and just as the first had reported that his tanks were showing empty, another saw an island in the murk. Without delay, all four made wheels-up landings in a field on what turned out to be Zakynthos. Some of the inhabitants were openly hostile, but a local land-owner rescued the pilots and put them on a fishing-boat for the mainland. The detachment was based on Kalamaki Airfield near Athens, this time flying Spitfire VBs which had previously been used by a Greek squadron. Over the next month it made 93 sorties without loss; these included long range Tac.Rs, Target Search Arty.Rs and Arty.Rs, as well as pathfinder missions for Beaufighters and Spitfires. After dark the pilots joined in the defence of the airfield perimeter against ELAS attacks, Sten guns in hand. The BAF detachment rejoined the squadron on 13 January 1945, followed by a signal from AOC, Air HQ Greece: "I should like to thank you for the loan of the four pilots of 40 SAAF Squadron who have now been returned. "Please convey to the Squadron Commander my appreciation of their work. They met every call made on them and gave very valuable and accurate information to me at all times. Their enthusiasm and ability were quite exceptional." Post War In 1953 40 Squadron was re-established at Rand Airport, Germiston as an Active Citizen Force Squadron flying Harvards. It was moved to Central Flying School Dunnottar in 1965. In August 1982 the squadron was re-equipped with Impala aircraft and returned to their original base, AFB Waterkloof. The squadron was finally disbanded on 29 April 1985. Aircraft References External links Squadron page at saairforce.co.za Squadrons of the South African Air Force Military units and formations established in 1940 S Military units and formations disestablished in 1945