From May 1941 24 Squadron of the South African Air Force was based in North Africa flying daytime level bombing missions, mainly against Axis supply routes and airfields. In late 1941 they converted from the Martin Maryland to the faster Douglas Boston. They continued to fly this type for the rest of the desert campaign and also while supporting the Sicily landings. From 1943 to the end of the war they flew the Martin Marauder in the Italian campaign.
