44 squadron was originally formed as 43 Squadron with pilots convening to twin-engined Oxford aircraft at Pietersburg and Nigel. The Squadron sailed from Durban on 8 February 1944 for their new base headquarters at Cairo West and arrived on 12 March 1944 under the command of Maj OG  Davies, DFC. On this day the Squadron number was changed from 43 to 44. The Squadron took delivery of its first three Dakotas on 27 April I 944.

By August 4944, under the command of Lt Col PC Ginn, 44 Squadron had officially started operations. The 23 aircraft on strength commenced routine scheduled flights, calling at Habbaniva, the Persian Gulf, Southern Arabia and Khartoum. Routine flights were extended to Cyprus, Rabat Sala and Naples. Special flights included Ban, Rome, Khartoum, Men, Port Sudan, Asmara, Pastine. Mersa, Matrub, El Adam, Shariab, Teheran, Marseilles, Forli, Cairo West and Zara with an occasional "special” to the United Kingdom. A 44 Squadron Dakota was also based in Russia during the historic conferences between Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin! At the end of January 1945, 44 Squadron moved to Bad under the command of Li Col KS Jones, AFC. Using both Dakotas and Ansons, the Squadron carried out routine scheduled transport services and also provided support to the Partisan forces in Yugoslavia. During this period Maj ER Matinitizi, AFC, also served as Squadron
Commander. On 12 December 1945, under the command of Lt Col AD McKellar, the Squadron disbanded and was repatriated to South Africa. In the 19 months in which 44 Squadron operated in the operational theater, it flew a total of 39 423 hours 15 minutes, which averages out at 2 000 hours per month.

On 13 November 4953, 44 Squadron was reformed, this time as a Citizen Force Transport Squadron, and was equipped with Dakota aircraft. The Squadron was designated 44 Squadron (Citizen Force) and in November 1956 relocated to Waterkioof from its previous home at Swartkop. During November 1963, 44 Squadron (Citizen Forte) was moved back to Swartkop because of a lack of accommodation at Waterkloof. During 1963 the Squadron also became a combined Citizen and Permanent Force squadron. In its capacity as a transport squadron, its duties included paratrooping, provisioning, carrying of VIP’s, passengers and freight, as well as the supply of an ambulance service on a permanent 24 hour standby. This placed a heavy burden on the PF pilots of the Squadron and it was decided to use the CF element largely to relieve the PF members of duties over weekends and holidays.In 1966, 44 squadron’s fleet was strengthened by the addition of Skymasters (DC4s) and on 28 October 1983 the SAAF Viscount was transferred from 21 Squadron to 44 Squadron. On 16 November 1968, with Cmdt GH McKay, AFC as the OC, the Squadron received its colours from the State President, Mr Jim Fouche. The Squadron motto “Prosurnus” (We are useful) dates back to World War II. During the postwar decades 44 Squadron again justified its claim to a niche in both the military and civilian sectors of the community. This was recognized by the awarding of the Freedom of Verwoerdburg (Centurion) on 12 August 1987. The OC at the time, Cmdt TA Hill, and the Mayor of Verwoerdburg jointly took the salute. During July 1992 the Squadron was transferred back to AFB Waterkioof and operated mainly DC3 aircraft.

From the outset of the conflict in the then South West Africa, 44 Squadron operated one DC3 Dakota from AFB Grootfontein until 10 February 1983, when it was decided to transfer the aircraft to AFB Ondangwa. This coincided with another aircraft from AFB Swartkop to make up a complement of two aircraft at AFB Ondangwa. The main task of the Squadron during its involvement in SWA was trooping. This took place from bases in the east, such as Omega and Rundu, to bases in the west, mainly Ruacana. This "Rum Run” or resupply, was to become the most common sortie to be done by the Dakota. This was supplemented with a scheduled flight known as the "Airbus", flying to Opuwa and Windhoek and back on a weekly basis. As the war intensified, the aircraft were used in various roles,Including casualty evacuation, paratrooping. lunar ops (operations at night), sky shout, supply dropping and the gunship, or "dragon” as it was known. The rear floor of the aircraft was strengthened to accommodate a 20mm cannon, operated by the flight engineer. 44 Squadron also played a vital role with regard to the morale of the troops in the operational area with the DC4’s transporting various visiting entertainment groups. The final SWA tour was completed on 15 December 1989.

This Sqdn was one of the first Sqdns to receive the upgraded Turbo Dak. On 12 March 1994 the Sqdn celebrated it's 50th anniversary. Operations with the TP-Dak led to improved operational capabilities to enhance the SAAF’S ability to provide humanitarian assistance, particularly in the maritime search and rescue roles. Citizen Force members have played a notable role in the post-war 44 Squadron: the CF component has flown more hours in total than any other CF component of any other squadron in the SAAF and from this component have emanated three colonels whose combined military service totals some 135 years and whose combined military flying exceeds 20000 hours. Since its inception 49 years ago, 44 Squadron has consistently lived up to its motto and to this day its task is still being carried out with great distinction.

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• additional A. Dyason