South Africa - Air Force Museum Douglas C-47A Dakota C.3 6832
HEADLINES (discontinued) South Africa celebates 75 years of the DC-3
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Operator: South Africa - Air Force Museum - 6832
Aircraft: Douglas - C-47A Dakota C.3
Airport: South Africa - Ysterplaat - Cape Town (FAYP)
Category: Main database
Photo taken on 2010-10-21 by Elmarié Dreyer [Contact]
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Photographer's remark
(22.10.2010, 20:45 CET)
SAAF 35 Squadron - Dakota 75th anniversary
The South African Air Force celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Douglas Dakota aircraft in the form an Aviator's Evening hosted by 35 Squadron at Ysterplaat Air Force Base near Cape Town, South Africa.
On display was Dakota 6832 of the South African Air Force Museum as well as Dakota 6854, a Dakota C47TP, which is still in service.
DC-3's were first used by 44 Squadron when based in North Africa in 1944. The South African Air Force also played a vital role during the Berlin Airlift in 1948 transporting supplies with DC-3's. T
he South African Air Force still has Douglas DC-3's, C47's as well as the Douglas C47TP in their service. Dakota 6832 has been retired from service in 1992 and then transferred to the SAAF Museum in Ysterplaat where she has been restored in the same colour scheme she had in 1955. Dakota 6832 is quite famous as she transported the "Coelacanth" fish species from the Comores to East Londen in South Africa during December 1952. This epic journey has also become known as the "Flight of the Coelacanth."
South African Airways bought surplus Dakota aircraft from the South African Air Force and these aircraft entered into service during May 1946 on the Johannesburg-Durban route after being converted into passenger airliners. The evening was well attended by members of the Air Force, press and public. Brandy and whisky tastings were offered, a cigar lounge was available, light dinner was served and a jazz band provided the entertainment for the rest of the evening. What a fine way to pay tribute to one of the longest serving aircraft in aviation history!
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