SAAF History - p1

One finds very little documented information on the forming of the South African Air Force Association. The original concept formulated in late 1944 was threefold;
* to continue the spirit and camaraderie of the South African Air Force generated during World War II;
* to perpetuate the memory of all brave Air Force men and women who paid the supreme sacrifice for their
   country;
* and in particular, to assist with the welfare of their widows and children. 

Colonel Rod Douglas, a veteran pilot from the 1914/18 Great War, started the Christmas Cheer Fund during 1943, whilst serving as a senior staff officer at SAAF Headquarters. This Fund ensured that all SAAF squadrons and units serving outside the borders of South Africa would be treated to a sumptuous lunch or dinner on Christmas Day. Generous donations to this cause were received from SAAF units remaining in South Africa. 

Colonel Douglas had experienced the aftermath of World War I with the plight of the widows and children, and demobilised airmen. He wanted to ensure that this would not happen again when World War II hostilities ceased. To this end, he gathered a group of like-minded airmen and set about creating the South African Air Force Association. Colonel Rod Douglas is acknowledged as the founder of the South African Air Force Association and he served as the first SAAFA National President guiding the Association during its formative years.