19 Squadron SAAF

19 Squadron SAAF is a current squadron of the South African Air Force operating as a transport/utility helicopter squadron. It was formed in 1939 as part of the Air Force airways Wing, flying transport aircraft but was disbanded after a few months. It was re-formed from No. 227 Squadron RAF in 1944 and disbanded again after the end of World War II. It was again re-established in 1970 as a helicopter squadron – a role which it still performs today.

19 Squadron
SAAF Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma, similar to that flown by the squadron
ActiveSep - Dec 1939
12 August 1944 – 10 July 1945
1 March 1970–present
Country South Africa
BranchSouth African Air Force
RoleTransport / Utility Helicopter Squadron
Garrison/HQAFB Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit
Motto(s)Fama Ex Factis Fame through Deeds[1]
Insignia
Squadron Insignia

History

19 Squadron was formed on 1 September 1939 together with 17 Squadron. It formed part of the Airways Wing at Swartkop Air Station flying ex-South African Airways Junkers Ju 52/3m's but was disbanded on 1 December the same year. The squadron did not participate in the Second World War until 12 August 1944 when 227 Squadron RAF was renumbered as 19 Squadron SAAF at Biferno in Italy. The squadron was deployed flying Beaufighters and was involved in operations in Italy, Greece and Yugoslavia until it was disbanded on 10 July 1945 after the end of the war.[1]

On 1 March 1970 a Flight of 17 Squadron was transformed into 19 Squadron and equipped with SA330 Pumas at AFB Swartkop with A Flight flying from Swartkop and B Flight operating from AFB Durban for a period of time. "A" Flight was moved to AFB Louis Trichardt on 1 January 1991, with the rest of the squadron moving on 1 January 1992 flying Aérospatiale Alouette III's. The squadron moved to AFB Hoedspruit on 1 January 2004 where it is currently based. 19 Squadron became the first squadron to be equipped with the Oryx helicopter in early 1994.[2]

Aircraft
Aircraft flown by 19 Squadron
Note: Aircraft type photographs may not necessarily represent aircraft of the same mark or actual aircraft belonging to the Squadron.
  • Junkers Ju52
    1939
  • Bristol Beaufighter
    1944
  • SA330 Puma
    1970
  • Alouette III
    1992
  • SA-330 Oryx
    1994

References

Notes
  1. "South African Air Force (Unofficial)". 19 Squadron.
  2. History of the SA 330 in South African service
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