Archive for June, 2011

David Haggie - Image by Clive Leviev-Sawyer

Article reprinted with kind permission – The Author Clive Leviev-Sawyer

Seven South African Air Force fliers who died in June 1944 after being shot down during a bombing mission, and who are buried in the Commonwealth War Graves section of Sofia Cemetery, now have a plaque commemorating them at the South African embassy.

The plaque was unveiled at a June 22 2011 ceremony presided over by ambassador Sheila Camerer, with a dedication ceremony conducted by Anglican chaplain Reverend Patrick Irwin and, in attendance, David Haggie, a nephew of one of the SAAF men and who paid for the placing of the memorial.

The airmen, in two Liberators, were shot down by the Luftwaffe and the aircraft crashed on Bulgarian soil.

Those who died were Major JA Mouton, Lieutenant HH Bunce, Lt DJS Haggie, Lt D Lindley, Lt RG Southey and Warrant Officers class 2 WS Barrett and DT Flynn.

Speaking at the ceremony – where guests included ambassadors and senior diplomats from Allied embassies and representatives of Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry – David Haggie said that for years it had not been easy to get information about the circumstances that led to the fallen air crew being buried in Sofia Cemetery.

For more on this story, and further information, click this link

The Cadets were treated to a special day on Youth Day, Thursday 16 June 2011 at the SAAF Museum, to honour them for all their achievements and to celebrate the day.

Unfortunately the weather did not play along, but they did manage some outdoor activities when the rain eased, scampering back indoors when the rain started again. There was a bit of cricket, soccer, and volley ball with a fence as a net. Very inventive.

Indoor activities were a movie and a team build, where they were given 15 pipe cleaners and had 30 mins to build something. Items ranged from a quad bike, a rescue boat, the Shackleton lifeboat and one team each made eyewear representing a movie character.

Lunch was a bring and braai and then they were treated to a dvd of YDP photos of the year so far, which they thoroughly enjoyed judging from the jokes and laughter.

The end result of a great day, laughter, fun and bonding.

Lee Stanbury

Youth Development Program Leader

Our condolences to the family of Dave Becker, Aviation Photographer, Author and Historian who passed away yesterday.

The Young Falcons came to the Museum for an aircraft recognition course with Chris Teale and the Youth Development Program joined them.

The YDP took the Young Falcons of a tour through the Museum as well as a tour to Hanger 4.

It was great for finally met some of the Young Falcons who we have heard so much about.

The ended their visit by showing the YDP how to form up which was quite interesting to see.

Lee Stanbury (Youth Development Leader)