Brian Wilford talked on 10 September about Air Power from the 1920's to the 1960s. Starting before the First World War in the quest for intelligence about the enemy, he mentioned tethered balloons serving as observation posts even in the Anglo-Boer War. Noting that aviation can be thought of as having started at Kittyhawk in 1903, he highlighted the availability of aircraft to both sides of the conflict originally for purposes of observation and guiding artillery.
Ground forces were mainly cavalry but once the pilots and observers started lobbing items onto targets it did not take long before they actually started firing weapons at other aircraft. The propeller was an obstacle to firing ahead until Focker invented interrupter gear - soon afterwards adapted by other nations. Development of aerial photography; means of communication inside aircraft and between ground forces and aircraft; the need for logistical support to take advantage of the aircraft's mobility - all happened alongside development and acquisition of the 'planes themselves.
Environmental aspects - needing oxygen above 15 000ft, the effect of castor oil blowing back from engines on pilots - and the minimalist training of pilots from diverse backgrounds all were mentioned. Observers no longer used, pilots had to reload machine guns while still flying! The organisational problems caused by being under control of the Army while developing their own service culture and suitable leadership from within, gave rise to Jan Smuts's study's recommendation in 1916 which led to the formation of the RAF in 1918.
The inter-war period saw cuts in defence spending, the depression following the stock market crash of 1929, the rise of Hitler and formation of the USSR as communism spread in a multi-powered geopolitical world. Airlines grew as air forces stagnated - except that radio and radar were being developed and competition like the Schneider trophy gave rise to the Spitfire while the Hawker Hurricane was also developed. Speeds of more than 300 miles per hour were achieved while 110mph would have been regarded as good in WWI. Brian covered World War II lavishly especially the Battle of Britain. Although Radar was known to the Germans it was differently deployed. Preparations in the UK, especially the setting up of areas each with its own aircraft Groups, together with centralised reporting and control, allowed warnings to be reacted to rapidly although bombing did happen.
Tactics were adjusted as experience accumulated. Entry into the war by the USA was a mixed blessing - Singapore, Burma and the actions in the Pacific had to be balanced against the extra activities in Europe.
Perhaps the biggest questions arose from nuclear weapons and their use in Japan which brought the War to a close.
Post WWII airpower development continued in a bipolar geopolitical situation. The cold war ensued, along with many local wars all around the world, while nuclear mutually assured destruction (MAD) continue to be developed.
Alongside the development of the principles of warfare and doctrine by the various air forces, technical advances included the insertion of troops by parachute in WWII to their extraction by helicopters in the Vietnam War.
His lecture is recorded on the website in the video library.
FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS - ZOOMINARS
Johannesburg
Thursday 10th September 2026 at 19h30 and then 20h15
Speaker: Andre Olivier
Subject: Early Guns at the Cape and the Evolution of the Cape Gun Group
Andre covers the development of guns at the Cape from van Riebeeck to 1910.
If you would like invitations to the ZOOMinars send an email to scribe@samilitaryhistory.org
Eastern Cape Branch (SAMHSEC)
SAMHSEC Zoominars
Monday 12th October 2026 19h30 and then 20h15
Speaker: Stephen Bowker
Subject: Squadron Leader Brian Lane, DFC ... a love for the Spitfire
SAMHSEC RPC
The next RPC (Request the Pleasure of your Company) Zoominar will be on
Monday 26th October from 19h30.
Details will be in the invitations
Next KwaZulu-Natal Branch Meeting
Saturday 10th October at 1-30 for 2pm
The next meeting of the KZN Branch of SA Military History Society will feature an illustrated
presentation by Battlefields Guide, Kevin Smith. This will cover a pictorial overview of the initial
battles of the Second Anglo-Boer War.
This will include
in the W. Cape - Belmont, Graspan, Modder Rivier, Magersfontein,
the E. Cape - Stormberg and
Natal - Talana, Platrand, Spioenkop, Vaalkrans and Tugela Heights.
This presentation will be preceded by a brief teaser for the Quiz proposed for December.
The meeting will take place at St Cyprians Church Hall off Umbilo Rd, with secure parking and liquid refreshments available for cash. Entry is free and open to all, with visitors welcome, but a donation of R20 for the car guard which also gives entry into the monthly raffle is requested from all attendees.
Enquiries to Phil Everitt,
Chair KZN Branch, SAMHS,
Cell or WhatsApp: 0844371636.
Hidden Histories
Congratulations to Malcolm Kinghorn on the insertion of the 150th memorial in this section of the website ... BZ!
Johannesburg Heritage Foundation Book sale and Talk
Panel discussion with D Fleminger, J Carruthers, S McRoberts and K Munro on
Further information from Kathy Munro - kathy@zimstone.co.za
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BRANCH CONTACT DETAILS
Eastern Cape details contact Malcolm Kinghorn 041-373-4469 culturev@lantic.net
Gauteng details contact Joan Marsh 010-237-0676 scribe@samilitaryhistory.org
KwaZulu-Natal details contact Prof Phil Everitt 084-437-1636 everitt@iafrica.com