SAAF Band

The SAAF Band (South African Air Force Band) is a military band, resorting under the South African Air Force, sometimes referred to as the South African Defence Force Band.

At the end of the Second World War the Union Defence Force Band, which had resorted under the Union Defence Force Entertainment Unit, was disbanded due to the circumstances at the time. The late Capt Harry Philips, former member of this Union Defence Force Band, then founded the SAAF Band and became its first Bandmaster in 1946. Since the band's inception it has played a prominent role in public life, by entertaining members of the SA Air Force, the SA National Defence Force and the public.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Major George Hayden was the bandmaster, and his "Big Band" became a prominent feature in the country, especially on radio.

See the SAAF Band website at http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/squadrons/83/saaf-band