Just Off the Highway | Episode 51 | Vaal Dam low level reveals Secrets of Flying Boats

[@derrickknight0407]

What an amazine piece for me to see. My Dad went to South Africa in 1948 on the flying boats. They flew (low altitude) by day, the passengers sat around tables and were served meals on crockery. At night the plane was moored on the water and they slept in various Colonial Hotels at the Nile River, the Great Lakes of Africa, and so on, and then landed on the Vaal Dam! Thank you so much

[@GerhardvanWyk-k6e]

Baie interesante geskiedenis wat jy altyd Vir ons wys,van ons pragtige land.Tans werk ek in Ireland, Tipperary.maar kyk gereeld jou aanbiedeninge op KZbin.dankie dis altyd profesioneel en feitlik korrek.baie mooi Kar wat jy het.hy Kan maklik tot by 1000000km loop🎉

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Danke Gerhard! Ja, die ou Toyota is 'n yster! Ek is so bly dat "Just Off the Highway" vir jou betekenisvol bly, selfs in Ierland. 🙏

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Absolute pleasure. Thanks for connecting us to someone who actually experienced it.

[@ianhunt4980]

My father came out in June 1948 . The family has the story that he wrote about trip along with photographs . If you are interested we could forward a copy to you

[@jannaude2106]

Wow. I stay in South Africa and did not even know this. Just learn another great piece of our history. Thank you.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks very much. I'm discovering so many wonderful stories myself. Often my jaw drops when I realise how close we brush up against history all the time.

[@stef9218]

Thank you for the gift of bringing our 'lost' history alive in such an enticing video 😊

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you. It's a privilege to be able to share these stories.

[@jannaude2106]

Agree. Great video.

[@pieterbosman6111]

Another brilliant slice of recent history that would have been forgotten if it weren't for Al. Thanks ever so much.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks Pieter! My pleasure. It's a story that deserves to be told.

[@johntaplin3126]

As a child in England in the early 50s, I read a story of a flying boat journey from London to South Africa. I recall even now the thrill and romance I felt of the adventure, the luxury and exotic experiences of the passengers. Maybe it was that memory which kind of subconsciously stayed with me years later when I and my wife took our two young boys on a 747 to Jan Smuts airport in Jo'burg, where we lived for nearly 12 amazing years. Now, nearly 50 years later, I am back in SA for a while - so many changes from those exciting days, but the lure of Africa never really leaves one, once it is embedded in your heart.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yes indeed! Beautifully put! 🙏🙏

[@marco2k6]

Another awesome video. Keeping our history alive. Thanks bud!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Marco, thanks for your generous words of encouragement.

[@incognitodavis815]

Too bad we don't learn this in school, thank you for keeping our history alive

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yes, so much was ignored or neglected by the old government and now so much by the new. Thanks for watching.

[@jannaude2106]

Yes agree. Why learned all that boring stuff. This is great history.

[@kcsaayman7145]

Fantastic bit of local history, Al. Thank you!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you very much!

[@PaulCoomber-g7h]

I really enjoyed that peek into the past. A cut above the average KZbin video. Thanks.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you! 🙏

[@AlfaAbdulGafur]

Wow thank you so much for such a unique history lesson definitely earned my subscription 😊😊😊

[@coverttwenty]

This is an amazing revelation to me. Spent many years in that area growing up and had no idea of this history. Thank you só much for sharing. From Melbourne Australia. Dankie

[@JustOfftheHighway]

G'day! Thank you for your comment. Yes, there are so many "new" stories that I hear about even after a lifetime in SA. Please share the channel with your expat network, I would love more people in Australia to watch.

[@brucemcdonald8529]

Who needs the History Channel when you have Al Prodgers' Just off the Highway series!! Soon, home schooled kids will be using your series for their SA history lessons 😆

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks Bruce! Your comment means a great deal to me. I'm no expert, only curious, but I'm deeply flattered. 🙏

[@MarlonVan]

Thank you for the great history.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My pleasure. Thanks for your kind comment.

[@mariadegouveia725]

Another fascinating video. Thank you so much, Al Prodgers. Long may you continue.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words.

[@ekim000]

Stumbled on your channel and I'm loving it. Local really can be lekker.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you very much! Yes, SA has great stories.

[@UlandiAnnandale]

Al, your excitement in this episode is clear, which made me excited to watch. And once again, wow. What an incredible piece of history. Love, love, love this episode!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you so much, Ulandi!

[@peterconnan5631]

This was wonderful Al! I have long been fascinated and enthralled by those flying boats.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you! I'm glad I was able to do the episode.

[@CraigHepburn-wi6yu]

Thanks for sharing this amazing history.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My pleasure. I'm glad I was able to share a special visit.

[@iluvmywifesomuch]

Thanks for another awesome history lesson Mr Prodgers

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you! 🙏

[@SandtonTimes]

Al, one of the best episodes yet! Well done. Always a great watch.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Alex! Thank you!

[@Raphael-di3oc]

again, fascinating forgotten bits of the South Africa story - well done! wonderful bonus: the memories you unlock of people who were in some way actually involved make it real. Good stuff!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you! Yes, the personal details that people add in the comments are priceless.

[@anthonyclark1044]

Very good great piece of aviation history

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you!

[@richardpetervonrahden6393]

Thanks!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Richard thank you very much for your support. I appreciate you helping to keep Just Off the Highway on the road! 🙏

[@russellsher3703]

Wonderful, thank you for that.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My pleasure. Thank you.

[@sirkermitthefirstoffrogeth9622]

*SOUTH AFRICAN SPOTTED* 🗣🔥🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 *SOUTH AFRICA ON TOP* 🗣🔥🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 Dankie vir hierdie video.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Baie dankie! Dis 'n plesier.

