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 that near the time he was to head to Korea there would be a conversion to jets. He details the variety of aircrafts that he trained on in South Africa as well as later at K55 in Korea. He explains that the South African government was responsible for paying for any lost aircraft.
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Missions
Ivan Holshausen offers details of typical missions during his time in Korea. His squadron began working under close support to assist ground troops who were in trouble. He recalls often times these planes would also carry napalm bombs. He proudly shares that he was the last pilot in a Sabre to drop napalm in Korea.
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Facing Anti-Aircraft Firing
Ivan Holshausen recalls hearing the anti-aircraft firing in Korea as intense. He notes that survival as a pilot had much to do with luck. He recounts one time when his squadron found a train sticking out of a tunnel which they attacked. He remembers severe flack from enemy forces.
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The Most Difficult Thing
Ivan Holshausen notes he experienced very few aircraft troubles. He recalls the cold being one of the most difficult, but it was not much a worry to him. He explains the living conditions in the intense cold.
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