Face the Attack: The Three Battles of Sailor Malan

We are privileged to have had the opportunity to speak to ​​Lieutenant General, retired, Carlo Gagiano, former Chief of the South African Air Force from 2005 to 2012. He talked to us, not only as a leader of pilots, but as a fighter pilot himself. He shares his thoughts on Sailor Malan, South Africa's contribution to the war effort during World War 2 and his unique perspectives and experiences when it comes to strategy, training and air combat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we know 'Sailor' Malan saw action over Dunkirk as the British tried frantically to evacuate men from the beaches. Day in and day out he would fly combat missions to destroy prowling German aircraft - and it was on one of these that he shot down his first enemy plane. Over Dunkirk and in combat for only one week, Malan and 74 Squadron flew constant, tiring and terrifying missions. By the end of Dunkirk, 74 had lost men, but they had shot down 16 German planes in the process.With this in mind we'd like to introduce you to a podcast we've followed for quite a while now and shares our interest and love of history well told. History Daily.In this episode host Lindsay Graham, takes us through the evacuation of Dunkirk. During World War Two, the British Military launched Operation Dynamo, pulling out hundreds of thousands of allied soldiers from the French port city of Dunkirk.Every weekday, host Lindsay Graham (American Scandal, American History Tellers) takes you back in time to explore a momentous event that happened ‘on this day’ in history. Whether it’s to remember the tragedy of December 7th, 1941, the day “that will live in infamy,” or to celebrate that 20th day in July, 1969, when mankind reached the moon, History Daily is there to tell you the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world—one day at a time.Episodes are the perfect length at under twenty minutes each. So if you’re stuck in traffic, bored at work—wherever you are, listen to History Daily to remind yourself that something incredible happened to make that day historic.History Daily is a co-production from award-winning podcasters Airship and Noiser. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sailor Malan faced his Parkinson's Disease like many of the challenges that confronted him, with a firm focus and stubbornness many of his friend's recall witnessing. As a follow up to episode 6, we wanted to take a deeper dive into Parkinson’s disease.Given how important exercise is for those with this condition, you’re going to hear about an initiative called the Co-Pilot Project. It aims to connect runners living with Parkinson's with fellow runners to allow them to compete in races. To quote Yvonne Malan, its founder, “Our logo is a Spitfire (as nod to Sailor Malan) and our motto is 'So others may run'. “ A number of races have already been completed and race organizers have been more than willing to help. If you are interested in learning more and establishing it in your province or country get in touch with Parkinson’s South Africa/ZA – you can find a link to their website at facetheattack.comWe are also going to hear more from Rakesh and Michelle, two truly inspiring people, reflecting on the need for more "Sailor" Malans. They talk about challenges, impacts and strategies for those with Parkinson's as well as stories of hope. Share their story with anyone who you feel may be impacted by the disease and inspired by those working on the frontline.This podcast is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. We encourage listeners to consult with their own physician or healthcare specialist.Protea Rose Originals is Cliff Thompson and Nic Fieldsend.Narrated/written by Cliff Thompson, produced/engineered by Nick Fieldsend with additional sound design by Ben Creelman.Notes:Copyright 2024. Protea Rose Originals Inc. Licenses obtained for use.Unauthorized biography.With thanks to IWM, The National Archives (UK), McGregor Museum Kimberley, Getty Images, Associated Press, Alamy, Doug Tidy, Artlist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hear about some upcoming content, including unheard interviews, news and updates.Protea Rose Originals is Cliff Thompson and Nic Fieldsend.Narrated/written by Cliff Thompson, produced/engineered by Nic Fieldsend with additional sound design by Ben Creelman.Notes:Copyright 2024. Protea Rose Originals Inc. Licenses obtained for use.Unauthorized biography.With thanks to IWM, The National Archives (UK), McGregor Museum Kimberley, Getty Images, Associated Press, Alamy, Doug Tidy, Artlist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malan settles into family life at Benfontein, but the lasting emotional and psychological effects of the war take their toll. Dr Helen Doe tells us about how pilots would relieve the stress of combat and how it signalled the start of other troubling symptoms. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Malan begins a rapid decline punctuated with bouts of hope, optimism and defiance against his illness. He visits 74 Squadron and sits in a Spitfire for the last time. We take a deeper look at Parkinson's Disease and how it affects those with it and Malan's friends recollect their memories of visiting him, many for the last time. When the “King of the Few” dies, tributes vary, depending on which country they come from. The South African government - bitter to the end - threatens civil servants and the military about consequences of attending his funeral, which is held in defiance of the apartheid laws in a non-segregated church. He then disappears into obscurity. Forgotten for 60 years, even by a new post-apartheid government which took over from the National Party government in 1994 - after South Africa held its first democratic elections, with apartheid wiped from the books.It's only in 2018 that momentum starts to build for recognition of his achievements. In the same church in which his funeral was held, he is remembered and finally civic honours are bestowed upon him. "I Fear No Man" is the motto of 74 squadron, and using these words Yvonne Malan pays a fitting tribute at the Sailor Malan inaugural lecture. At the memorial, Father Reginald Leeuw shares a poignant message for South Africans and for all.The creators of the podcast would like to thank the McGregor Museum for introducing us to Yvonne Malan, who not only allowed us to quote extensively from her Sailor Malan memorial lecture given in Kimberley and Simon’s town in 2023, but also introduced us to the majority of the participants for the one-on-one interviews in the podcast. Thank you to everyone who gave their time, insights and participation.Protea Rose Originals is Cliff Thompson and Nic Fieldsend.Narrated/written by Cliff Thompson, produced/engineered by Nick Fieldsend with additional sound design by Ben Creelman.Notes:Copyright 2024. Protea Rose Originals Inc. Licenses obtained for use.Unauthorized biography.With thanks to IWM, The National Archives (UK), McGregor Museum Kimberley, Getty Images, Associated Press, Alamy, Doug Tidy, Artlist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.