50 Squadron SAAF

50 Squadron SAAF was a South African Air Force squadron during World War II.

50 Squadron
Junkers F13, similar to those operated by 50 Squadron
Active1939-c. 1946
Country  South Africa
BranchSouth African Air Force

History

50 Squadron was formed on 1 December 1939 by amalgamating the SAAF's 17, 18 and 19 Squadrons.[1] During the East African Campaign 50 Squadron operated a 'shuttle service' between the warzone in East Africa and South Africa as part of 1 Bomber Transport Brigade. The brigade was re-designated 5 Wing in February 1941, and continued to fly 'shuttle service' flights between the Mediterranean and South Africa until after the war.[2]

The squadron operated Junkers F.13FE, Ju-86Z/K-1 and Ju 52/3M aircraft which had been requisitioned from the South African Airways at the outbreak of war. The eleven Ju 52's were assigned to 51 Flight, operating a shuttle service from Nairobi to Egypt, Middle East and South Africa.

Aircraft
Aircraft flown by 50 Squadron
Note: Aircraft type photographs may not necessarily represent aircraft of the same mark or actual aircraft belonging to the squadron.
  • Junkers F.13FE
    1939-c. 1946
  • Ju-86Z/K-1
    1939-c. 1946
  • Ju52/3M
    1939-c. 1946

References
Footnotes
  1. Potgieter and Steenkamp (1981), p. 119
  2. "History of the South African Air Force". South African Air Force. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2011.
Bibliography
  • Potgieter, Herman; Steenkamp, Willem (1981). Aircraft of the South African Air Force (2nd ed.). Cape Town: C. Struik. ISBN 0-86977-133-7.
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