It was a privilege to have served in the SAAF,especially at squadron level. To experience the absolute impact of the work ethic of a squadron as a unit, from the ground crew to the pilots was inspiring to observe.
Salute to the brave pilots of the SAAF who I had the honour of working with 1983 - 1989 Cmdt Rankin - my OC and war hero with 2 Mig 21 shoot downs Maj Every - shot down in Anglola Maj Van Copenhagen - shot down in Angola Capt Piercy - shot in battle - paralysed on crash landing at Rundu
Deepest respect to SAAF jet jocks, my best mate's dad recently passed as well - former Silver Falcon and F1 combat pilot Bill Einkamerer, one of the Billies I believe, many of you will have served with him. I find it sad that these heroes aren't given more recognition than they get. He died alone and quietly but he was a hero to me.
I remember going with my father to Louis Trichardt AFB as he was doing some work on the hangars there. I can't remember what plane it was, but it taxied out of an adjacent hanger and a few minutes later came flying past upside down with a loud roar. I will never forget that for as long as I live. Minute 5 reminded me of that. I remember a delta wing shape but was many years ago. Thank you for a magnificent video clip.
The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow. They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow; darkness has befallen us.
’ Tango 1, this is Pappa Julliet, are we clear for access on Romeo 18 to retrieve brakechute?' As long as I live I will be a vlamgat. I salute you, my officer's and all my fellow friend's. Cobus Hoffmann ( Hoffies) Survival Fitter 1 Sqd Lima 8. 076 316 5273
Shouldn't the pronouncement be biele instead of billy , I can remember when somebody are good in what what he does we used to say , you are a bielie meaning you are good , bielie is a afrikaans term for somebody that is good at what he did , and not you are a billy , that doesn't make sense at all .
I am have a F1c italeri model kit that I want to build…if anyone has a place where I can research what exactly the saaf f1’s looked like, would be much appreciated!
I guess it has been painted by now? It not try the Ron Belling memorial art gallery in Port Elizabeth (has a new name but can't spell it). Think they may have archival material as he designed the Grey camouflages for the 2 Mirage F1's. The AZ was a dark Grey underneath and I think was Olive Drab and Dark Earth??? From the mid-line upwards.
Billy is the callsign of the Officer Commanding of 1 Sqn that operated the Mirage F1. Col Mienie was the final OC when the Sqn closed and therefore the Billy callsign will be his forever. He is also the ons in this video that I made as a tribute on his retirement.
I saw that Colonel Albie Faure who was a squadron leader during WW2 always called out “jou bielie “ whenever one of his pilots shot down an enemy plane. Thereafter Colonel Faure’s call sign became BILLY. After the war he was CO at Langebaan airforce base. Refer Wikipedia entry on Albie Faure.
@@Essie-Esterhuyse hi. Yes i know. I liked there song the 1st time i watched that movie. If i can get title and singer i would be happy.. it is very gud song
