Pyongyang, Gothic Line, Italy 1943-45, Mediterranean 1943, El Hamma, El Alamein, Agedabia, Western Desert 1941-43, The Juba, East Africa 1940-41, The Lakes, Sidi Rezegh, Gazalal, French North Africa 1943, Tunis, South East Europe 1944-45, The Sango, Korea 1950-53, Korea 28 November 1951 to 30 April 1952, SWA/Angola 1979-1989
2 Squadron is currently the premier squadron in the South African Air Force, and has a long and proud history, having been involved in every single combat action in which the SAAF has taken part. During the Second World War it made a name for itself in the battles for East Africa, before distinguishing itself in North Africa as part of the Desert Air Force, and later in South Africa's contribution to the United Nations war effort during the Korean War from November 1950 to December 1953. Initially flying the F-51 Mustang, the squadron re-equipped with the F-86 Sabre in February 1953. During the war the squadron flew a total of 12 067 sorties, most being dangerous ground attack missions. 74 of the 94 Mustangs and 4 out of the 22 Sabres were lost, along with 34 pilots. For their actions, the squadron received the United StatesPresidential Unit Citation, along with numerous other awards and decorations. In addition, the Commanding Officer of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, under which command the squadron was under, issued a directive at the end of the war that: "In memory of our gallant South African comrades, it is hereby established, as a new policy that at all Retreat Ceremonies held by this Wing, the playing of our National Anthem shall be preceded by playing the introductory bars of the South African National Anthem, 'Die Stem van Suid-Afrika'. All personnel of this Wing will render the same honours to this Anthem as our own."
Orders had come through for the squadron to move to K-24 on the 27th and all were keen to join their hard-pressed companions, but the move was postponed and then cancelled owing to the evacuation of K-24.
Within 2Squadron flights were allocated certain specific areas so that they could become thoroughly acquainted with them and their potential for the concealment of enemy vehicles or supply dumps.
On 8 July pilots of 2Squadron had their first encounter with Mig-15 fighters when a flight of four Mustangs, led by Cmdt Armstrong, was attacked by two Migs, but every time the Migs attacked the flight turned in to meet them head on and they eventually broke off the engagement.
Orders had come through for the squadron to move to K-24 on the 27th and all were keen to join their hard-pressed companions, but the move was postponed and then cancelled owing to the evacuation of K-24.
Within 2Squadron flights were allocated certain specific areas so that they could become thoroughly acquainted with them and their potential for the concealment of enemy vehicles or supply dumps.
On 8 July pilots of 2Squadron had their first encounter with Mig-15 fighters when a flight of four Mustangs, led by Cmdt Armstrong, was attacked by two Migs, but every time the Migs attacked the flight turned in to meet them head on and they eventually broke off the engagement.
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