2 Squadron SAAF

2 Squadron
2 Squadron Mustang fighters during the Korean War
Active1 October 1940–present [1]
CountrySouth Africa South Africa
Branch South African Air Force
RoleAttack/Interception
Garrison/HQAFB Makhado
Nickname(s)Flying Cheetahs
Motto(s)Latin: Sursam Prorsusque
("Upward and Onward")
Mascot(s)Historically, two cheetah cubs
EquipmentJAS 39 Gripen
Decorations  United States Presidential Unit Citation   Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Battle honoursEast 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 CodeDB (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.

  1. ^ a b "THE SQUADRONS INCEPTION". South African Air Force. Archived from the original on 25 September 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
  2. ^ Martin, H.J. Lt-Gen; Orpen, N.D. (1978). Eagles Victorious: South African Forces World War II. Cape Town: Purnell. ISBN 0-86843-008-0.
  3. ^ "Squadron 2". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 18 July 2009.