Operation Wishbone

Background

The mission called for mid-level bombing attacks by the South African Air Force (SAAF) against SWAPO's PLAN bases in Angola at Oshiheng near Ongiva and Palele close to Xangongo. Four formations of aircraft were assembled at either airbases at Grootfontein or Ondangwa in Namibia/South West Africa. The aircraft formations consisted of either four Buccaneers or Mirage F1's and one lead aircraft, a Canberra bomber. The Canberra bomber would signal when the bombs would be dropped on the target. The operation took place 19 December 1980.