Lemania 5012 SAAF watch in action

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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.

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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.
 
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Fantastic! They were all heroes in my eyes.Wonderful story about your Dad......Thanks
 
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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!
 
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An 1872 in action! Mirage III


Looks like that bracelet steel loop is in action against the lugs too. And people wonder why I hate those bands...
 
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Hope this helps you fall in love with NATO's again

Hows about I'll take the watch and you keep the nato? 😁
 
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Hows about I'll take the watch and you keep the nato? 😁
😀 Ill have to get back to you on that one..........
 
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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.