SAAFA PRETORIA BRANCH

Transcription

1 SAAFA PRETORIA BRANCH STICK & THROTTLE June 2018 Vol2 Contents SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION South African Air Force Memorial Service, Bays Hill P2 Smuts Memorial Service, Irene, 20 May 2018 P2 Heritage Foundation Wreath Laying Ceremony, SADF Wall of Remembrance P3 The new National President of the Airforce AssociationP4 Monthly Lunches P5 Thirstday s at the Hartbees Pub AFB Swartkop P5 The 100 Club Remember P6 P6 History of Dakota DC3 number 9863 P7 Venison P11 Editor braai P11 Dates to Remember P12 Confessions of a Trolley Dolly P12 When you create a caring SAAFA Branch, you are creating an experience that engages a fundraising tribe which will attract more donors (and fundraisers) to the organisation. To fully understand this the members must fully understand what the SAAFA is about. Here is an extract from the SAAFA Web site about the SAAFA: Apart from being a meeting place for its members SAAFA actively promotes the image of the SAAF and its members. Indeed, the twofold activity of having fun while raising funds continues to produce excellent results over the years. Funds raised thus are distributed via the Association's Care of the Aged programme. Membership brings participation in many activities, enjoying life wining and dining, raffles, sport events, special outings, regular luncheons at which distinguished persons from industry and commerce address the gathering and chat afterwards. Members are also encouraged to participate in the on-going worthwhile projects of the Association. Less fortunate SAAFA members and their dependents are being assisted in their wellbeing. An ever-increasing percentage of funds raised are being channeled towards the Care of the Aged programme. The willingness of members in the Pretoria Branch who volunteer their time and their professional expertise are what keeps the branch going. The branch hopes they can count on you during the year to continue to donate, support and to encourage your colleagues to support us. Each of you continues to be a great asset to our branch. Thank you for all you do. 1

2 South African Air Force Memorial Service, Bays Hill, Pretoria. 20 May 2018 The annual Air Force Memorial Service took place on Bays Hill on Sunday 20 May and was attended by several SAAFA members from Pretoria, Johannesburg and East Rand Branches, along with Next of Kin, SAAF serving and past members, Military Attachés and civilians. The SAAF Association are half-owners of the Air Force Memorial, and co-hosts of the Memorial Service and we are consequently involved with the execution of the Service. The Service was opened by a 17 Sqn Augusta A109 LUH with the Air Force flag hanging below and was presided over by the Chaplain of the Air Force Col Zolani Makalima. The two minutes silence was terminated by a SAAF Museum Harvard fly past, Col Jeff Earle at the stick. Following the wreath laying, which was led by CAF, Lt Gen F Z Msimang and our President, Hugh Paine, a Museum Alouette lll flew over the Memorial dropping rose petals in memory of those who did not return. After the close, guests were invited to gather at the General s House, SAAF College, for refreshments. It was a well conduced Service, appreciated by all who came to remember, and we can be very proud to be associated with such a significant and important event. The attendance of our SAAFA colleagues was much appreciated. National President Hugh Paine laid the SAAFA wreath Smuts Memorial Service, Irene, Pretoria 20 May 2018 The Memorial Service held annually to remember the contributions to South Africa and the world by Jan Christian Smuts was held at the Smuts House Museum, Doornkloof, Irene on the afternoon of 20 May. It was as always, a well organised event, well supported by SAAFA members, continuing a tradition established more than a quarter of a century ago. 2

3 The service was led by Cpln Marius van Rooyen, a member of the SADFA, who drew parallels between the Oubaas and Scripture, a poignant sermon indeed. The SAAFA wreath was laid by President Hugh Paine and was his last such function before retiring as President, which was most appropriate. It is of significance that both the SAAF and SAAFA maintain a presence at the Smuts Memorial Service, as it was the Oubaas who instructed Sir Pierre van Ryneveld to establish the SAAF, which he did of course on 1 February The attendance of both the SAAF and SAAFA at the Smuts Memorial Service is much appreciated as is their ongoing support of the General Smuts Foundation. Heritage Foundation Wreath Laying Ceremony, SADF Wall of Remembrance, Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria. The Board of Directors of the Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site gave its permission in 2009 for a SADF Wall of Remembrance to be erected to commemorate members of the SA Defense Force who passed away in service of their country. The total building costs of the Wall would have been R ,00 but sizeable cost-free support was provided by especially persons in the building and granite business. Because of further contributions, no taxpayers or other Voortrekker Monument money was used in the building of the Wall. The Wall was inaugurated on 25 October 2009 and more than people attended the occasion. It was viewed overall as a very stirring occasion with considerable participation and appreciation from the many next-of-kin. Consensus was reached that the service would become an annual event and that it will take place on the Sunday nearest to 31 May from the beginning of The new National President of the Airforce Association. 3

