardt to be equipped with Cheetah Es. It was finally disbanded on 2 October 1992 when its Cheetah aircraft were decommissioned.[1]

Aircraft
Aircraft flown by 5 Squadron
Note: Aircraft type photographs may not necessarily represent aircraft of the same mark or actual aircraft belonging to the squadron.
  • Curtiss Mohawk
    1941
  • Curtiss Tomahawk
    1941–1942
  • Curtiss Kittyhawk Mark III
    Italy, 1942–1945
  • Mustangs of 5 Squadron SAAF
    Italy, 1942–1945
  • North American T-6 Harvard
    1950–1973
  • Atlas Impala Mk. I
    1973–
  • Atlas Impala Mk.II
    1981–
  • Atlas Cheetah E
    −1992

See also

References
Citations
  1. Dyason, Anton. "IMG (IPMS SA Media Group)". 5 Squadron. Archived from the original on 2012-04-02. Retrieved 2011-09-09.
  2. Martin, H.J. Lt-Gen; Orpen, N.D. (1978). Eagles Victorious: South African Forces World War II. Cape Town: Purnell. p. 207. ISBN 0-86843-008-0.
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