Katanga 1961-63 - "Swedens last war"

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

Originally posted by Garry Shipton
Air crew weren't allowed off the plane when they landed.They were under guard,fuel & food topped up,and only took off after dark.

Yes, Garry, they took up after dark avoiding fire from the ground or from the air. For a long time the Katangese "Airforce" had air superiority operating one (1) home-made armed Fouga Magister.

The Royal Swedish Airforce sent five J 29 from Ängelholm, Southern Sweden on 30th September 1961 12.000 kilometres south to N´Djili Airport in Congo arriving 4th October 1961.

The unit became known as UN 22nd Fighter Squadron. In December another two S 29 (photo recce) plus four J 29 fighters were sent to Congo.

(The air recce had up to then been carried out by using two C-47 Dakotas!)

On 5th December 1961 the UN Air Force was ordered to attack Katanga AFB:s Kolwezi and Jadotville. Within two days the Katangese AF was whiped out.

The Katangese however managed to get new aircraft so on 29th and 30th December 22nd Squadron hit Kolwezi and Jadotville again and silenced the Katangese AF for good.

In August 1963 the 22nd Squadron was dissolved. The last five J 29:s were blown up at Kamina AFB.

Photo: S 29 (photo recce version) in Congo-pattern camouflage.