Time travel with me. It is 1961. SAS Wingfield is established. This South African Navy base started its journey. It stands on the site of the old Wingfield Aerodrome. This aerodrome played a role in World War II. Today SAS Wingfield serves a vital purpose.
SAS Wingfield began as a technical training center. Apprentices received practical instruction here. Now the base offers training to officers and sailors. It equips them with essential skills.
Let’s step back to the early days of flight in Cape Town. Wingfield Aerodrome has a rich history. It was once the Cape Town Municipal Aerodrome. Later it became Air Force Station Wingfield under the SAAF. The Royal Navy also used it as a Fleet Air Arm base. After the war it briefly returned to being the municipal airport. Wingfield’s story mirrors South Africa’s aviation journey. It includes early commercial aviation attempts.
Before Wingfield Aerodrome, early flights were quite different. Pilots needed only level land. Obstructions were to be avoided. Flights depended on weather and aircraft condition. Even the pilot’s whim played a part. Navigation involved following roads or railways. Pilots used landmarks like Table Mountain. There were few rules. Low flying and city landings were common.
Several locations around Cape Town served as airfields. These included Kenilworth race course and Green Point Common. Maitland Common and local beaches also saw aircraft. Commercial aviation was yet to be fully realized.
World War II dramatically changed Wingfield. David Pieter de Villiers Graaff sold land to the government. He supported the war effort. The agreement stated the land would revert to his estate. This would happen when the government no longer needed it for military purposes. Thus Wingfield Aerodrome was officially established.
In September 1939, 15 Squadron SAAF formed at Germiston. They used Junkers Ju 86 airliners for maritime patrols. After relocating to Wingfield the squadron became A Flight of 32 Squadron SAAF. September 1944 saw 804 Naval Air Squadron reformed at Wingfield. They had 24 Hellcat IIs. In January 1945 they sailed on HMS Ameer. They provided cover during landings on Ramree Island. Missions over Sumatra and Malaya followed.
Alex Henshaw a test pilot set flight records in 1939. Flying a modified Percival Mew Gull he flew between Gravesend and Wingfield. These solo flight records still stand today.
Today SAS Wingfield continues its service. The SA Navy plans to relocate SAS Wingfield to Simon’s Town. They will build a purpose-built facility. The Navy received an initial R40 million for the move. This followed investigations into rationalizing Navy training institutions.
SAS Wingfield maintains its tradition. The Naval Unit exercises its Freedom of Goodwood annually. They march through the town with colors flying and drums beating. Bayonets are fixed.
Wingfield Aerodrome eventually became too small. Cape Town International Airport replaced it in 1954. It is now the second busiest airport in South Africa.
Part of Wingfield’s land now houses the Goodwood Correctional Centre. Opened in 1997 it embodies rehabilitation. Another section became Acacia Park. This township initially housed railway officials. Later it accommodated civil servants and members of Parliament.
Even today remnants of Wingfield’s aviation past can be seen. Cape Field Artillery Headquarters occupies a re-purposed aircraft hangar. This adaptive reuse preserves a piece of history. The runways were in the Southwest quadrant.
SAS Wingfield stands as a testament to transformation. From aerodrome to naval base it adapts to the needs of the time. Its story reflects Cape Town’s evolving landscape. It connects aviation history to naval training.