2 Squadron | |
---|---|
Active | 1 October 1940–present [1] |
Country | South Africa |
Branch | South African Air Force |
Role | Attack/Interception |
Garrison/HQ | AFB Makhado |
Nickname(s) | Flying Cheetahs |
Motto(s) | Latin: Sursam Prorsusque ("Upward and Onward") |
Mascot(s) | Historically, two cheetah cubs |
Equipment | JAS 39 Gripen |
Decorations | United States Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation |
Battle honours | East Africa 1941 The Juba & The Lakes; Western Desert 1941–1943 Sidi Rezegh Agedabia Gazala El Alamein; French North Africa 1943 El Hamma & Tunis Mediterranean 1943 South East Europe 1944–1945 Italy 1943–1945, The Sangro & Gothic Line Korea 1950–1953, Pyongyang |
Insignia | |
Squadron Identification Code | DB (1939–1945)[2]: 14c |
2 Squadron crest |
2 Squadron is a squadron in the South African Air Force which was formed in 1940.[1][3] The squadron has a long 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 Italy.