8 Squadron SAAF: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox |
{{Infobox military unit| |
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|unit_name= 8 Squadron |
|unit_name= 8 Squadron |
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|image= |
|image=War museum Impala MK II.jpg |
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|image_size=300px |
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|caption= |
|caption=Impala Mk.II as flown by the Squadron from 1974 |
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|dates=1942< |
|dates=1942<br />1951-2001 |
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|country= {{flagicon| South Africa|1928}}{{flag| South Africa}} |
|country= {{flagicon| South Africa|1928}}{{flag| South Africa}} |
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|allegiance= |
|allegiance= |
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|branch= [[South African Air Force]] |
|branch= [[South African Air Force]] |
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|type= |
|type= |
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|role=Fighter (1942)< |
|role=Fighter (1942)<br />Weapons Training (1951–1973)<br />Light Attack / COIN (1973–2001) |
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|size= |
|size= |
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|command_structure= |
|command_structure= |
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|current_commander= |
|current_commander= |
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|garrison= |
|garrison= |
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|garrison_label= |
|garrison_label= |
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|ceremonial_chief= |
|ceremonial_chief= |
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|nickname= |
|nickname= |
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|patron= |
|patron= |
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|motto= |
|motto="Usque Ad Mortem" (Until Death)<ref name=SAAFcoza8Sqn>{{cite web|title=South African Air Force (Unofficial)|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/squadrons/25/8-squadron|work=The Squadrons: 8 Squadron}}</ref> |
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|colors= |
|colors= |
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|colors_label= |
|colors_label= |
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|march= |
|march= |
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|mascot= |
|mascot= |
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|equipment= |
|equipment= |
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|equipment_label=!---<ref name=AvPics>{{cite web|last=Aviation Pictures ZA|title=SAAF - A pictorial history|url=http://www.aviationpics.co.za/morenews.asp?filename=6112010102858.txt}}</ref> ---> |
|equipment_label=!---<ref name=AvPics>{{cite web|last=Aviation Pictures ZA |title=SAAF - A pictorial history |url=http://www.aviationpics.co.za/morenews.asp?filename=6112010102858.txt }}{{dead link|date=September 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> ---> |
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|battles= |
|battles= |
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|anniversaries= |
|anniversaries= |
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|decorations= |
|decorations= |
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|commander1= |
|commander1= |
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|commander1_label= |
|commander1_label= |
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|identification_symbol=<!---'''AX''' 1939-1945---> |
|identification_symbol=<!---'''AX''' 1939-1945---> |
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|identification_symbol_label=Squadron Identification Code |
|identification_symbol_label=Squadron Identification Code |
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|identification_symbol_2= |
|identification_symbol_2=[[File:8 Sqn SAAF Insignia.gif|80px]] |
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|identification_symbol_2_label= |
|identification_symbol_2_label=8 Squadron Insignia |
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}} |
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'''8 Squadron''' was a South African Air Force squadron during World War II and was again active between 1951 and 2001. During this second period, it was designated at different times as either a Citizen Force or Permanent Force squadron and was disbanded on 31 March 2001. |
'''8 Squadron''' was a South African Air Force squadron during World War II and was again active between 1951 and 2001. During this second period, it was designated at different times as either a Citizen Force or Permanent Force squadron and was disbanded on 31 March 2001. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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It was formed in February 1942 and was equipped with [[Hawker Fury|Hawker Furies]] released from [[43 Squadron |
It was formed in February 1942 and was equipped with [[Hawker Fury|Hawker Furies]] released from [[No. 43 Squadron RAF|43 Squadron RAF]] but was disbanded seven months later in August 1942 and was never operationally deployed during the war. |
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On 1 January 1951 the squadron was re-constituted at Bloemspruit as the Citizen Force element of [[24 Squadron SAAF|24 Squadron]] flying [[North American T-6|Harvards]]. In 1957 the squadron was assigned the role of presenting the Harvard Weapons Course and was split between permanent and citizen force flights. The Permanent Force Flight was responsible for the weapons course training, a role retained until 1970. |