4 SAAFA National Congress for 2018 was hosted by the Cape Town branch at the Krystal Beach hotel in Gordons Bay over period 24 to 26 May The National President officially opened the conference and during an Act of Homage all SAAFA Branch chairpersons and their branch representatives stood to attention while the Branch Chairperson placed a Cross on the memorial board to commemorate all those that had been called to higher service Lest We Forget. Crosses placed during the Act of Homage for the SA Air Force National President Maj Gen Hugh Paine (ret) for SAAFA -National Vice President Col Mike Louw (ret) and for Pretoria Branch Col Itel Zurich. New National Appointments were made: National President National Vice President National Treasurer Patron Mike Louw Trevor Slade Carol Havenga Lt Gen Zakes Msimang Members of the SAAFA Pretoria Branch who received awards for their dedication and hard work during last year are as follow: Certificate of Merit: Philip Gouws Ashley Ludick Donnea Meyer Gavin Stanton Rene Stanton Natasha Stanton Stacey Stanton Jonathan Venter Presidential Medal Award with BAR: Carol Havenga Philip Weyers Order SAAFA BRONZE: Presidential Medal Awards: Marianne-Lee Mostert Johann Mostert Peter Stannard Dirk Louw Hermann Olmesdahl Order SAAFA GOLD: Hugh Paine Craig Stanton Monthly Lunches 4

5 Here we faltered a bit in giving a more colorful feedback on our monthly lunches as our two hard working photographers who are making money in the real world did could not attend our May lunch. Yes, I am aware that in this modern day and age we live in, each person is in possession of a cell phone that has at least a 10-pixel camera, so this will not happen again. The May lunch was held in the Airman s Mess at the old Gymnasium Swartkop West. Of the 55 people attending the lunch, 28 Squadron with their Officer Commanding making just under a half of the attendees. Flight sergeant Japie and his staff did not disappoint by providing an excellent two course meal that was enjoyed by all. The ever-popular monthly raffle brought in a hefty R1930 that will boost the branch covers. The May 100 Club draw was not won, and therefore the prize is a carry over to the June Lunch and a double payout awaits a lucky member that is part of the 100 Club and attends the lunch. 5

6 The 100 Club The SAAFA Pretoria Branch 100 Club is a fund-raising initiative whose primary purpose is to raise money for the SAAFA Pretoria Branch benevolent fund. The subscription to the SAAFA Pretoria Branch 100 Club for one number is R100 (One hundred rand) per club year payable annually in advance by cash or on-line bank payment. Members may have, and are encouraged to have, multiple subscriptions provided the member s annual SAAFA subscription for the year has been paid. Each ticket however, costs R (One hundred rand) and entitles the member to picks a number that is available. That ticket number(s) shall remain the members for one club year and each ticket number will be included in every draw for that club year The normal 100 Club year will be January to December. The draw for each month shall be made on the second Friday of the month at the monthly SAAFA lunch. To be eligible to win the monthly cash prize the member must be physically present at the monthly SAAFA lunch. If the member s number is drawn and he/she is not present at the lunch, the monthly prize is then carried over to the next SAAFA Pretoria Branch monthly lunch. The first draw was won by Mike Louw who walked away smiling, the second draw was won by Wikus van Staden who was not present that day and this made the rest of the members smile knowing that the next draw will be bigger. Just a small reminder to all the members out there, you cannot win if you do not have a number, so get going and buy a number or numbers. The bigger the membership of the 100 Club, the bigger the prize. The minimum you could win will pay for your meal and lots of refreshments that day. 6

