Rhodesia - Intaf - Intaf Air Wing

Intaf Air Wing

Intaf had a small air wing which was part of the African Development Fund and was staffed by several competent pilots. Small Cessna aircraft (172, 175, 182, 205, 206, 207 and one 402) were used for reconnaissance, casevacs, and re-supply purposes. The aircraft often came under fire from terrorist forces on the ground and at least one aircraft was destroyed by a landmine planted on a runway!

Intaf aircraft were flown in civilian colours until the anti air missile threat became serious and an Air Rhodesia Viscount was shot down. Thereafter the aircraft were painted a matt green colour in an effort to make the aircraft less vulnerable.

Cessna 172 of the ADF Air Wing

The following pilots are known -

Ken Brown MSM. Ken was the Ops Manager and senior pilot of the Air Wing.

Chris Brittlebank. Went on to fly for Air Zimbabwe and other international airlines.

Chris Donnelly. Went to South Africa.

Byrne Rielly Gardener. Byrne was killed in action when his aircraft detonated an anti tank land mine on the runway at Mrewa on the 19th February 1979

Laurie Graham. Went on to fly for Air Zimbabwe and other international airlines.

Norman Groenewald. Forced to land between Chiredzi and Chipinga when when the aircraft engine failed. Sabotage was suspected.

Russell B.G. Kilner. Did his pilot training course with the Rhodesian Air Force in 1963. While flying as an Intaf pilot he was shot at while flying over Mrewa District from the ground and was wounded in the stomach. Russell was awarded the MSM.

Mike La Grange. Went on to fly for Air Zimbabwe and other international airlines.

Carl Liutingh. Went on to fly with Air Zimbabwe and Gulf Air.

James McNiellie. Went on to fly for Air Zimbabwe and other international airlines.

Gary Mitchell. Unknown.

Bob Norwid. Went on to fly with Air Zimbabwe and then left for unknown parts.

Keith Page. Flew in the Bulawayo area. Went on to fly with Air Zimbabwe and Quantas.

Rob Rickards. Went on to fly for Air Zimbabwe and other international airlines. Rob runs his own website "Viscounts in Africa, The Air Rhodesia Story" which also has some Intaf info. See links page.

Rob Rogerson. Went on to fly with Air Zimbabwe and the Air Force of Zimbabwe.

Gary Sherwood. Went on to fly for Air Zimbabwe and other international airlines.

Gary Wilke. Went on to fly with Air Zimbabwe and Gulf Air.

Vedette Ben van Wyk standing in front of an Intaf Air Wing Cessna aircraft in Chipinga district. This aircraft was usually piloted by Norman Groenewald. Photo donated by Phil Gargan who was also stationed at Chipinga.

This Intaf Cessna aircraft is on the airstrip at Mudzi. It is still in its civilian type colours. Its call sign VP - DIA can be seen on the fuselage. This photo was supplied by Nick Baalbergen.

Other aircraft call signs were as follows -

VP-WHA (C182)

VP-WHE (C205)

VP-WIE (C175)

VP-WFP (C402)

VP-WFS (C182)

VP=WGP (C182)

VP=WHC (C182)

VP-WIP (C205)

VP-YXK (C172)

VP-YVB (C182)

VP-YYB (C206)