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| ⚫ | In 1973 the unit was converted to Impala Mk I's and in November 1974 became the first squadron to be equipped with Impala Mk IIs.<ref name=SAAFcoza8Sqn /> The squadron again reverted |
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| ⚫ | In 1973 the unit was converted to Impala Mk I's and in November 1974 became the first squadron to be equipped with Impala Mk IIs.<ref name=SAAFcoza8Sqn /> The squadron again reverted to a full Permanent Force staffing structure and was employed in the light attack role during the South African Border War.<ref>{{cite book|last=Williams|first=Rocklyn|title=A Postmodern Military: Mission Redefinition and Defensive Restructuring: (Defensive Restructuring of the Armed Forces in Southern Africa)|year=1997|publisher=Ashgate|isbn=978-1-85521-951-9 |page=79|author2=Cawthra, G |author3=Moller, B}}</ref><ref group="Note">30mm cannons and capacity of up to 1 814 kg bombs or rocket pods (''Williams (1997) pp.79'')</ref> |
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| ⚫ | In 1994 the unit was designated as one of the four remaining fighter units after the 1994 Defense Force rationalisation program.<ref>{{cite web|title=African Pilot Correspondent|url=http://www.ipocafrica.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=314|work=Grippen|publisher=Pp. 27| |
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During this time, the squadron was one of the few Air Force squadrons to have a pilot honoured with the [[Honoris Crux Silver]] Medal, awarded to Maj. R.C.M. (Dick) Lewer for bravery.<ref name="Bagshawe">Bagshawe, Peter (1990). ''Warriors of the Sky''. Johannesburg: Ashanti. {{ISBN|978-1-874800-11-8}}. pp. 21-22</ref><ref group="Note">Awarded for close air support to an ambushed 31 Bn company close to Xangongo, deployed as a stopper group for the opening of Operation Protea. Lewer repeatedly attacked a large force of SWAPO/FAPLA elements who had pinned down a SADF company in his single seat Impala. Operating alone and at night, his continued attacks allowed the company to withdraw to safety. (''Bagshaw (1990), pp 21'')</ref> |
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| ⚫ | In 1994 the unit was designated as one of the four remaining fighter units after the 1994 Defense Force rationalisation program.<ref>{{cite web|title=African Pilot Correspondent|url=http://www.ipocafrica.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=314|work=Grippen|publisher=Pp. 27|access-date=1 October 2011}}</ref> and in April 1999 the squadron was relocated from its long standing base in Bloemfontein to AFB Hoedspruit. It was disbanded on 31 March 2001 when the Impalas were retired from service.<ref name=SAAFcoza8Sqn /> |
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==Aircraft== |
==Aircraft== |
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{{Gallery |
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<div class="center">{{Image gallery |
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| title = Aircraft flown by 8 Squadron< |
| title = Aircraft flown by 8 Squadron<br /><small>''Note: Aircraft type photographs may not necessarily represent aircraft of the same mark or actual aircraft belonging to the squadron.''</small> |
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| lines = 2 |
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| width = 180 |
| width = 180 |
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| height = 120 |
| height = 120 |
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|File:HawkerFury43sqn.jpg|Hawker Fury<br />1942 |
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|HawkerFury43sqn.jpg|Alt Text|Hawker Fury</br>1942|SNJ-4 Texan 7667.jpg|Alt Text|North American T-6 Harvard)</br>1951-1973|Impala Mk1-PE Airport.jpg|Alt Text|Atlas Impala Mk I</br>1973-1974|XXXX|Alt Text|Atlas Impala Mk II</br>1974-2001 |
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|File:SNJ-4 Texan 7667.jpg|North American T-6 Harvard)<br />1951-1973 |
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|File:Impala Mk1-PE Airport.jpg|Atlas Impala Mk I<br />1973-1974 |
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}} |
}} |
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</div> |
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=== |
===References=== |
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;Footnotes |
;Footnotes |
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{{Reflist|group=Note}} |
{{Reflist|group=Note}} |
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{{SAAF navbox}} |
{{SAAF navbox}} |
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[[Category:Squadrons of the South African Air Force]] |
[[Category:Squadrons of the South African Air Force]] |
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[[Category:Military units and formations of South Africa in the Border War|SAAF8]] |
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[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1942]] |
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[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 2001]] |
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Latest revision as of 09:10, 2 May 2024
| 8 Squadron | |
|---|---|
 Impala Mk.II as flown by the Squadron from 1974 | |
| Active | 1942 1951-2001 |
| Country |   South Africa |
| Branch | South African Air Force |
| Role | Fighter (1942) Weapons Training (1951–1973) Light Attack / COIN (1973–2001) |
| Motto(s) | "Usque Ad Mortem" (Until Death)[1] |
| Insignia | |
| 8 Squadron Insignia |  |
8 Squadron was a South African Air Force squadron during World War II and was again active between 1951 and 2001. During this second period, it was designated at different times as either a Citizen Force or Permanent Force squadron and was disbanded on 31 March 2001.
