12 Squadron SAAF
| 12 Squadron | |
|---|---|
| 300px
A 12 Squadron Canberra T.4 in February 1982
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| 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.
Contents
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 remained 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
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Potgieter (1970), p. 264
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Latimer (2002), p. 292
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Potgieter and Steenkamp (1981), p. 68
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lord (2008), pp. 70, 101, 139, 172
- Bibliography
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
External links
Media related to Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. at Wikimedia Commons
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| Disbanded air defence squadrons | ||
| WW2 Wings of the SAAF | ||
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