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Southern Africa Military Forces Patches Including Air Force Army and Navy
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South Africa Patches SAAF South African Air Force Pre 1994 (17)
South Africa Patches SAAF South African Air Force Pre 1994
The South African Air Force (SAAF) is one of Africa’s oldest and most respected air arms, with a history dating back to its establishment on 1 February 1920. Over the decades, the SAAF has operated in conflicts ranging from the Second World War and the Korean War to the Border War in Southern Africa, while also supporting peacekeeping, transport, maritime patrol and humanitarian missions across the African continent.
South African Air Force insignia, squadron patches and aviation memorabilia reflect the unique heritage of South African military aviation, featuring fighter, transport, helicopter and reconnaissance units that operated aircraft such as the Mirage III, Buccaneer, Canberra, Impala, Cheetah and Gripen. Many patches also commemorate deployments, exercises, air bases and specialised squadrons that formed part of the SAAF’s operational history during both the Cold War and Border Wars.
This category explores South Africa Patches SAAF squadron patches, badges and aviation collectables, preserving the history, artwork and traditions of South African military aviation from the early twentieth century to 1994.
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Rhodesian Air Force Patches RhAF Pre 1980 (8)
Rhodesian Air Force Patches RhAF Pre 1980
Initially established in 1935 as Air Section, 1st Battalion Rhodesia Regiment before redesignation to Air Section, Southern Rhodesia Defence Force in 1936. It was renamed Southern Rhodesia Air Unit in 1938 and then No. 1 Squadron, Southern Rhodesia Air Force in 1939. In 1940 No. 1 Squadron joined the Royal Air Force as No. 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF. It saw combat in North Africa, the Middle East and Italy before it was disbanded on 1 January 1946. With aditional Rhodesian volunteers the RAF formed No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF and No. 266 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF.
The Southern Rhodesian Air Force was re-established in 1947. SRAF was redesignated the Royal Rhodesian Air Force in 1954. The "Royal" tag to was dropped in 1970 when it became the Rhodesian Air Force. RhAF was disbanded in 1980 on the formation of Zimbabwe.
The Rhodesian Air Force played a major role during the Cold War era and the Rhodesian Bush War. The Air Force had developed from Commonwealth forces into a highly experienced combat counter-insurgency, reconnaissance, and ground attack force.
Rhodesian Air Force squadron patches, badges and aviation memorabilia reflect the distinctive history of units and aircraft flown. Hunter, Canberra, Vampire, Dakota aircraft and Alouette and Lynx helicopter were used during operations across Rhodesia and neighbouring regions. Many insignia commemorate operational squadrons, airborne forces, training units and specialised missions connected to the long conflict of the 1960s and 1970s.
Today, pre-1980 Rhodesian Air Force collectables are valued by aviation historians and military insignia collectors for their rarity, detailed artwork and connection to one of the most distinctive air forces of the Cold War period. This category preserves the history, squadron heritage and aviation traditions of the Rhodesian Air Force before the formation of Zimbabwe in 1980.
