FRIDAY STORY | S2:E6 | Sailor Malan: South Africa's Forgotten Flying Ace 

This fallen hero must never be forgotten.Thank you for this tribute.

Sailor Malan is not forgotten by anyone interested in the Battle of Britain, WW2 aces or interested in tactics in the air. He was the pilot Robert Shaw’s character in the film Battle of Britain was based on. A great man and a credit to S Africa.

Not forgotten by this Aussie in Perth. Someone who's exploits and humanity should be embraced and cherished by all Saffers. Thank you for this poignant reminder

An outstanding pilot, a wonderful leader and a hero. Men like Sailor Malan must never be forgotten. Thank you for this fitting tribute.

This great man's legacy has been generally overlooked which is a travesty and that he remains unrecognised by with the SAAF and even the current South African Government is unforgivable. A true hero, he and his legacy will live on through stories such as this. Thank you for sharing.

A man amongst men, our history teacher back in the day mentioned him and yet not a single sentence in the textbooks. A terrible treatment he got from the Nats no guard of honour by the SAAF... a disgrace.

Sailor Malan DSO & bar DFC & bar, a true legend. A man who never should be forgotten. Johnnie Johnson said he deserved a VC. Privilege to watch this moving story. His name is one of the first on my lips when I think of the Battle of Britain. Thanks for posting this tribute to him. We owe him and many others so much.

As a schoolboy in Kimberley in 1963 I was walking to town one day in September when Sailor Malan’s funeral passed me en route to St Cyprian’s Cathedral. I did not know who he was at the time but some instinct made me remove my hat and stand, head bowed, as he passed.

It was a lonely place for an Afrikaner to be in post World War II South Africa. His dedication to his principles cost him a lot. That’s the mark of a great legend while the more powerful men who made him a pariah in his own country have fallen into the obscurity they so richly deserved. Indeed, the World War II generation wasn’t called the greatest generation for nothing and Sailor Malan is remembered in its pages.

Such Mettle of Man, thanks for this documentary! The world should never forget his Bravery, not just in war , but the struggle of humanity, equality and freedom! Thanks to God , for such a wonderful spirit!! Love and admiration for him!! Rest In Peace Ancient Warrior!! Thanks

Not forgotten by all but remembered with humble gratitude.

A tribute a South African Hero never to be forgotten.Thank you for reminding us of this this forgotten hero. We salute you Sailor for your bravery thank you for men like you.

Thank you so much for this video. I had known of Sailor Malan's exploits in the RAF but had never before heard of his post war career. You have turned a boyhood hero into a giant of integrity.

Congratulations on a well-deserved, wonderfully moving tribute that serendipitously popped up on my home page. I knew about Sailor Malan's wartime exploits but had heard nothing of his anti-apartheid activism and role in the Torch Commando. I grew up in Kimberley and if my memory serves me, recall that a close friend's father (Dr Julius Kretzmar) was Sailor Malan's GP. I remember him saying he was going to see him as he was gravely ill and also recall how greatly he respected him and was affected by his plight. So sad that Sailor passed away so young and so scorned by his own people; wonderful that his family and friends can now get the recognition that he deserved.

I knew Sailor Malan was a great leader and fighter pilot but had no idea he fought so hard against apartheid in South Africa. Churchill's words pay fine tribute.

Watched this for the 10th time and still moved to tears. Michael it is such a privilege to witness your work.

Shed few tears watching this, what a hero.

I first heard of Sailor Malan from my uncle who served in the South African army in the desert in WW2. As a teenager in 1950-1 I followed news items about the activities of the Torch Commando. I even made a torch from diagrams illustrated in the newspaper!

What a man! Watching this video bought tears to my eyes and I felt humbled. Thank you for sharing this video with me and many others.

Thank you, for an amazing part of South Africa’s history, we were never taught at school. South Africa’s best flying ace, not even receiving a military funeral..

thank you for sharing this story. sailor malan's service during the war is well known amongst those who study that history. his devotion to freedom and equality of spirit after the war are not so well known. this story is an important one and worth remembering. thank you again.

