1 Squadron SAAF is a fighter squadron of the South African Air Force (SAAF), with a distinguished history spanning over a century. It has participated in major conflicts, including both World Wars, the Korean War (though its personnel were integrated into 2 Squadron), and the Border War, operating a wide array of combat aircraft.
History
Formation and Early Years (WWI - 1930s) The origins of 1 Squadron can be traced back to the South African Aviation Corps formed in 1913. During World War I, South African aviators served with the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), most notably in No. 26 Squadron RFC (South African), which operated in German East Africa. Following the war, these traditions contributed to the establishment of the South African Air Force. 1 Squadron SAAF was formally constituted on 1 February 1920 at Swartkop, Pretoria, initially equipped with a variety of aircraft, primarily for training and reconnaissance roles. Its early decades involved developing the nascent air force's capabilities.
World War II With the outbreak of World War II, 1 Squadron played a pivotal role in various campaigns:
- East African Campaign (1940-1941): Operating aircraft such as the Hawker Hurricane, Gloster Gladiator, and Hawker Fury, the squadron engaged Italian forces, providing air support and reconnaissance.
- North African Campaign (1941-1943): Transferred to the Western Desert, 1 Squadron became part of the Desert Air Force. It flew Curtiss Tomahawks and later Kittyhawks, primarily in air superiority and ground attack roles, participating in significant battles like El Alamein.
- Italian Campaign (1943-1945): Equipped with Supermarine Spitfires, the squadron moved to Italy, continuing its role as a fighter and ground attack unit, engaging the Luftwaffe and supporting Allied ground advances until the end of the war.
Post-World War II and Korean War After World War II, 1 Squadron returned to South Africa. While South Africa contributed pilots and ground crew to the Korean War (1950-1953), these personnel formed the nucleus of No. 2 Squadron SAAF, equipped with North American F-51 Mustangs and later F-86 Sabres. 1 Squadron remained in South Africa during this period, focusing on air defence and training. It transitioned through various aircraft types, including the de Havilland Vampire and the Canadair Sabre.
The Border War (1966-1989) During the prolonged Border War in Angola and South West Africa (now Namibia), 1 Squadron was at the forefront of the SAAF's fighter operations. Equipped initially with the Mirage III (various models including the CZ interceptor, EZ fighter-bomber, and RZ reconnaissance variant), the squadron performed air defence, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions against Angolan and Cuban forces. Later, it transitioned to the Dassault Mirage F1AZ, a dedicated ground-attack variant, which it operated extensively from bases like Rundu and Ondangwa, engaging in numerous combat sorties.
Post-Border War and Reactivation Following the end of the Border War, 1 Squadron continued to operate the Mirage F1AZ until the aircraft's retirement in the mid-1990s. The squadron was effectively placed in a dormant state for a period. In 2023, 1 Squadron SAAF was reactivated at Makhado Air Force Base, equipped with the BAE Hawk Mk.120, serving in the advanced fighter training role.
Aircraft Operated
Over its history, 1 Squadron has operated a diverse range of aircraft, including:
- Hawker Fury
- Gloster Gladiator
- Hawker Hurricane
- Curtiss Tomahawk
- Curtiss Kittyhawk
- Supermarine Spitfire
- de Havilland Vampire
- Canadair Sabre
- Dassault Mirage III (CZ, EZ, RZ variants)
- Dassault Mirage F1AZ
- BAE Hawk Mk.120
Motto
The squadron's motto is "Slaan uit die Lug" (Afrikaans for "Strike from the Sky").