Hannes went "up North" again in June 1943 to joined 1 squadron in the campaign for Sicily and later the invasion of Italy. He took command of 1 squadron from Major Moodie in July . Hannes was a popular OC with the squadron. He also claimed a shared part for a German Fw-190 being shot down. Hannes returned to the Union in February 1944 after his 200 allowable operational hours expired.
He returned to Italy for his 3d tour as OC of 4 squadron in August 1944, but was then promoted to Lt. Col. and became the RAF 324 Wing sweep leader. Hannes returned to South Africa in June 1946.
Only a few Photographs appear in his album for the tours to Sicily and Italy and are presented here.
L.t R. D R Davies, JJ Landman, Hannes, AW "Ash" Homer, WD Wickner.
Hannes with minister HJ (Jan) Hofmeyer, member of Jan Smuts's war cabinet..
Mechanics
Capt "Pops" Voss, Ops officer
Mechanics
