2 Squadron SAAF

2 Squadron
2 Squadron Mustang fighters during the Korean War
Active	1 October 1940 to current
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 Squadron crest

  United States Presidential Unit Citation

2 Squadron is a squadron in the South African Air Force which was formed in 1940. 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.

The squadron was established on 1 October 1940. During the initial years of the war, 2 Squadron served as part of 1 Bomber Brigade in the East African Campaign and the North African Campaign. After August 1943, it also saw action in Sicily, Italy and Yugoslavia.

During the Second World War the squadron operated the following aircraft:

The squadron was South Africa's contribution to the United Nations war effort during the Korean War from November 1950 to December 1953. 2 Squadron was attached to the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing U.S. Air Force for the duration of the war. Initially flying the P-51 Mustang, the squadron re-equipped with the F-86 Sabre in February 1953. During the war the squadron flew a total of 12,067 sorties, most being dangerous ground attack missions. 74 of the 94 Mustangs and 4 out of the 22 Sabres were lost, along with 34 pilots.