This man is not forgotten . Johnson, Beurling, Bader, Finucane, Duke, Tuck, Lacey, Malan, Closterman and a multitude of others are not forgotten if you simply read about the RAF in the WWII. Then you have the French, Polish, Czech and American pilots who flew for the RAF during those desperate days. None are "forgotten".

My father a ww2 veteran told me of the disrespectful events surrounding his funeral, orchestrated by the national party. A well-deserved tribute

I was privileged to visit Biggin Hill in June 2019, and spent much time in the beautiful St. George's RAF Chapel of Remembrance. Next to one of the windows is the board listing the commanding officers of RAF Biggin Hill, and among so many is Gp. Capt. A.G. Malan D.S.O, D.F.C Jan 1943 - Oct 1943. It was a moment of quiet thought because even in 1943 Biggin Hill was in the thick of it, being not too far from the Kent coast. Thank you for the video and narration.

I am sitting on a bench overlooking Sir Winston Churchill's home Chartwell with his impressive standard flying . It is a beautiful early autumnal day . The countryside beyond Chartwell looks like a reflection of human . I salute this outstanding man ( and others mentioned in this video ) and thank him for the freedom I have to enjoy this beautiful day .🕊️🇬🇧

Not forgotten. A picture of him flying in the Battle of Britain is above my boy’s bed. He was a hero fighting for freedom.

A fitting tribute. A true hero in so many ways. Thank you.

What a journey! True hero for all to recognize and appreciate. Far to many of these heroic men and women are forgotten. Thank you for this tribute

Thank you for this documentary, I learned a few new things about a man a always so greatly admired. People like this, of this level of human commitment, should never be forgotten.

Not forgotten in Hornchurch, England where he was based for some time. We have a street named after him.

An excellent video about a remarkable man. When Richard Sharp, the British Lions' fly-half was controversially injured on the 1962 tour to South Africa he convalesced at Malan's home.

An absolute fantastic short summary of the man, Sailor Malan. A man that could have saved South Africa from the apartheid system. But the "system" discredited his organization and prevented him from making a change in our history. I paid a visit to his grave in Kimberley in 1986 and visited the St Cyprians Cathedral from which he was laid to rest. During WWII my dad knew Piet, Sailor's brother and told me the history about Sailor Malan. I collected a file of information on Sailor and always wanted to write a script for a proper documentary to give honour to him which was denied to him due his political believes. And how the Nationalist government erased him from our history just because he had a different point of view. What a shame!!!! Once in 1984 I spoke to his wife Lynda in Sedgefield and so dearly wanted to see her, but circumstances made it impossible to do so. He was remarkable gentleman - dedicated husband and father, a model officer and fighter for justice. From humble beginnings he rose to be one of the best - if not he best. I had insight in his personal file at the General Botha training facility and read about his career in the maritime. I salute you Sailor and raise my glass to you - may your name live for ever and lest we forget. And may somebody one day make a full documentary about you and inform South Africans about your dream for a free, fair and equal South Africa for all her people.

Brilliant story -Ive only ever heard about "Sailor Malan" from my father, who spoke of him as our hero, but never really knew who he was. Im even further devastated now at the bitterness and cruelty of the former Nationalist Government. How far did they go......

Thankyou for a brilliant story and great narration What a great Afrikander was Sailor Malan ....but also real man and above all a great human being with character and IDEALS What a pity there seem to be so few leaders on our country today if this calibre..... Rest in Peace Great Warrior So says the Old African....

Your channel was just recommended in my feed. I'm a South African (coloured) and Sailor Malan was never mentioned in our history. In fact, I'd heard his name mentioned but didn't know who he was. Thanks to your channel, I now know about this great man. It boggles the mind how different the history was that my husband (he's white) and I both learned in this country. Again, THANK YOU.

A name often spoken about-recall my grandad and dad talking of his flying exploits and his involvement in the Torch Commando...thank you for this very informative extract...so young at 52 years...

Thank you for such a beautiful video. My son was named after Jonathan Malan.

