15 Squadron SAAF

15 Squadron
BK 117 in 15 Squadron service
Active	1939 to present
Country	South Africa
Branch	South African Air Force
Role	Light Transport
Garrison/HQ	AFB Durban
Motto	"Aquila Petit Ardua" (The Eagle Seeks the Heights)
Equipment	BK 117, Atlas Oryx

15 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a transport/utility helicopter squadron.

The squadron was formed on 18 September 1939 as a Coastal Command squadron based at Cape Town.^[1] The Squadron flew Baltimore 5 Light Bombers in May 1945 as part of 253 Wing of the Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force.^[2]

• Historic aircraft flown: Junkers Ju-86, Martin Maryland,^[3] Bristol Blenheim, Martin Baltimore, Aérospatiale Super Frelon, Aérospatiale Puma
• Current base: AFB Durban in Durban, with C Flight detached to AFS Port Elizabeth in Port Elizabeth.

Notable members

Notable members include Harry Schwarz, who served in the Second World War and in 1984 was made Honorary Colonel of the 15th Squadron.

The Silver Leopard Decoration was awarded to Flight Sergeant V. Selvan for conspicuous bravery during military operations. (15 Sqn, SAAF - 2004).

References

1. ^ Ambrose-Brown, James (1970). A Gathering of Eagles: South African forces World War II: Vol II. Cape Town: Purnell. pp. 26. 
2. ^ Shores, Christopher F. (1973). Pictorial History of the Mediterranean air War: Vol II: RAF 1943 - 1945. Ian Allan. pp. 108. ISBN 0-7110-0433-1. 
3. ^ Martin, H.J. (Lt-Gen); Orpen, N.D. (1979). South Africa at War: Military and Industrial Organisation and Operations in connection with the conduct of War: 1939-1945 (South African Forces World War II: Volume VII). Cape Town: Purnell. p. 276 plate 7. ISBN 0868430250.