The Dakota Association of South Africa

9 October 1979, a Dak on the way to do a re-supply to the SAS, who were supporting Renamo in Mozambique. The Squadron had several drops to the SAS, who were based in the Gorongoza plateau, the re-supply operation being known as Op Bumper. Unfortunately I do not have the number of that Dak; I was in the other one on that occasion!

On the numbering used by 3 Squadron, the system was to insert the number 3 into the aircraft's serial number. Generally the number "floated" in a not very logical sequence. Thus:

700 became 3700

701 became 7301

703 became 7303

704 became 7034

705 became 7053

706 became 7036

707 became 3707

708 became 3708

709 became 7039

710 became 7310

711 became 3711

712 became 7312

713 became 7313

714 became 7134

Text: John Reid-Rowland

Photograph: John Reid-Rowland collection

Taken on 12 September 1979 at Cam and Motor airfield, Kadoma (then known as Gatooma) when 3 Squadron went there for the weekend (the town had "adopted" the Squadron). The red stripe on the cowling was to show that the engine needed some special oil, having just had an overhaul. The lady there is my wife. In the other photo, below, taken on the same occasion, I am in the pilot's seat.

Text: John Reid-Rowland

Photographs: John Reid-Rowland collection