7 The donation of a DC3 Dakota from the South African Air Force to the Airborne Initiative at Cambridge Airfield by Lt Gen James Kriel SSAS SD SM MMM Chief of the South African Air Force and received by Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon GCB CBE ADC FRAES RAF Chief of the Air Staff and Maj Gen Rupert Smith DSO OBE QGM Colonel Commandant Parachute Regiment. The Airborne Initiative Training in Scotland In mid-1993 the Scottish Office and Strathclyde Regional Council became interested in a proposal to use qualified ex-service members of the Parachute Regiment in certain areas of youth training. An integrated part of the proposal was that such training would be development of a work skills and job creation scheme. In consequence, The Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd was formed to develop this concept, and a two part training programme for disadvantaged and at risk young people in the age group 16 to 25 has been agreed. The programme, built around the use of highly skilled ex-service personnel, provides a disciplined approach to training which, when coupled to assistance from the industrial, commercial and voluntary sectors can make substantial inroads into the problems of delinquency and resultant anti-social behavior. That so much progress has been made in such a short time is entirely due to the wealth of support provided from many sources, and that support is epitomised in the generous donation from South African Air Force of a fully airworthy Douglas Dakota aircraft. The aircraft was used extensively as a fund-raiser vehicle and as a highly visible PR platform to further the aims of The Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd. DAKOTA DC3 KG 391 This is the history of the Dakota presented to The Airborne Initiative. The new paint scheme given to the aircraft was that of KG 391. This aircraft was in 48 Squadron RAF, flying from Down Amptney in Gloucestershire. On the night of 5/6 June 1944 KG 301 was flown by Pilot Officer PW Smith as part of Operation Tonga for the insertion by air of Pathfinders to mark the main Drop Zones for the allied airborne invasion of 6 June. KG 391 flew four canisters and twenty Pathfinders of 3 rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, to Drop Zone Victor and continued to fly operational missions throughout the course of the invasion. 7

8 HISTORY OF DOUGLAS C-47A-40-DL CONSTRUCTOR S NUMBER July 1943 Ordered on contract number AC20669 as a Delivered at the Douglas, Santa Monica C DL as one of a batch of 126 aircraft Plant as Colors were olive drab ( to ). Allocated United with medium green dapple top surfaces and States Army Air Force (USAAF) serial neutral grey surfaces. number and Douglas Constructor s number AS UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT ALLOCAED THE SERIAL NO: July Allocated to the Royal Air Force under lend-lease agreement with the serial number FD938 as a Dakota Mk3 with roundels added. AS A ROYAL AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT ALLOCATED THE SERIAL NUMBER FD938 6 August September 1945 Ferried to the Middle East. FD938 together with twelve other Dakotas left Cairo West for the Union of South Africa. 22 August October 1945 Delivered to 28 Squadron, South African Air FD938 allocated SAAF Serial number 6867 Force at Castel Benito. In service from and transferred to number 4 Group for Castel Benito with detachments to: Oujda (Morocco), Decce (Italy) and Setif (Algiers). operations by 5 Wing at AFB Swartkop, Pretoria. 16 June Squadron moved to Maison Blanche, Algeria. AS SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE ALLOCATED THW SERIAL NUMBER 6867 October 1945 to March April 1946 Operated by 5 Wing on the shuttle from AFB Flown to AFB Pietersburg for storage. Swartkop to Cairo, returning with South African troops from the zone. 27 November Returned to service with 28 Squadron at Transferred to 25 Squadron also based in AFB Swartkop. Camouflage removed and Cape Town at AFB Ysterplaat. aircraft restored to bare metal finish. 8

9 December 1947 to August December 1981 Continuous operations 28 Squadron. During With the move of 80 Navigation School to this period the older Orange/White/Blue AFB Langebaanweg, also in the Cape, 6867 SAAF roundel changed to the Springbok transferred to the school. roundels. 16 August November 1984 Aircraft delivered to 15 Air Depot for long Transferred from Air Navigation School to 35 term storage. Squadron at the D.F. Malan Airport, Cape Town. The transfer upon retirement of 35 Squadron s last three Shackleton aircraft. 8 April 1959 November 1984 to February 1994 Aircraft returned to service with 28 Painted in gloss PRU blue overall with white Squadron, AFB Swartkop. top and fin, and used exclusively in the maritime role. 6 January March 1994 To 1 Air Depot, AFB Waterkloof, Pretoria for modifications for the use in the maritime role identified as the aircraft to be donated to the Airborne Initiative, England. Springbok roundel replaced by Castle Insignia. 11 April March 1994 Aircraft transferred to 27 Squadron, AFB Aircraft delivered to Hunting Aviation, Rand Ysterplaat, Cape Town, for use in the Airport, Johannesburg, for modifications maritime role and at 80 Navigation School. leading to civil registration. 22 March Aircraft now registered as ZS-NJE flown to Simera/Atlas Aviation, at Jan Smuts Airport, for painting in world war two colors scheme depicting a Dakota of 48 Squadron, Royal Air Force, used during the Normandy landings. AS A CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT ALLOCATED THE REGISTRATION NUMBER ZS-NJE 14 April ZS-NJE flown to AFB Waterkloof, Pretoria, on the flight to Cambridge, England, crewed by personnel drawn from 44 Squadron, South African Air Force. The route flown included stops at: Lusaka, Dar es Salam, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Khartoum, Luxor, Cairo, Iraklion, Barcelona and Bilbao. 9

