You might be interested in this SAAF tribute site which I fell upon well looking up some info the last post in the thread below..
SAAF tribute site:

http://saafww2pilots.yolasite.com/steve-stevens.php

https://omegaforums.net/threads/bri...-steps-to-concorde.116575/page-2#post-1549000

 

Thanks so much, wonderful story and will read it all this eve. I have met with a few of the old SAAF pilots and am privileged to have sat with them and listened to their stories. My last was a gentleman by the name of Butch Bester. Joined the SAAF in 1953 and ended up a test pilot for the Impala jets. He met the Queen of England and shook Winston Churchills hand. He was presented this watch by Ae r Macchi in the early 70's for all the test work he did on these Impala Jets.
What a guy to chat to and so many stories to tell.

View attachment 1056050

 

Very nice watch and well earned by him. My father worked on the MRCA programme (Panavia Tornado) in Germany during the seventies. Aermaccchi contributed a lot to that programme and that plane went on to become a key element of both the UK and European defence for the next 25 years.. so we all owe test pilots like Butch a debt of thanks.

 

Fantastic! They were all heroes in my eyes.Wonderful story about your Dad......Thanks

 

An 1872 in action! Mirage III

 

With SA as my home country, these pics are great to see - appreciate the post

There's a similar mirage on display at the Johannesburg Military Museum as you might have seen...its a beast of a machine!

 

Looks like that bracelet steel loop is in action against the lugs too. And people wonder why I hate those bands...

 

I normally wear a nato slightly differently, but for photo purposes, this looks best. I once did a video of how i use a nato..........https://www.instagram.com/p/BmAfHfkn67j/ and https://www.instagram.com/p/BmAdOWenNkd/

Hope this helps you fall in love with NATO's again.....

 

Hows about I'll take the watch and you keep the nato?

 

Ill have to get back to you on that one..........

 

Last one!

 

I made a promise to wear this watch every September 1st in memory of SAAF Brigadier JJ Conradie who was born and passed on this day.