Unit Name: | 50 Squadron |
Dates: | 1939-c. 1946 |
Country: | South Africa |
Branch: | South African Air Force |
Equipment Label: | !---[1] ---> |
Identification Symbol Label: | Squadron Identification Code |
50 Squadron SAAF was a South African Air Force squadron during World War II.
50 Squadron was formed on 1 December 1939 by amalgamating the SAAF's 17, 18 and 19 Squadrons.[2] 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.[3]
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.