Oblique aerial photograph showing buildings in the medieval castle at Banja Luka, Yugoslavia, today Bosnia-Herzegovina, burning from an attack with rocket projectiles by Bristol Beaufighter of Nos 16 and 19 Squadrons South African Air Force from August 1944 based at Biferno, Southern Italy, as part of the Balkan Air Force. According the IWM’s photo description German troops had established a stronghold in the castle, following the reduction of which the town was conquered by Partisan forces on 22 April 1945. Victor Sierra

SAAF raid over the Balkans

Western Desert, likely Autumn 1942: Bristol Bisleys (Blenheim Mk V) of No. 15 Squadron South African Air Force attack a Junkers Ju 52 German transport aircraft with bombs and machine gun fire after forcing it down in the desert. The Bisleys, escorted by four Bristol Beaufighters of No. 252 Squadron RAF, intercepted the German transport aircraft while returning from a strike on an enemy train. The Beaufighters shot down a Ju 52 and damaged one of the escorting Messerschmitt Bf 110s, while the Bisleys forced down a second Ju 52 and subsequently destroyed it with their bombs. One of the Bisleys was shot down by return fire. Victor Sierra

Bisleys in action

Air war over the Balkans, Winter 1944-1945: three-inch rocket projectiles heading for railway trucks and tankers in snowcapped landscape during an attack by Bristol Beaufighters Mk. VI of No. 19 Squadron South African Air Force on German rail traffic at Banova Jaruga, Yugoslavia, today Croatia. The No 19 Squadron SAAF, already equipped with Beaufighter, became operational in the rocket role during September 1944 with each aircraft usually armed with 8 three-inch rockets and 4 cannon. Victor Sierra