FRIDAY STORY | S2:E6 | Sailor Malan: South Africa's Forgotten Flying Ace
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- SAILOR MALAN came from modest beginnings on a farm near Cape Town to emerge as one of the great WWII pilots of the RAF. "The King's favourite Afrikaner."
But in returning to South Africa after the war, Sailor found South Africa's race politics to be contrary to the human rights he had risked his life fighting for. In making a stand, Sailor Malan had his reputation severely tarnished; and then removed from the national conversation.
For more information and stories, please visit www.InheritSouthAfrica.com.
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Sailor Malan is not forgotten by anyone interested in the Battle of Britain, WW2 aces or interested in tactics in the air.
He was the pilot Robert Shaw’s character in the film Battle of Britain was based on.
A great man and a credit to S Africa.
God bless your father and all the south African service men and women,who returns and fought apartheid.Also God bless all the men and women who come to the uk to fight the nazis
This great man's legacy has been generally overlooked which is a travesty and that he remains unrecognised by with the SAAF and even the current South African Government is unforgivable. A true hero, he and his legacy will live on through stories such as this. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the note Mark
A true hero honest noble and dedicated. I salute you Sailor Malan from a proud SAfrican
Not forgotten by this Aussie in Perth. Someone who's exploits and humanity should be embraced and cherished by all Saffers. Thank you for this poignant reminder
Pleasure. Thanks for the note Adrian.
An outstanding pilot, a wonderful leader and a hero. Men like Sailor Malan must never be forgotten. Thank you for this fitting tribute.
It is a pleasure. Thanks for the note.
This fallen hero must never be forgotten.Thank you for this tribute.
Sailor Malan DSO & bar DFC & bar, a true legend. A man who never should be forgotten. Johnnie Johnson said he deserved a VC.
Privilege to watch this moving story. His name is one of the first on my lips when I think of the Battle of Britain. Thanks for posting this tribute to him. We owe him and many others so much.
Thank you.
As a schoolboy in Kimberley in 1963 I was walking to town one day in September when Sailor Malan’s funeral passed me en route to St Cyprian’s Cathedral. I did not know who he was at the time but some instinct made me remove my hat and stand, head bowed, as he passed.
Thanks Don. Amazing.
A man amongst men, our history teacher back in the day mentioned him and yet not a single sentence in the textbooks. A terrible treatment he got from the Nats no guard of honour by the SAAF... a disgrace.
It was a lonely place for an Afrikaner to be in post World War II South Africa. His dedication to his principles cost him a lot. That’s the mark of a great legend while the more powerful men who made him a pariah in his own country have fallen into the obscurity they so richly deserved. Indeed, the World War II generation wasn’t called the greatest generation for nothing and Sailor Malan is remembered in its pages.
Such Mettle of Man, thanks for this documentary! The world should never forget his Bravery, not just in war , but the struggle of humanity, equality and freedom! Thanks to God , for such a wonderful spirit!! Love and admiration for him!! Rest In Peace Ancient Warrior!! Thanks
Thanks Ricardo.
Congratulations on a well-deserved, wonderfully moving tribute that serendipitously popped up on my home page. I knew about Sailor Malan's wartime exploits but had heard nothing of his anti-apartheid activism and role in the Torch Commando. I grew up in Kimberley and if my memory serves me, recall that a close friend's father (Dr Julius Kretzmar) was Sailor Malan's GP. I remember him saying he was going to see him as he was gravely ill and also recall how greatly he respected him and was affected by his plight. So sad that Sailor passed away so young and so scorned by his own people; wonderful that his family and friends can now get the recognition that he deserved.
Thanks very much for the message and insights Syd.
A tribute a South African Hero never to be forgotten.Thank you for reminding us of this this forgotten hero. We salute you Sailor for your bravery thank you for men like you.
Thanks Rob.
@@InheritSouthAfrica i just discovered your channel. Love it. Have you ever done a episode on Pat Pattle?
Thanks. Yes, I do have him on my list. Just involved in a few projects and then will release a new batch of Friday Stories. Thanks for the interest.
Kind regards,
Michael
A powerful story. I have long known about Sailor's war-time expoits, but never about the Torch Commando.
Thank you so much for this video. I had known of Sailor Malan's exploits in the RAF but had never before heard of his post war career. You have turned a boyhood hero into a giant of integrity.
Thanks Catherine and Paul.
Kind regards,
Michael
I knew Sailor Malan was a great leader and fighter pilot but had no idea he fought so hard against apartheid in South Africa. Churchill's words pay fine tribute.
Thanks for the note Matt.
Not forgotten by all but remembered with humble gratitude.
