Photo of Pilot with insignia

[Unknownsoldier]

Just for interests sake

[BWEF]

South African,

Probably at the end of WW2, judging by his ribbons, but certainly pre 1953.

IIRC the South Africans did not have a seperate airforce in WW2.

Note that he is wearing rank for an army Captain, complete with the orange tab at the end.

[Unknownsoldier]

Thanks, most interesting. Here you go for further interest is a few bits of info on the pilot:

[gollmarc]

very nice, thanks for posting

[Traist]

A grand set and story indeed.

[Brian Conyngham]

A very well deserved AFC, always nice to see original paperwork.

Suspect picture taken around early 1950's, most medals were only issued then, however not sure when the red/orange tab was removed from the SAAF uniform? I always thought they were worn untill about +-1948. In his papers from the Pretoria archives one should be able to find out when he was issued his medals and that could give a closer date, regards when the picture was taken. Then again he might have received his ribbons earlier?

Brian

[Milmed]

Hi,
AFAIK Orange tabs were worn until replaced by S.A titles as worn on collars.
This was around 1950/51 if memory serves me well (saw it on a units dress regulations a few years ago)

Steven

[milhistry]

Correct. Red tabs ended 1950/51.

Contrary to what is often stated in publications, the SAAF was a separate air force although it wore army style uniform (with some exceptions) and fell under the Chief of the SA General Staff.
The SAAF has been an independent arm of service since 1920 making it the world's second oldest air force.This is not that surprising given that the South African Prime Minister in 1920 was General Smuts who two years previously had chaired the Royal Commisison of Enquiry into the German bombing offensive and recommended the creation of an independent air force in Britain (the RAF).
The Chief of the SA General Staff from about 1938 to the end of WW2 was Sir Pierre van Ryneveld who was himself an Air Force Officer. The SAAF fell under a Director General of Air Forces who reported to the CGS. Despite his title, the wartime Chief of SA General Staff was more like a modern day Chief of Defence Staff. The prewar South African forces were very small and presumably army uniform was worn as an economy measure. Blue-grey service dress was adopted in 1952/53.