History

50 Squadron was formed on 1 December 1939 by amalgamating the SAAF's 17

17 Squadron SAAF

17 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a transport/utility helicopter squadron.* First formed: 1 September 1939...

, 18 and 19 Squadrons

19 Squadron SAAF

19 Squadron SAAF is a current squadron of the South African Air Force operating as a transport/utility helicopter squadron. It was formed in 1939 as part of the Air Force airways Wing, flying transport aircraft but was disbanded after a few months. It was re-formed from No. 227 Squadron RAF in...

. During the East African Campaign

East African Campaign (World War II)

The East African Campaign was a series of battles fought in East Africa during World War II by the British Empire, the British Commonwealth of Nations and several allies against the forces of Italy from June 1940 to November 1941....

 50 Squadron operated a 'shuttle service' between the warzone in East Africa and South Africa as part of 1 Bomber Transport Brigade. The Brigade was re-designated 5 Wing in February 1941, and continued to fly 'shuttle service' flights between the Mediterranean and South Africa until after the war.