Features
From May 1940, vital training was carried out by the Rhodesian Air Training Group, but today its work has largely been forgotten. Gerry van Tonder sets the record straight.
As the war progressed in favour of the Germans during the dark days of 1940, the RAF desperately needed new pilots to replace those lost in combat. A training network was in place in Britain but, as Luftwaffe fighters prowled British skies, it was fast becoming untenable. The Air Ministry, therefore, turned to the Commonwealth and asked for help in turning fledgling airmen into fully qualified flyers in their less-dangerous skies. Southern Rhodesia was one of several nations to answer the call.