Watched this for the 10th time and still moved to tears. Michael it is such a privilege to witness your work.
This man is not forgotten . Johnson, Beurling, Bader, Finucane, Duke, Tuck, Lacey, Malan, Closterman and a multitude of others are not forgotten if you simply read about the RAF in the WWII. Then you have the French, Polish, Czech and American pilots who flew for the RAF during those desperate days. None are "forgotten".
You’d be surprised Stephen.
Not forgotten. A picture of him flying in the Battle of Britain is above my boy’s bed. He was a hero fighting for freedom.
An absolute fantastic short summary of the man, Sailor Malan. A man that could have saved South Africa from the apartheid system. But the "system" discredited his organization and prevented him from making a change in our history. I paid a visit to his grave in Kimberley in 1986 and visited the St Cyprians Cathedral from which he was laid to rest. During WWII my dad knew Piet, Sailor's brother and told me the history about Sailor Malan.
I collected a file of information on Sailor and always wanted to write a script for a proper documentary to give honour to him which was denied to him due his political believes. And how the Nationalist government erased him from our history just because he had a different point of view. What a shame!!!!
Once in 1984 I spoke to his wife Lynda in Sedgefield and so dearly wanted to see her, but circumstances made it impossible to do so. He was remarkable gentleman - dedicated husband and father, a model officer and fighter for justice. From humble beginnings he rose to be one of the best - if not he best. I had insight in his personal file at the General Botha training facility and read about his career in the maritime.
I salute you Sailor and raise my glass to you - may your name live for ever and lest we forget. And may somebody one day make a full documentary about you and inform South Africans about your dream for a free, fair and equal South Africa for all her people.
Thanks very much Jacques. I appreciate the insights.
Could not have said it better.
thank you for sharing this story. sailor malan's service during the war is well known amongst those who study that history. his devotion to freedom and equality of spirit after the war are not so well known. this story is an important one and worth remembering. thank you again.
Thanks for the note Josh.
What a man! Watching this video bought tears to my eyes and I felt humbled. Thank you for sharing this video with me and many others.
Thanks very much Gerhardus.
Kind regards,
Michael
Shed few tears watching this, what a hero.
I first heard of Sailor Malan from my uncle who served in the South African army in the desert in WW2. As a teenager in 1950-1 I followed news items about the activities of the Torch Commando. I even made a torch from diagrams illustrated in the newspaper!
I am sitting on a bench overlooking Sir Winston Churchill's home Chartwell with his impressive standard flying . It is a beautiful early autumnal day . The countryside beyond Chartwell looks like a reflection of human . I salute this outstanding man ( and others mentioned in this video ) and thank him for the freedom I have to enjoy this beautiful day .🕊️🇬🇧
Thanks for this note, Michael
@@InheritSouthAfrica Thank you - human should have read heaven .
Is Churchills statue still up?
Your channel was just recommended in my feed. I'm a South African (coloured) and Sailor Malan was never mentioned in our history. In fact, I'd heard his name mentioned but didn't know who he was. Thanks to your channel, I now know about this great man. It boggles the mind how different the history was that my husband (he's white) and I both learned in this country. Again, THANK YOU.
Thanks for the kind note, Rayne.
Yours sincerely,
Michael
Dilip Sarkar MBE has written a great book about Sailor Malan I recommend it if you want to know more about this great South African
Thankyou for a brilliant story and great narration
What a great Afrikander was Sailor Malan ....but also real man
and above all a great human being with character and IDEALS
What a pity there seem to be so few leaders on our country today if this calibre.....
Rest in Peace Great Warrior
So says the Old African....
Thanks Russell. Appreciate the note and sentiment.
Not to mention leaders when he was ill.
Thank you, for an amazing part of South Africa’s history, we were never taught at school. South Africa’s best flying ace, not even receiving a military funeral..
Thanks again, Piet.
Thank you for this documentary, I learned a few new things about a man a always so greatly admired. People like this, of this level of human commitment, should never be forgotten.
It is a pleasure, Pete. Thanks for the note.
My father a ww2 veteran told me of the disrespectful events surrounding his funeral, orchestrated by the national party. A well-deserved tribute
I was privileged to visit Biggin Hill in June 2019, and spent much time in the beautiful St. George's RAF Chapel of Remembrance. Next to one of the windows is the board listing the commanding officers of RAF Biggin Hill, and among so many is Gp. Capt. A.G. Malan D.S.O, D.F.C Jan 1943 - Oct 1943. It was a moment of quiet thought because even in 1943 Biggin Hill was in the thick of it, being not too far from the Kent coast.
Thank you for the video and narration.
