15 Squadron SAAF

The squadron was formed on 18 September 1939 as a SAAF Coastal Command squadron based at Cape Town.{{cite book|last=Ambrose-Brown|first=James|title=A Gathering of Eagles: South African forces World War II: Vol II|year=1970|publisher=Purnell|location=Cape Town|pages=26}} During the war it flew Junkers Ju-86, Bristol Blenheim and Martin Maryland aircraft.{{cite book|last=Martin|first=H.J. (Lt-Gen)|title=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)|year=1979|publisher=Purnell|location=Cape Town|isbn=0-86843-025-0|author2=Orpen, N.D.|page=276 plate 7}} The squadron suffered a tragedy in May 1942, when eleven out of twelve personnel perished when three Blenheims encountered a sand storm and lost their bearings during a training flight and had to make an emergency landing in the desert.{{cite journal |last1=Coetzee |first1=J.J.M. |title=The Tragedy at Kufra |url=http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol122jc.html |publisher=The South African Military History Society |journal=Military History Journal |volume=12 |number=2 |date=December 2001|access-date=26 June 2014}}

The squadron flew Baltimore 5 Light Bombers in May 1945 as part of 253 Wing of the Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force.{{cite book|last=Shores|first=Christopher F.|title=Pictorial History of the Mediterranean air War: Vol II: RAF 1943–1945|year=1973|publisher=Ian Allan|isbn=0-7110-0433-1|pages=108}} Notable Second World War members include Harry Schwarz, who in 1984 was made honorary colonel of the squadron.

Aircraft flown after the war included the Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon and the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma.

The current base is AFB Durban situated at the old Durban International Airport. It operates Atlas Oryx and MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 helicopters. Their primary role is maritime and landward search and rescue. Two flights of Oryx, A and B Flights, are based in Durban and C Flight, consisting of four BK 117s is detached to AFS Port Elizabeth.

The current BK 117 aircraft of C Flight were originally inherited from the Apartheid-era "homelands", the Ciskei having acquired 3 in 1983, Venda 2 in 1985, Transkei 2 in 1986 and Bophuthatswana 2 in 1987, making a total of 10 with an extra delivered from Brazil. Two of the aircraft have already been mothballed at AFB Bloemspruit. Four remain in service with 15 Squadron. C Flight's conversion to Agusta A109LUH helicopters has been postponed due to delays in developing emergency flotation equipment for the type, thus precluding its use in a maritime environment.{{cite web|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/704/retirement-of-saaf-bk117-may-be-further-delayed |title=Retirement of SAAF BK117 may be further delayed |publisher=Saairforce.co.za |access-date=18 June 2012}}

• {{Timeline-event|date=2 November 1999|event=Bk117 384 rolled over after emergency landing}}
• {{Timeline-event|date=March 2003|event=BK117 383 involved in an accident, later declared Cat 5 and cannibalised}}
• {{Timeline-event|date=20 August 2003|event=BK117 389 written-off during Exercise Blue Angel}}

In respect of those recipients about whom it is available, the actions they were cited for follow below the table, since inclusion in the table itself is impractical.

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Category:Squadrons of the South African Air Force

Category:Military units and formations established in 1939

Category:Military units and formations in Durban

Category:Military units and formations in Gqeberha

Category:1939 establishments in South Africa