My Pop flew 34 sqdn SAAF told us kids what a good man Sailor was in every way

The new Cape Winelands Airport near Durbanville Cape Town should be named after Sailor Malan. It’s so close to where he was born as well as it makes sense in every way. 👍🇿🇦

I didn't know this story, thank you for sharing. What a real hero who gave far more than he received. Feeling like a very proud Saffa today.

Damn it's a shame so many people in South Africa don't know about Sailor Malan or the Torch commando

This is the kind of person every South African should strive to be.

Honour to you Sailor Malan. My dad was at Biggin Hill in the RAF during the war. We will remember you

I don't think he has even been "forgotten" in Britain. Here he has at least been famous as one of the great aces of the RAF, and I have known about him since I was a child.

Thank you for this moving tribute to a great man. "Cometh the hour, cometh the man"

My favourite South African ever!

Great man never to be forgotten.

A truly refreshing experience, I just wanted to know how he died and so young, instead a little honor for my country was restored to me. I may live lost in the far east but my heart is with those honorable souls especially Afrikaaners like him.

South Africa has lots of hero's but sadly the future potential hero's are denied by the modern government of the new South Africa

Well done! Please do an episode on Pat Pattle and one on Andrew Beauchamp Proctor, SA WWI fighter ace. Also Job Maseko who sunk an enemy ship while being a PoW in North Africa.

I was born in Kimberley. I often recall my father speaking about this man with great awe. Think Malan had a game farm outside Kimberley. At last I can put a face to this great man. Thank you.

My late father told me about Sailor Malan and his achievements, but nothing about his post war experiences at the hands of the apartheid government. It is never too late to accord him the acknowledgement he deserves. Interesting video.

As a schoolboy, I knew about Sailor Malan and Douglas Bader. I did not know about the other "races" in the RAF. Definitely the Nats were successful in suppressing this and it seems the Brits were not far behind. And I say this, because I have read quite a lot on the war and this would have been something which I would remember.

A true hero whose brave achievements during WW11 were not appreciated by his own country because of his stand against racism.

Wonderful story Mike! Thank you.

Just stumbled across this amazing yet sad story. Thank you so very much for sharing.

Powerful story, wow. I thank him for his service and sadly I'm not surprised I've never heard of him. It is appalling he never had a military or state funeral. These are the South Africans I've always wanted to learn about, tired of rhetoric and propaganda. This is a great channel, I just discovered it. Thank you

“Imagine the day when kings fight their own battles” - Brad Pitt (1260 BC)

Thanks for tell about this remarkable history

Outstanding, well done and thank you. I have linked your video to another of relevance.

Absolutely beautiful video, thank you

Sadly Jonathan passed away on 20 October 2021. His final wish was to see his daddy again. I will miss our late night chats. RIP Uncle Jonathan.

What a great video you made, 👏, thanks. About a man who is almost forgotten in SA. Roy b, Cape 🇿🇦 Town .

What a fine man and a decent human being. God I hate Politicians.

Great story, I knew of Sailor Malan but not of his politics. How brave of him to fight against the ultimate evil but also to fight another evil at home, judging but the photos there seems to be a huge amount of white people that railed against the system back then. Very good of you to make mention not only of the oft mentioned Commonwealth participation but also of the men from other nations eg:- Jamaica, Sierra Leonie, Indian pilots. As a Kiwi you peaked my interest with mention of Donald Cobden, I’m going to get more info on him. Cheers from Sydney.

Thanks for this! What a wonderful man. Thanks for highlighting him and the diversity of pilots that flew in the Battle of Britain, something that needs to be more widely known. My dad flew Spitfires in the SAAF in North Africa and Italy and was also a member of the Torch Commando. Unfortunately, the Torch Commando was not nearly as radical as the Springbok legion and focused largely on just protecting the “coloured” vote. I think my dad , like Sailor Malian, became disillusioned with its narrow focus as it was taken over by more conservative liberals (if I remember correctly).

Thse of us who take the history of the fight against apartheid seriously take the history of the Sprinbok Legion and the Torch Commando very seriously indeed. We also remember Jack Hodgson, Joe Slovo and others who were also soldiers in the Second World War as well as taking a major role in the formation of the people's army, uMkhonto we Sizwe -- Spear of the Nation. We do not forget that the Nationalist Party was founded by Nazis.

