32 Squadron was a short lived coastal patrol squadron of the South African Air Force during the Second World War. It was founded in December 1939 and assumed the responsibility for coastal patrols and anti-submarine escorts for shipping.[1] The squadron never had many aircraft (highest total was seven Ju-86[2] and four Avro Ansons[3]) and remained a small unit for the full duration of its short existence. It was disbanded in August 1940 when its Ju-86 aircraft were sent to Johannesburg to augment 12 Squadron who were deployed in East Africa.[4]

32 Squadron
Junkers Ju-86 - similar to the aircraft taken over from the South African airways and operated by 32 Squadron
ActiveDecember 1939 - August 1940
CountrySouth Africa
BranchSouth African Air Force
RoleCoastal Patrol and Shipping Escort
Insignia
32 Squadron Insignia

Aircraft

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References

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  1. ^ Martin, H.J. (Lt-Gen); Orpen, N.D. (1979). South Africa at War: Military and Industrial Organisation and Operations in connection with the conduct of War: 1939–1945 (South African Forces World War II: Volume VII). Cape Town: Purnell. p. 53. ISBN 0-86843-025-0.
  2. ^ Martin and Orpen, (1979) p.53
  3. ^ Kinnear, K. "South African Air Force Museum". 32 Squadron badge found in POW camp in Singapore?. Archived from the original on 10 September 2012. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  4. ^ Martin and Orpen, (1979) p.56