![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/Aermacchi_AM-3C_Bosbok_at_Bundaberg_Airport_Vabre.jpg/640px-Aermacchi_AM-3C_Bosbok_at_Bundaberg_Airport_Vabre.jpg&w=640&q=50)
42 Squadron SAAF
Military unit / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
42 Squadron SAAF is a disbanded squadron of the South African Air Force, active from 1945 to 2000. The squadron's main role was to spot enemy artillery.[1] The unit was formed in 1945 as 42 AOP Flight, flying Austers under command of an officer of the SA Artillery and was the only army aviation unit flying for South African forces during World War II.[1][2]
42 Squadron SAAF | |
---|---|
![]() Aeritalia/Aermacchi AM.3CM Bosbok, as flown by 42 Squadron | |
Active | 23 January 1945–2000 |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | South African Air Force |
Last base | AFB Waterkloof |
Motto(s) | Per Spicimus (We survey)[1] |
Aircraft flown | |
Reconnaissance | Auster, Auster AOP6, Auster AOP9, Cessna 185, Atlas Bosbok, Atlas Kudu, Pilatus PC-6 |
After the war, the squadron was sent back to South Africa, where they were based at Potchefstroom. The flight became 42 Squadron in the 1950s when control of the flight was transferred to the SAAF.[1] In 1962, the squadron's Austers were phased out and replaced with Cessna 185s, Atlas Bosboks and Atlas Kudus.[1] The squadron relocated to AFB Swartkop in 1992 and to AFB Waterkloof in 2000, the same year the squadron was disbanded.[1]