karnallieThe unit was originally formed as No 5 Fighter-bomber Squadron at Youngsfield near Cape Town on 1 April 1939, but was disbanded on 8 November. Although No 5 (F) Squadron was established as an Active Citizen Force (ACF) unit at Air Force Station (AFS) Zwartkop near Pretoria on 1 December 1939, it remained dormant for 17 months. It was reformed as a fighter squadron at AFS Zwartkop on 7 May 1941.Initially 5 Squadron was equipped with the Curtiss Mohawk fighter (as well as two Harvard Mk Is for operational training). On 10 December1941 Maj Frost (the unit commander) announced that the squadron would move north. After having arrived at the Royal Air Force (RAF) station at Kasfareet, the aircrew relocated to Khartoum for training. First they moved to LG99, south of Alexandria (where they received Curtiss Tomahawks), on 22 February 1942, and then to LG121. Here they relieved 335 (Hellenic) Squadron (RAF) and was placed under the authority of 234 Wing (RAF). They provided air defence cover between Mersa Matruh and Sollum as well as fighter cover to ships moving along the coast.
Among others 5 Squadron provided vital cover to ships moving between Alexandria and Malta. During the three months following 14 July 1942, sorties mostly comprised escorting reconnaissance aircraft, fighter-bombers or the Bostons and Baltimores of 12, 21 and 24 Squadrons (SAAF). By 7 August 1942 the unit had lost four commanders in three months.
On 17 December 5 Squadron was integrated into 7 Wing (SAAF). 6 January 1943 saw the unit swap its Tomahawks for Curtiss Kittyhawk Mk 1s. Kittyhawk IIIs were transferred to 5 Squadron. After it became clear that the unit would not receive any Spitfires, it was transferred to 239 Wing (RAF) because it flew only Kittyhawks.
5 Squadron was among the early users of a tactical cooperation system known as “Cab Rank” operations. A ground-based forward controller would direct the bombing efforts of orbiting aircraft and then provide immediate corrections to the rest of the aircraft. Before attacking, all the aircraft would adopt a line-astern formation, which would emulate civilian taxis standing at a rank. A mobile air controller, known as a “rover”, would relay instructions to the attacking aircraft.
The Kittyhawk IIIs were replaced by Kittyhawk IVs in February 1944. Subsequently, at the end of September 1944, the unit received North American Mustangs. On arrival at Bari on 19 October 1945 the squadron was disbanded.

This is a test added by LIT Creations. This is a test added by LIT Creations. This is a test added by LIT Creations.This is a test added by LIT Creations.This is a test added by LIT Creations. This is a test added by LIT Creations.

kerneelsThe unit was originally formed as No 5 Fighter-bomber Squadron at Youngsfield near Cape Town on 1 April 1939, but was disbanded on 8 November. Although No 5 (F) Squadron was established as an Active Citizen Force (ACF) unit at Air Force Station (AFS) Zwartkop near Pretoria on 1 December 1939, it remained dormant for 17 months. It was reformed as a fighter squadron at AFS Zwartkop on 7 May 1941.Initially 5 Squadron was equipped with the Curtiss Mohawk fighter (as well as two Harvard Mk Is for operational training). On 10 December1941 Maj Frost (the unit commander) announced that the squadron would move north. After having arrived at the Royal Air Force (RAF) station at Kasfareet, the aircrew relocated to Khartoum for training. First they moved to LG99, south of Alexandria (where they received Curtiss Tomahawks), on 22 February 1942, and then to LG121. Here they relieved 335 (Hellenic) Squadron (RAF) and was placed under the authority of 234 Wing (RAF). They provided air defence cover between Mersa Matruh and Sollum as well as fighter cover to ships moving along the coast.
Among others 5 Squadron provided vital cover to ships moving between Alexandria and Malta. During the three months following 14 July 1942, sorties mostly comprised escorting reconnaissance aircraft, fighter-bombers or the Bostons and Baltimores of 12, 21 and 24 Squadrons (SAAF). By 7 August 1942 the unit had lost four commanders in three months.
On 17 December 5 Squadron was integrated into 7 Wing (SAAF). 6 January 1943 saw the unit swap its Tomahawks for Curtiss Kittyhawk Mk 1s. Kittyhawk IIIs were transferred to 5 Squadron. After it became clear that the unit would not receive any Spitfires, it was transferred to 239 Wing (RAF) because it flew only Kittyhawks.
5 Squadron was among the early users of a tactical cooperation system known as “Cab Rank” operations. A ground-based forward controller would direct the bombing efforts of orbiting aircraft and then provide immediate corrections to the rest of the aircraft. Before attacking, all the aircraft would adopt a line-astern formation, which would emulate civilian taxis standing at a rank. A mobile air controller, known as a “rover”, would relay instructions to the attacking aircraft.
The Kittyhawk IIIs were replaced by Kittyhawk IVs in February 1944. Subsequently, at the end of September 1944, the unit received North American Mustangs. On arrival at Bari on 19 October 1945 the squadron was disbanded.

nuwerwets5 Squadron was administratively reformed as an ACF fighter unit at Stamford Hill Aerodrome in Durban on 1 September 1950, effectively being reestablished on 1 January 1951. On 31 December 1956 the unit relocated to Louis Botha Airport on the outskirts of Durban, using South African Airways facilities until its own could be completed. The unit’s base later became known as AFS Durban. Since March 1970 the unit enjoyed the freedom of entry into Durban. 

byderwetsIn July 1973 5 Squadron entered the jet age when it received new mounts in the form of Atlas Impala Mk Is.

nederlandsIn July 1973 5 Squadron entered the jet age when it received new mounts in the form of Atlas Impala Mk Is.