15 Squadron SAAF

History

The squadron was formed on 18 September 1939 as a SAAF Coastal Command squadron based at Cape Town. During the war it flew Junkers Ju-86, Bristol Blenheim and Martin Maryland aircraft. The squadron suffered a tragedy in May 1942, when eleven out of twelve personnel perished when three Blenheims encountered a sand storm and lost their bearings during a training flight and had to make an emergency landing in the desert.

The squadron flew Baltimore 5 Light Bombers in May 1945 as part of 253 Wing of the Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force. Notable Second World War members include Harry Schwarz, who in 1984 was made honorary colonel of the squadron.

Post Second World War

Aircraft flown after the war included the Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon and the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma.

The current base is AFB Durban situated at the old Durban International Airport. It operates Atlas Oryx and MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 helicopters. Their primary role is maritime and landward search and rescue. Two flights of Oryx, A and B Flights, are based in Durban and C Flight, consisting of four BK 117s is detached to AFS Port Elizabeth.

The current BK 117 aircraft of C Flight were originally inherited from the Apartheid-era "homelands", the Ciskei having acquired 3 in 1983, Venda 2 in 1985, Transkei 2 in 1986 and Bophuthatswana 2 in 1987, making a total of 10 with an extra delivered from Brazil. Two of the aircraft have already been mothballed at AFB Bloemspruit. Four remain in service with 15 Squadron. C Flight's conversion to Agusta A109LUH helicopters has been postponed due to delays in developing emergency flotation equipment for the type, thus precluding its use in a maritime environment.

Attrition

Roll of Honour

In respect of those recipients about whom it is available, the actions they were cited for follow below the table, since inclusion in the table itself is impractical.

Actions cited for

References

References

1. Flintham, Vic. (2003). "Combat Codes". Pen & Sword Aviation.
2. Ambrose-Brown, James. (1970). "A Gathering of Eagles: South African forces World War II: Vol II". Purnell.
3. Martin, H.J. (Lt-Gen). (1979). "South Africa at War: Military and Industrial Organisation and Operations in connection with the conduct of War: 1939–1945 (South African Forces World War II: Volume VII)". Purnell.
4. (December 2001). "The Tragedy at Kufra". The South African Military History Society.
5. Shores, Christopher F.. (1973). "Pictorial History of the Mediterranean air War: Vol II: RAF 1943–1945". Ian Allan.
6. "Retirement of SAAF BK117 may be further delayed". Saairforce.co.za.