It's a pleasure. Thanks for the note Roger.
Not forgotten in Hornchurch, England where he was based for some time. We have a street named after him.
Also a road in Canford Heath near Poole, Dorset. I live on Esmonde Way.
It is curious that he is (probably) better commemorated in Britain than in South Africa. That said, there has been a little spark of in interest recently.
What a journey! True hero for all to recognize and appreciate. Far to many of these heroic men and women are forgotten.
Thank you for this tribute
Thanks Damien. It is a pleasure.
Thank you for such a beautiful video. My son was named after Jonathan Malan.
Glad you enjoyed it Louw. Thanks for the comment.
Brilliant story -Ive only ever heard about "Sailor Malan" from my father, who spoke of him as our hero, but never really knew who he was. Im even further devastated now at the bitterness and cruelty of the former Nationalist Government. How far did they go......
A fitting tribute. A true hero in so many ways. Thank you.
Thanks Chris.
My late father told me about Sailor Malan and his achievements, but nothing about his post war experiences at the hands of the apartheid government. It is never too late to accord him the acknowledgement he deserves. Interesting video.
Thanks Des.
An excellent video about a remarkable man. When Richard Sharp, the British Lions' fly-half was controversially injured on the 1962 tour to South Africa he convalesced at Malan's home.
Thanks Kevin. I will have a look into that. Interesting.
The new Cape Winelands Airport near Durbanville Cape Town should be named after Sailor Malan. It’s so close to where he was born as well as it makes sense in every way. 👍🇿🇦
Damn it's a shame so many people in South Africa don't know about Sailor Malan or the Torch commando
Thanks for the note CD. Sailor is a great example, but hoping to fill other gaps with renewed vigour soon!
A true hero whose brave achievements during WW11 were not appreciated by his own country because of his stand against racism.
Thanks.
My Pop flew 34 sqdn SAAF told us kids what a good man Sailor was in every way
Thank you for this moving tribute to a great man. "Cometh the hour, cometh the man"
I was born in Kimberley. I often recall my father speaking about this man with great awe. Think Malan had a game farm outside Kimberley. At last I can put a face to this great man. Thank you.
A name often spoken about-recall my grandad and dad talking of his flying exploits and his involvement in the Torch Commando...thank you for this very informative extract...so young at 52 years...
As a schoolboy, I knew about Sailor Malan and Douglas Bader. I did not know about the other "races" in the RAF. Definitely the Nats were successful in suppressing this and it seems the Brits were not far behind. And I say this, because I have read quite a lot on the war and this would have been something which I would remember.
It’s an area that hasn’t been written about until recently but that is changing in part thanks to the books and films about the Tuskegee airmen publicising the story of non white airmen in WW2
Well done! Please do an episode on Pat Pattle and one on Andrew Beauchamp Proctor, SA WWI fighter ace. Also Job Maseko who sunk an enemy ship while being a PoW in North Africa.
Thanks Carlo. Both are in the pipeline.
@@InheritSouthAfrica Look forward to them.
A truly refreshing experience, I just wanted to know how he died and so young, instead a little honor for my country was restored to me. I may live lost in the far east but my heart is with those honorable souls especially Afrikaaners like him.
Thanks for the note, Mark.
I don't think he has even been "forgotten" in Britain. Here he has at least been famous as one of the great aces of the RAF, and I have known about him since I was a child.
Exactly Jim!
I'd suggest he is better known in Britain than in South Africa. I explore the reason for this at the back end of the video.
Thanks for the note.
Regards,
Michael
Powerful story, wow. I thank him for his service and sadly I'm not surprised I've never heard of him. It is appalling he never had a military or state funeral. These are the South Africans I've always wanted to learn about, tired of rhetoric and propaganda. This is a great channel, I just discovered it. Thank you
South Africa has lots of hero's but sadly the future potential hero's are denied by the modern government of the new South Africa
Appreciate the note Hendrik.
@@InheritSouthAfrica Modern government……….really?
You mean the govt 48-93
I didn't know this story, thank you for sharing. What a real hero who gave far more than he received. Feeling like a very proud Saffa today.
Thanks.
Honour to you Sailor Malan. My dad was at Biggin Hill in the RAF during the war. We will remember you
Thanks Michael
My favourite South African ever!
This is the kind of person every South African should strive to be.
Wonderful story Mike! Thank you.
Thanks Scott.
Great story, I knew of Sailor Malan but not of his politics. How brave of him to fight against the ultimate evil but also to fight another evil at home, judging but the photos there seems to be a huge amount of white people that railed against the system back then.
