A Military History of Modern South Africa

South Africa and the Korean War, the Politics of Involvement

“…34 The news that the SAAF would be placed under US Command was, however not at all well received in Britain and would later force the South African government to make a token gesture in terms of an Army contingent to serve with the Commonwealth Division. 35 Aside from 2 Squadron and administrative SAAF echelon was also sent to the Far East theatre. The SAAF Liaison Headquarters (SALO HQ) was established with a view to providing support and facilitating communications between South Africa and the Squadron in the Far East.…”

“…Bear in mind then, that when the Korean War erupted, the selfsame right wing Afrikaners had acceded to power in the form of the National Party in 1948. 5 …”

“…28 Within a few weeks of the government's announcement, a No 2 Squadron contingent of just over 200 men assembled at Waterkloof Air Force Base under the command of former World War Two veteran, Commandant 29 Servaas van Breda Theron. 30 An important silver lining to this venture, was the fact that the SAAF was in desperate need of new aircraft, particularly jet aircraft. The government was very astute in quickly creating a scenario that set the stage for the cheap acquisition of jets as a result of military participation.…”

“…International reaction to the North Korean invasion was swift and resulted in a UN Security Council Resolution to send a military force to South Korea. 10 By June 25, 1950, many members of the United Nations had already placed forces at the disposal of the UN Supreme Commander. South Africa, however, despite the fact that she was both a member of the Commonwealth and co-founder of the United Nations, was silent.…”

Recording the Great War: military archives and the South African official history programme, 1914-1939

“…They are tacit proof of South Africa's recognition of its imperial obligations during the interwar period. 173 His twin volumes were the primers for warfighting in Africa, focussing on desert and jungle terrains. Aimed at instruction for officers at the Military College, he hoped his work would help prepare South African officers for service on 'the continent of Africa'.…”