19 Squadron SAAF

Squadron of the South African Air Force May 2020 19 Squadron SAAF-Puma-005.jpg 300 SAAF Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma(similar to that flown by the squadron) Sep - Dec 193912 August 1944 – 10 July 19451 March 1970–present South Africa 1928 South Africa South African Air Force Transport / Utility Helicopter Squadron AFB Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit Fama Ex Factis Fame through Deeds Squadron Identification Code 80px Squadron Insignia 19 Squadron SAAF is a current squadron of the South African Air Force operating as a transport/utility helicopter squadron. It was formed in 1939 as part of the Air Force airways Wing, flying transport aircraft but was disbanded after a few months. It was re-formed from No. 227 Squadron RAF in 1944 and disbanded again after the end of World War II. It was again re-established in 1970 as a helicopter squadron – a role which it still performs today. History 19 Squadron was formed on 1 September 1939 together with 17 Squadron. It formed part of the Airways Wing at Swartkop Air Station flying ex-South African Airways Junkers Ju 52/3m's but was disbanded on 1 December the same year. The squadron did not participate in the Second World War until 12 August 1944 when 227 Squadron RAF was renumbered as 19 Squadron SAAF at Biferno in Italy. The squadron was deployed flying Beaufighters and was involved in operations in Italy, Greece and Yugoslavia until it was disbanded on 10 July 1945 after the end of the war.South African Air Force (Unofficial) http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/squadrons/100/19-squadron 19 Squadron On 1 March 1970 a Flight of 17 Squadron was transformed into 19 Squadron and equipped with SA330 Pumas at AFB Swartkop with A Flight flying from Swartkop and B Flight operating from AFB Durban for a period of time. "A" Flight was moved to AFB Louis Trichardt on 1 January 1991, with the rest of the squadron moving on 1 January 1992 flying Aérospatiale Alouette III's. The squadron moved to AFB Hoedspruit on 1 January 2004 where it is currently based. 19 Squadron became the first squadron to be equipped with the Oryx helicopter in early 1994.History of the SA 330 in South African service Aircraft Aircraft flown by 19 SquadronNote: Aircraft type photographs may not necessarily represent aircraft of the same mark or actual aircraft belonging to the squadron. 160 120 File:Ju 52 3M.jpg Junkers Ju 521939 File:Beaufighter252sqn.jpg Bristol Beaufighter1944 File:SAAF-Puma-004.jpg SA330 Puma1970 File:SAAF-Alouette III-001.jpg Alouette III1992 File:SAAF-Fast roping-001.jpg SA-330 Oryx1994 References Notes Category:Squadrons of the South African Air Force Category:Military units and formations established in 1939 Category:1939 establishments in South Africa