During World War II, many South Africans saw military service. The Union of South Africa participated with other British Empire forces in battles in North Africa against Erwin Rommel and his Afrika Korps , and many South African pilots joined the Royal Air Force and fought against the Axis powers in the European theatre .

Pages in category "Military history of South Africa during World War II" The following 10 pages are in this category, out of 10 total. This list may not reflect recent changes .

Due to an almost total inadequacy in preparations for war, in addition to shortages in weapons and other equipment, South Africa was unable to properly defend herself, let alone make a contribution to the Allied war effort, on the eve of the Second World War.

On the eve of World War II the Union of South Africa found itself in a unique political and military quandary.

The South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg was officially opened by Prime Minister Jan Smuts on 29 August 1947 to preserve the history of South Africa's involvement in the Second World War.In 1975, the museum was renamed from the South African National War Museum and its function changed to include all conflicts that South Africa has been involved in. [1] In 1999 it ...