Very good of you to make mention not only of the oft mentioned Commonwealth participation but also of the men from other nations eg:- Jamaica, Sierra Leonie, Indian pilots.
As a Kiwi you peaked my interest with mention of Donald Cobden, I’m going to get more info on him.
Cheers from Sydney.
Thanks Ian.
Regards,
Michael
Thanks for this! What a wonderful man. Thanks for highlighting him and the diversity of pilots that flew in the Battle of Britain, something that needs to be more widely known. My dad flew Spitfires in the SAAF in North Africa and Italy and was also a member of the Torch Commando. Unfortunately, the Torch Commando was not nearly as radical as the Springbok legion and focused largely on just protecting the “coloured” vote. I think my dad , like Sailor Malian, became disillusioned with its narrow focus as it was taken over by more conservative liberals (if I remember correctly).
Thanks Wardie
Outstanding, well done and thank you. I have linked your video to another of relevance.
Great. Thank you.
Just stumbled across this amazing yet sad story. Thank you so very much for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it Alan.
“Imagine the day when kings fight their own battles” - Brad Pitt (1260 BC)
Absolutely beautiful video, thank you
Thanks Mark.
Great man never to be forgotten.
Dunno who you are chum but hearty congratulations of an excellently narrated story about one of humanity's true heroes.
I suppose the moral of the story is how easily (glibly?) those with an agenda are able to dictate the narrative. Also, how readily the sheeple will adopt and then defend that narrative.
Well done again (and thank you yt for recommending this magnificent video). Hope to hear/see many more from you.
Thanks very much for this note @McCallan
Kind regards,
Michael
What a great video you made, 👏, thanks. About a man who is almost forgotten in SA. Roy b, Cape 🇿🇦 Town .
An amazing and tough man, hard but fair on his pilots and staff. His 10 Rules of Air Fighting are still valid in many ways, today. He once confessed that he was never afraid before combat because he had no imagination....so never got wound up, thinking "what if....." I never knew the extent of the shameful way he was treated by the destructive apartheid govt in South Africa. The fact the SAAF was forbidden to pay tribute, was a shameful day in the proud history of the SAAF. I do not think he is forgotten. Anyone interested in the Battle of Britain or air warfare history of the Second World War, will know of Sailor Malan. Interestingly enough, Malan knew his limits. In I think early 1942, he realized combat fatigue was starting to erode his decision-making and judgement in the air, ultimately putting his pilots in possible danger. As a result, he asked to be rested from combat. A brave move, as it carried the possibility of a charge of LMF. But clearly his record proved his contribution, and it was seen as an honest and wise call. Douglas Bader was offered a similar rest from operations, after Malan's request. In true Bader fashion, he refused it. He was shot down a few weeks later, to become a POW.
What a fine man and a decent human being. God I hate Politicians.
Thanks for tell about this remarkable history
Jono, I have that letter and will keep it next to my heart, forever!
Thank you for sharing. My uncle was part of the Torch Commando
Excellent Work! Well done,well done!
Thanks Calvin
My father trained with him in Simonstown in the naval academy.
Amazing. Thanks for the note John.
Thse of us who take the history of the fight against apartheid seriously take the history of the Sprinbok Legion and the Torch Commando very seriously indeed. We also remember Jack Hodgson, Joe Slovo and others who were also soldiers in the Second World War as well as taking a major role in the formation of the people's army, uMkhonto we Sizwe -- Spear of the Nation. We do not forget that the Nationalist Party was founded by Nazis.
My Dad Charlie McCulloch served in Kimberley regiment. Proud of you Dad.
A very moving documentary.
Thanks Derick.
As an Australian, and with an interest in military history, I knew about Sailor Malan as a kid....and that was if the fifties.......another South African pilot Edwin Swales did win the VC...and the grandson of Oom Paul Kruger, Lt.Paul Kruger was shot down in Italy flying a Beaufighter....and ended the War as a German POW. Thank you for this video.
Les Griffiths
Another great South African hero who never gets a mention, is Pat Pattle.
Thanks Robin. I am releasing more Friday Stories from early March and I'll definitely cover him soon.
The Gladiator Ace who should have been rested...
Not forgotten by anyone with a knowledge of the Battle of Britain
Agreed.
Sailor Milan not forgotten same as Paddey Finucane Ginger Lacey etc .In the 1960s a comic named
THE VICTOR carried on its end page a description of Battle of Britain pilots and their exploits.
Who remembers Sgt Alkemade?Will leave you with that to research.Tally Ho.
Great video thanks and baie dankie!!
Thanks Tinus.
Love to see sailor Malans reaction to South Africa today
What a guy, funnily enough one of our other aces Robert Stanford Tuck was an ex merchant sailor
Thanks for the note John.
