Thread: RAF Takoradi

Takoradi, in Ghana (then known as the "Gold Coast") was mainly used as a staging post for aircraft being ferried from the United States via Brazil, up to Egypt - i.e, avoiding a long North Atlantic crossing and then the Luftwaffe over the Med. The seaport was used for anti-submarine patrols.

Thanks Adrian ! ... so there wasn't too much going on there then ...

I mean danger wise ?

Annie

Thanks Adrian ! ... so there wasn't too much going on there then ...

I mean danger wise ?

I had heard that several crashes occurred there.

The CWGC website lists 62 graves from WW2 at Takoradi. Some of these would have died from disease, in the tropical conditions. But checking some random dates, on 1/6/43 five men died, Lt EA Baxter, Lt SS Beattie, Lt TL Habergham, Flt/Sgt RV Murray, all South African Air Force, and F/S T O'Leary RAFVR. Their unit is listed as 26 Sqdn, but 26 Sqdn RAF was a Mustang unit based in the UK at the time, so this must have been 26 Sqdn SAAF.

Adrian

The were part of 26 South African Squadron, and were killed in Wellington MP572 when the engine cut and the aircraft stalled whilst attempting to land downwind. The squadron was an anti-sub/coastal patrol one.

There were a few Aussies killed on that US - Brazil - Ghana (Takoradi) - Egypt route.

Originally Posted by liverpool annie

Thanks Adrian ! ... so there wasn't too much going on there then ...

I mean danger wise ?

Annie

SAAF 26 Squadron was based in Takoradi flying Wellingtons on anti submarine patrols. There is a website which details much of their activities. It also lists many aircraft accidents that occurred there during WWII and the crews taht were lost. The crews list is being updated at the moment and will eventually list all crew members and their status at the end of the War. There are quite a number of them buried in Takoradi and many including those MIA are commemorated in various places such as Malta.

The 26 Squadron web site address is :
SAAF 26 Squadron

Regards

Welcome Wellington

and thank you for sharing your website with us

Hi All

Does anyone know what SAAF 26 squadron's (latin) motto was? Many squadrons had this embeded in their badge but 26 didn't.

Just one more request again; if anyone has any material at all that relates to 26 Sqn SAAF please, send it to me or post it on the website.

26 Squadron SAAF

Thanks