A South African C15A

Keith Webb · #1 19-11-05, 22:31

This late production C15A is located at the South African Military Museum in Johannesburg and is one of a number of vehicles, aircraft and militaria preserved there.

My friend Greg Robson-Garth recently visited this and the South African Air Force Museum at Swartkopf and shares these pictures with us.

I'll be adding more pages as I convert the images. There are some surprising things there.

Here's the first page.

Keith Webb · #2 19-11-05, 23:57

I've uploaded some more pictures.

Also there is now an aircraft page.

aircraft page.

Col Tigwell · #3 20-11-05, 01:54

The ME109 is interesting, appears to still have the original paint, which makes it a most interest item indeed.

A thing I found most interesting, was the statement made by Adolf Garland, when visiting his unit, Hitler was recorded as saying, "what can I get you".

Garland was reported to have said "A squadron of Spitfires".

Post war he would never tell if this story was true, stating that it would be revealed after he died.

It turned out that not only was it said, but if Hitler had not been so desparate, he could have cost him his job.

Garland post war went on to be a leading General in German Air force, finished his flying career I believe flying the F86 Sabre.

Regards

Col Tigwell

Keith Webb · #4 20-11-05, 02:47

The Me109 has been repainted. I'm not sure how faithful the paint job is.

It's a museum which doesn't seem to be that well publicised. Greg said when he was there he was the only visitor.

Their website could hardly be called comprehensive either. It's a bit of a shame, but I imagine they're a dedicated band of people running it who do all within their means to keep it going.

The other interesting detail about Adolph Galland is he became firm friends with his old enemy Douglas Bader after the war.

But what a great collection of aircraft.