Now there is a story!!!
Thanks Ken.
Awesome video, just found your channel. All the best. Gosh this is so interesting. Ek is trots. Hope you get the channel growth you so clearly deserve.
A South African Hero of the sky. One of many
Eric Cowley Saville my father's favourite older cousin was trained by the SAAF in Pretoria and ended up 2 Squadron SAAF (fighters) in North Africa. He was very quickly noticed and promoted Team Leader, Wing Commander. Transferred to RAF 60 (?) Sqn and then RAF 112 becoming Squadron Leader all before his 21st Birthday.
He was awarded the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) for bravery, equivalent to MC, Military Cross in Army, and Bar to his DFC (2nd DFC). He was awarded the American DFC by the President of the United States posthumously.
Eric shot down 11 enemy planes, making him a double ace.
He also had several probables (shot down but not confirmed) and some combined (shot down with other fighters)Not mentioning any successes on the ground.
Disappointing that he is not revered and remembered with the likes of Sailor Malan etc. Probably because he did not take part in the Battle of Britain
He was killed in action during the Italian campaign.
Eric Cowley Saville is buried in Italy ... and in the morning we will remember him.
The picture of him above next to his plane is after a sorty he had had in Italy.He had run out of ammo and decided to attack athe enemy fighter (Italian ?) plane with his plane's wing.
Inspecting the damage with OC (?).
P40 Warhawk/Tomahawk/Kittyhawk made by Curtus Wright used by Allies in most theatres of the war but North Africa and Italy by British and Commonwealth countries. Powered by Allison V12 but not supercharged so inferior to ME109 and BF190 in speed and altitude, but flown superbly by our pilots in ground attacks against armour - Romels tanks and artillery.
When British couldn't produce enough spitfires and hurricanes, so they ordered 600 P40's from Curtis Wright.
They were at full production already for the States, so they approached North American to make them for them under licence.
North American agreed but offered to build them a completely new plane from scratch instead.
N A designed and built their own prototype with Allison V12 in six weeks called P51.
The RAF liked it so changed their order for 600 North American P51's.
The British RAF found that the initial ones were under powered so changed engines to Supercharged Rolls Royce V12 Merlins the same as the Spitfires.
They named it the Mustang and they then had a fighter that could go all the way to Berlin and back to protect the Bombers.
The rest of the order was supplied with Packard built RR Merlin engines.
The Americans only later realized how good the Mustangs were with the Merlin engines.
South Africans also flew Mustang's in the Korean War (1950-53) (As part of the League of Nations troops (Smuts) against Mig15's (jets) and did very well.Later they were equipped with Sabre's (jets) as well.
(With thanks to my brother Andrew for research and information).
Thanks for this, a type of Man one can emulate.
Thanks for the note Luvuyo.
He’s not forgotten. My husband told me his story and subsequently my sons.
Sadly Jonathan passed away on 20 October 2021. His final wish was to see his daddy again. I will miss our late night chats. RIP Uncle Jonathan.
I might be wrong but I don't think so I have had the privilege to meet a relative of sailor malan Dr Malan ENT Surgeon in the vaaltiangl If sailor Malan was related well you will understand that the Malan family has a very strong foundation
When he said Winston Churchill my mind was blown
It is remarkable. I am still in contact with Jonathan, who has now just turned 80.
Amazing how history can be told
Along with Pat Pattle, one of our great legends!
Just listened to a recording circa 1941. Malan relating a sortie over northern France.
👌
Hi there, what is the link for that recording please?
Sailor Malan forgotten? Not on your life. But aren't you actually really forgetting the Empires top scoring Ace? Marmaduke Pattle? Who coincidentally was also a South African.
With reference to the back end of this video, he is forgotten to a surprising number of South Africans.
I clearly remember the Torch Brand stickers and going with my late father to a meeting in St Helena Welkom. We all sat in cars in the dark that formed a circle. and then the car lights went on. I'm so sorry not to have been able to save a box full of Torch Brand stickers. Things get lost when one moves.
The endings always gets me 😢
I miss you J..
Why were we never taught about him in school ??
It is strange, but not surprising given the context.
My girlfriends grandfather
Dude was a badass
I haven't forgotten him and I'm an American.
Someone Afikaners can be proud of?
Yes, even with anti British feeling, thousands of Afrikaner servicemen still served the British Empire. Examples like Sailor Malan deserve to be cherished and not forgotten. Standing on the side of those fighting for freedom was honorable. After the war, South Africans forgot freedom is indivisible, a truth for which the country is still paying a heavy price today.