History
[edit]It was formed in February 1942 and was equipped with Hawker Furies released from 43 Squadron RAF but was disbanded seven months later in August 1942 and was never operationally deployed during the war.
On 1 January 1951 the squadron was re-constituted at Bloemspruit as the Citizen Force element of 24 Squadron flying Harvards. In 1957 the squadron was assigned the role of presenting the Harvard Weapons Course and was split between permanent and citizen force flights. The Permanent Force Flight was responsible for the weapons course training, a role retained until 1970.
In 1973 the unit was converted to Impala Mk I's and in November 1974 became the first squadron to be equipped with Impala Mk IIs.[1] The squadron again reverted to a full Permanent Force staffing structure and was employed in the light attack role during the South African Border War.[3][Note 1]
During this time, the squadron was one of the few Air Force squadrons to have a pilot honoured with the Honoris Crux Silver Medal, awarded to Maj. R.C.M. (Dick) Lewer for bravery.[4][Note 2]
In 1994 the unit was designated as one of the four remaining fighter units after the 1994 Defense Force rationalisation program.[5] and in April 1999 the squadron was relocated from its long standing base in Bloemfontein to AFB Hoedspruit. It was disbanded on 31 March 2001 when the Impalas were retired from service.[1]
Aircraft
[edit]Aircraft flown by 8 Squadron
Note: Aircraft type photographs may not necessarily represent aircraft of the same mark or actual aircraft belonging to the squadron.
Note: Aircraft type photographs may not necessarily represent aircraft of the same mark or actual aircraft belonging to the squadron.
-
Hawker Fury
1942 -
North American T-6 Harvard)
1951-1973 -
Atlas Impala Mk I
1973-1974
References
[edit]- Footnotes
- ^ 30mm cannons and capacity of up to 1 814 kg bombs or rocket pods (Williams (1997) pp.79)
- ^ Awarded for close air support to an ambushed 31 Bn company close to Xangongo, deployed as a stopper group for the opening of Operation Protea. Lewer repeatedly attacked a large force of SWAPO/FAPLA elements who had pinned down a SADF company in his single seat Impala. Operating alone and at night, his continued attacks allowed the company to withdraw to safety. (Bagshaw (1990), pp 21)
- Citations
- ^ a b c "South African Air Force (Unofficial)". The Squadrons: 8 Squadron.
- ^ Aviation Pictures ZA. "SAAF - A pictorial history".[permanent dead link]
- ^ Williams, Rocklyn; Cawthra, G; Moller, B (1997). A Postmodern Military: Mission Redefinition and Defensive Restructuring: (Defensive Restructuring of the Armed Forces in Southern Africa). Ashgate. p. 79. ISBN 978-1-85521-951-9.
- ^ Bagshawe, Peter (1990). Warriors of the Sky. Johannesburg: Ashanti. ISBN 978-1-874800-11-8. pp. 21-22
- ^ "African Pilot Correspondent". Grippen. Pp. 27. Retrieved 1 October 2011.