SAAF celebrates its 95th anniversary very low key

If it were not for the flying displays by the South African Air Force (SAAF) Museum aircraft, the 95th anniversary celebrations could have been mistaken for a parade training exercise – far from what one would have expected from the once mighty SAAF, the world’s second oldest air force.

The obvious lack of aircraft flying was a clear indication that its biggest battle is against the lack of budget.In his address, the Chief of the SAAF, Lieutenant General F Z Msimang, commended the men and women of the Air Force in attaining well-deserved milestones in their development, saying that it was a process characterised by inspiration, buttressed by a growing sense of patriotism, service and commitment.

“This has reinforced my belief in the general effort at building a powerful and committed Air Force that inspires confidence and a spirit of steadfastness, to weather the most challenging of storms of modern times,” said Lt Gen Msimang.

He added that the Air Force has, and must continue to guarantee air power excellence in everything that it does. “How else can it therefore be of consequence and a beacon of hope, if it does not appropriate its role in the African agenda? This is one of the fundamental reasons compelling the SAAF in the coming financial year 2015/16, to give special attention to capacity building and the enhancement of its capabilities.”

The primary goal of the SAAF is to provide and support air defence capabilities for the defence and protection of the Republic of South Africa.“Air and space power is the nation’s capacity to protect through the medium of air or aerospace, in the employment of all its aviation resources, civil and military, public and private in support of the National interests,” continued Lt Gen Msimang.

The General concluded that one of the ministerial priorities was the transformation and revitalisation of the Reserve Force. “It is my intent to build the SAAF Reserve Force capability that is relevant and potent in all musterings, and to support the Reserve Force Flying Squadrons. Proper career planning and administration of the SAAF Reserve Force members will be high on my agenda for this year.”

This year’s Air Force Day parade doubled up as a commissioning parade and as its 95th anniversary celebrations.

Some historical facts

• Following the visit by the Commandant-General of the Union Defence Force, General Beyers, to military manoeuvres in Germany during June 1912, the South African Aviation Corps was formed, receiving cabinet approval in 1913. Six officers of the Corps qualified in April 1914 and were sent to the Royal Flying Corps in England for a further year’s training.
• The South African Aviation Corps ceased to function as a separate unit in October 1915, yet it was only officially disbanded in 1921. Members of the Corps were incorporated into 26 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. The Squadron saw service in East Africa in support of South African forces under General Jan Smuts. The main task of the squadron was reconnaissance. The squadron was disbanded in July 1918, before the end of the World War I.
• The South African Commander in Chief, General, Smuts, was a member of the Imperial War Cabinet and in 1917 was asked by the British Prime Minister to investigate the question of air defence against Zeppelin raids. The select committee he chaired recommended the creation of an Air Force as a separate arm of the service. Gen. Smuts wanted the same for South Africa. This decision was taken in 1919 and Lieutenant Colonel Pierre van Ryneveld was commissioned to evolve the organisation and procure the necessary equipment.
• On 1 January 1920 the Aircraft Depot was established at Roberts Heights, near Pretoria, under Captain I Welch. It became known as the Aircraft and Artillery Depot. As a suitable airfield was required, the farm Zwartkop, near Roberts Heights, was acquired in April 1921, thus becoming South Africa’s first air force base. Swartkop is now the headquarters of the SAAF Museum, which still uses the original Imperial Gift hangers as exhibition halls.
• In June 1920 Lt Col van Ryneveld was appointed Director of Air Services with the temporary rank of Colonel, which was backdated to 1 February 1920, with its headquarters at the present SAAF College Officers Mess, Voortrekkerhoogte. This date is acknowledged as marking the official birth of the SAAF. No 1 Flight was established at Zwartkop on 26 April 1921 and it was joined by a second flight. These flights formed the nucleus of 1 Squadron that was established by early 1922.
• The title South African Air Force was first used officially on 1 February 1923 when the SAAF was listed under the provisions of the reconstituted SA Defence Act when it was listed as one of the corps of the Permanent Force.