2 Squadron SAAF
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| 2 Squadron | ||
|---|---|---|
| Missing image AtlasCheetahC.jpg Atlas Cheetah C Atlas Cheetah C | ||
| 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 | Missing image 2sqn.gif Image:2sqn.gif | |
| 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.
History
2 Squadron is currently the premier squadron in the South African Air Force, and has a long and proud 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 F-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 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, under which command the squadron was under, 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.
Previous Aircraft Operated
- Hawker Hartbees
- Hawker Hurricane
- Hawker Fury 1
- Gloster Gladiator II
- Supermarine Spitfire
- North-American F-51D Mustang 1950-53
- F-86F Sabre 1953
- De Havilland Vampire 1953-56
- Canadair Sabre Mk.6 1956-63
- Dassault Mirage III 1963-88