10 1 May Arrive at Cambridge, England. 7 May Ceremony to mark the handover of Douglas Dakota number 9836 to the Airborne Initiative by Lt Gen James Kriel SSAS SD SM MMM. Chief of the South African Air Force. Silver DC3 with white top and Camouflaged DC3 with Castle and DC3 with PRU blue overall with Springbok roundel Springbok white top and fin Painted in a WW II color scheme depicting a DAKOTA of 48 Squadron, Royal Air Force Venison braai With the SAAFA Annual Congress taking place in Cape Town, attended by the branches top structure, the stay behind members had a venison braai at the Hartbees Club ensuring that they could also have a good time. The American and Canadian Embassy Attaches decided to bring their venison to make space in their Fridges after a good hunting season and spoil the SAAFA members. Lt Col Drew Cunnnar USAF, Lt Col Robbert Firman USAF and Col Darwin Ziprick RCAF braaied 10

11 venison with various types of spices and sauces that were out of this world and ended as one of the best venison tasting braais. Those who did not even like venison ended up eating as well due to the wonderful taste. Johann and Marianne provided the salad, bread rolls, paper, charcoal, plates and some utensils to go with the venison. Morney and Celeste Versveld ensured that those who do not like venison still have the normal Thursday Boeries. Cunnar, Darwin Ziprick and Robert Firman Listening with anticipation what s on the menu Lt Col Drew Drew It is amazing and rather weird how some human-beings find it uplifting and rewarding to criticize everything they see or what others do. Life is so short and goes by so quickly, was it not January a while ago and now it is time to think of what to buy or do for Christmas. Rather than finding fault, why do we not get together and find way of making life better, redirect the negative toward positive actions and assist our branch to make life better for those who are not as fortunate as us? This newsletter is a means of getting information to our branch members as well as informing them of what is happening in our area and how their friends and colleagues are doing. Nobody can go through life alone without company or friends and this is what we want to do. We want to assist and help members not to feel alone. We are asking for help, information, stories, inputs, suggestions, anything that may make this newsletter a means of communication and some thing to look forward to at the beginning of the month. Please let us know what you want in the newsletter or how we can improve by to the secretary, Jaap, stating newsletter in the subject box. Dates to remember 6 July 2018 SAAFA Pretoria branch Golf day. Services Golf Club. 08h30 11

12 14 July 2018 SAAFA Pretoria Branch Lunch, Airman s Mess Swartkop West July 2018 Delville Wood Memorial Service, Burgers Park, Pretoria. 11h00 15 July 2018 Delville Wood Memorial Service, Johannesburg. Venue TBC 11h00 27 July 2018 Korean War Veterans Association Memorial Service, Air Force Memorial, Bays Hill, Pretoria. TBC With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sad passing away of Frank Boucher one of our oldest beneficiary from the AD ASTRA Flats in Pretoria he was 95. He leaves behind his beloved wife Cynthia. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard again on our second issue. Dear passengers, I do remember what I said in our first issue that I ll begiving you more answered to your trivial questions and to all the unanswered questions that I put forward previously, so just be patient as I am serving lots of disgruntled people on my flight. I have a break now and passenger 13 can wait a few minutes before I answer his call. 1. The reason why the lights are turned off during takeoff and landing is for your eyes to adjust to lower levels of light. If there s an accident and cabin crew have to activate the emergency slides, studies have shown that you will be able to see better and therefore be able to evacuate more quickly and safely. 2. British Airways was once the world s largest purchaser of Champagne, with passengers drinking a minimum of 90,000 cases every year. Today Emirates buys the most bottles of bubbly. 12

13 3. The Boeing 747 (all versions) has travelled over an estimated 35 billion miles, that is the equivalent of 75,000 trips to the moon and back. 4. The world s busiest airport is the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, at over 96 million passengers a year. 5. One windshield or window frame of a Boeing s cockpit costs as much as a BMW car. CHEERS FOR NOW Coffee or Tea Special Thanx to our dependable camera people and reporters, without you the newsletter would be dull. Johann Mostert Philip Weyers Nic Havenga Wyane Benskin 13