Hannes went "up North" in late 1941 to join 71 OTU (operational training unit) doing his conversion to the Hawker Hurricane and learned combat operations tactics.
He was posted to 1 squadron in early 1942. 1 Squadron saw intense action since Germany entered the desert war in 1941.
The squadron flew mainly bomber escorts, shipping patrols, bomb line patrols and ground strafing missions.
Rommel's offensive in mid 1942 resulted in the retreat of the Allied forces(Gazala gallop) and the squadron moved back to Egypt east of the Alamein defensive line. The squadron had a short regroup period at El Gamil near port Said.
During the Alamein offensive of late 1942, the Allies advanced deep into Libya and 1 squadron moved accordingly as a front line fighter unit.
On 11th of November 1942 Hannes's Hurricane was damaged by enemy fire and he performed a forced landing. He was picked up by a friendly armoured car deep in enemy territory. Hannes spent a couple of days with this armoured unit participating in their operations where after he was brought through the enemy lines and returned to the squadron in a German "kubelwagen" VW jeep.
Hannes was seconded to RAF 92 squadron in August/September 1942 to gain experience on Spitfires.
His operational tour expired in early December 1942 and he returned to the Union.
In this tour Hannes flew 203 operational hours with 147 ops missions and shot down 5 enemy aircraft.
Dismounting his Hurricane aircraft holding the Irvine seat parachute and flying helmet with oxygen mask.
1 Squadron Hurricanes , AX-X was regularly flown by fellow pilot Harry Gaynor.
The three 1 Squadron OC's when Hannes was at the squadron: Malcolm "Bennie" Osler, Gerald "Lemmie" Le Mesurier and Peter Metelerkamp
High brass visiting the squadron with OC Peter Metelerkamp.
Hurricane 2b
Initially Hannes flew Hurricanes of the 2b type. The aircraft were armed with 12 x .303 Browning guns. The German Messerschmitt Bf109F was superior to the Hurricane and hence the high losses suffered with squadron pilots. The squadron still managed to shoot down a large number of enemy aircraft and was one of the top scoring units of the Desert Air Force.
Beautiful front view of the Hurricane, showing the Folkes dust filter and the 12 taped-up gun ports.
Armourers cleaning the machine guns in the 4-gun bay. Note the Browning breech blocks and cartridge belt chute.
Mechanics "erks" working, note the huge fuel tank in front of the cockpit. Also note the canvas doped patches protecting the machine gun ports against dust.
Finding some shelter from the blazing sun.
Armourers loading up the ammo.
Early 1942 before squadron markings were added. Hannes in the centre.
Hurricanes taking off. Note the parked aircraft in the horizon haze.
Hannes making ready to take off while the erk is helping him to strap up the safety belts.
Battled damaged Hurricanest:right Jan Vis Salmon's aircraft, left is Ray Connell's aircraft
Hannes's plane burning down. It is said that this fire was started because of smoking.
Spitfire Mk V
1 Squadron received the Mk V Spitfires during November 1942.
Caption on this pic " First morning at El Hassiet" suggesting they slept alongside their Spits in the open.
Relaxing in the shade of a wing, left is Hannes with "Stinky" Lanham.
" F in formation when we flew from Gambut to Mersa Matruh to escourt J. Smuts. Taken from my cockpit. Gen? smart photograph!"
Another Spit with stretchers under the wing.