Ivan Holshausen
Bio
Ivan Holshausen was part of South Africa’s “Flying Cheetahs” (2 Squadron). His squadron was the first South African squadron to experience the change over to jets. He began his national service in Johannesburg where he learned to fly on Tiger Moths and Harvards. He was among a group of five that volunteered to go to Korea. When he was destined for Korea, his training in South Africa included learning to fly Mustangs, Sabres, Spitfires, and Vampires. While in Korea, the 2 Squadron served mainly as close support to ground troops near the front line where they assisted units who were in trouble. He flew 75 total sorties on Sabres, the most for the South African Air Force.
Video Clips
Learning to Fly
Ivan Holshausen left South Africa as a Second Lieutenant. He recalls the South African government learning about the upcoming conversion to jets just before his departure for Korea. Additionally, he details the variety of aircraft he trained on in South Africa and later at K55 in Korea. Moreover, he explains that the South African government was responsible for paying for any lost aircraft.
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Missions
Ivan Holshausen provides details of typical missions during his time in Korea, where his squadron worked closely to support ground troops in distress. Often, these planes carried napalm bombs as well. Notably, he proudly mentions being the last pilot in a Sabre to drop napalm in Korea.
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Facing Anti-Aircraft Firing
Ivan Holshausen recalls the intense anti-aircraft firing in Korea and notes that survival as a pilot often depended on luck. He recounts an instance when his squadron encountered a train protruding from a tunnel, which they promptly attacked, facing severe flak from enemy forces
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The Most Difficult Thing
Ivan Holshausen notes experiencing very few aircraft troubles. Despite the cold being one of the most difficult aspects, he recalls not being overly concerned about it. He goes on to explain the living conditions they endured in the intense cold.
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