Thank you for sharing. My uncle was part of the Torch Commando

Dunno who you are chum but hearty congratulations of an excellently narrated story about one of humanity's true heroes. I suppose the moral of the story is how easily (glibly?) those with an agenda are able to dictate the narrative. Also, how readily the sheeple will adopt and then defend that narrative. Well done again (and thank you yt for recommending this magnificent video). Hope to hear/see many more from you.

An amazing and tough man, hard but fair on his pilots and staff. His 10 Rules of Air Fighting are still valid in many ways, today. He once confessed that he was never afraid before combat because he had no imagination....so never got wound up, thinking "what if....." I never knew the extent of the shameful way he was treated by the destructive apartheid govt in South Africa. The fact the SAAF was forbidden to pay tribute, was a shameful day in the proud history of the SAAF. I do not think he is forgotten. Anyone interested in the Battle of Britain or air warfare history of the Second World War, will know of Sailor Malan. Interestingly enough, Malan knew his limits. In I think early 1942, he realized combat fatigue was starting to erode his decision-making and judgement in the air, ultimately putting his pilots in possible danger. As a result, he asked to be rested from combat. A brave move, as it carried the possibility of a charge of LMF. But clearly his record proved his contribution, and it was seen as an honest and wise call. Douglas Bader was offered a similar rest from operations, after Malan's request. In true Bader fashion, he refused it. He was shot down a few weeks later, to become a POW.

A very moving documentary.

Excellent Work! Well done,well done!

My father trained with him in Simonstown in the naval academy.

Great video thanks and baie dankie!!

Another great South African hero who never gets a mention, is Pat Pattle.

What a guy, funnily enough one of our other aces Robert Stanford Tuck was an ex merchant sailor

Now there is a story!!!

Not forgotten by anyone with a knowledge of the Battle of Britain

As an Australian, and with an interest in military history, I knew about Sailor Malan as a kid....and that was if the fifties.......another South African pilot Edwin Swales did win the VC...and the grandson of Oom Paul Kruger, Lt.Paul Kruger was shot down in Italy flying a Beaufighter....and ended the War as a German POW. Thank you for this video. Les Griffiths

My Dad Charlie McCulloch served in Kimberley regiment. Proud of you Dad.

Love to see sailor Malans reaction to South Africa today

Sailor Milan not forgotten same as Paddey Finucane Ginger Lacey etc .In the 1960s a comic named THE VICTOR carried on its end page a description of Battle of Britain pilots and their exploits. Who remembers Sgt Alkemade?Will leave you with that to research.Tally Ho.

A South African Hero of the sky. One of many

Awesome video, just found your channel. All the best. Gosh this is so interesting. Ek is trots. Hope you get the channel growth you so clearly deserve.

Along with Pat Pattle, one of our great legends!

Thanks for this, a type of Man one can emulate.

The endings always gets me 😢

He’s not forgotten. My husband told me his story and subsequently my sons.

When he said Winston Churchill my mind was blown

I might be wrong but I don't think so I have had the privilege to meet a relative of sailor malan Dr Malan ENT Surgeon in the vaaltiangl If sailor Malan was related well you will understand that the Malan family has a very strong foundation

Just listened to a recording circa 1941. Malan relating a sortie over northern France.

I clearly remember the Torch Brand stickers and going with my late father to a meeting in St Helena Welkom. We all sat in cars in the dark that formed a circle. and then the car lights went on. I'm so sorry not to have been able to save a box full of Torch Brand stickers. Things get lost when one moves.

Why were we never taught about him in school ??

I haven't forgotten him and I'm an American.

Sailor Malan forgotten? Not on your life. But aren't you actually really forgetting the Empires top scoring Ace? Marmaduke Pattle? Who coincidentally was also a South African.

My girlfriends grandfather Dude was a badass

Perhaps you'd consider doing a feature video on the SATS General Botha - which produced a good number of great men like Sailor Malan.

I have just found out about this amazing man! One of my work colleagues is related to him

That ending though.

I miss you J..