[@braamvorster8249]

I was an South African Airways employee. Some of my colleagues worked at Palmietfontein. We did aircraft maintenance.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi, I would like to do a follow up about Palmietfontein next year. If you or any of your colleagues are prepared to chat about it, please mail me at the address below the video. Thanks!

[@braamvorster8249]

@JustOfftheHighway Hallo Al. Unfortunately I myself do not know much about Palmietfontein. Some of my previous colleagues has better knowledge. I will try to get hold of them.

[@nmp369]

So interesting. Thank you!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏

[@lynngreyling7660]

Fabulous Al.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Lynn, thank you!

[@joleneengelbrecht284]

Thanks

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Jolene, thanks very much for your generous support. It really helps to keep us on the road.

[@belindawilson1350]

Wow Al that was so interesting as always. Thank you so much. ❤

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you!

[@lilylewis9497]

I'm 60. Never new the Vaal Dam was used for this purpose. Born In South Africa. My Parents were born near the Vaal Dam .... My Grate Grandparents came from Britten and Germany. Nice ... Vaal river . Nice ...🥰

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yes, same with me, I discover new stories all the time.

[@LauravanderWalt]

Thank you, Al. Very interesting indeed.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

It has been a pleasure sharing such a fascinating bit of our history. 🙏

[@ReformedCleric]

Thank you so much Al as a child we'd spend every Easter at the dam and I never knew anything about the flying boats, we did find some graves at times of drought though. Thank you again for another Stirling job, I look forward to your program.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi, thanks, good to hear from you again! Yes, the graves are beautiful and a strong "memento mori". Lots more have surfaced since we filmed this.

[@andresullivan6473]

Brilliant loved this history I didn't know any of this living in my bubble

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you. You're not alone. I only read about it recently.

[@shaneolivier1650]

Very interesting peace of history which I never new but enjoyed the video

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you!

[@user-ez9en7vk2z]

Amazing piece. Great work 👍👍👍👍

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you!

[@theodorosmoro-esperidis7035]

Wow fascinating episode

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you for letting me know. I hope you'll browse some more episodes.

[@Offtheshelf-u9w]

Another excellent episode Al.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you very much for your kind comment and for sticking with the channel. 🙏

[@shayleenjoubert2008]

Fascinating

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you!

[@landibear6509]

It truly is our very own little lost city of Atlantis. I agree, the water crisis is real but nature does reveal our history in a beautiful way so we don't forget it. With the Graves especially. One cannot help but think they pop up every now and then to remind us they are still there and are not to be forgotten. Well done Al, as always.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Beautifully put. Our ancestors sending us a reminder. Thank you. 🙏

[@Karl-us9pk]

Thanks, very interesting.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks!

[@Stormbergrail]

Great video thanks

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for your kind comment!

[@jenniferwood8944]

Thank you, most informative!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My pleasure. Thank you!

[@andrieswilmans2985]

Thank you so much Al. I had to share.💪🏻

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching and especially for sharing. 🙏

[@antongruber5978]

Wunderbar

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Danke!

[@odacreations3748]

Thanx,will visit this place and see the amazing history

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks, it's a special place!

[@thereseangelz4143]

This was very interesting ! Dankie

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Baie dankie.!

[@Homoprimatesapiens]

Thankyou for this interesting info that come under my attention in my 75 years of existence, and 70 years of been dependant on the water from Vaaldam.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you very much.

[@drdoolittle5724]

Very well done Sir, a definite brush with my past because I landed on those waters in 1948 with our Mother and 3 siblings, only I have no memory whatsoever because i was not born a few months later up in Belfast! My elder Brother was fully aware of the journey, from leaving a bombed out Southampton, the different night stops through Europe and Africa, all the time accompanied by the horrendous noise in the hull for all those days!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

That’s amazing, what a journey! Thank you for sharing your personal story. 🙏

[@karlbenz5636]

Ongelooflik. Het dit nie geweet nie. Dankie !!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Baie dankie!

[@jannaude2106]

Ja wraggies. Na al die jare en ek vind nou eers uit van die wonderlike storie

[@jannaude2106]

Het al soveel keer lekker gaan visvang daar en nie eers geweet van als wat daar was nie.

[@celebrate_the_moment]

Lovely local stuff!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yep, SA provides the stories, I just tell them. Thanks for watching!

[@markvons]

I flew with my brother & mother from Kenya to Rome on one of these flying boats. Take off from Lake Naivasha in Kenya & overnighted near Entebbe on lake Victoria. Next day via Juba where the plane was refueled & then on to Khartoum on the Nile where we overnighted again. Next day we stayed overnight in Cairo. The following day, a refuelling stop in Benghazi & then on to Rome from where we took a very slow train to Zurich. The plane flew low & I remember being continually air sick. I was only 5 at the time.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Wow, what an experience!

[@0fent5e]

Great history and yes i know the old airport strip, parts of it are still there

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for your kind comment. I hope to visit it next year.

[@Mahenyafe]

Nice Al, a very interesting piece of history

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@craigschamrel8976]

Brilliant, fantastic work👌👍👍👍

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks!

[@michaelbirbeck9554]

What a superb evocation of the heyday of Imperial Airways in Africa and, especially, in South Africa. I am now hooked on Just Off the Highway, just as many fish were hooked in the Vaal Dam on lazy, hazy Sunday's back in the 1970's..

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for your delightful comment!

[@jenniferwood8944]

Amazing around 1980 I went with my future husband and family on fishing trips there and never knew this!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yes, it's surprising that such a grand bit of history got lost so easily.

[@Maria63756]

Interested i live in South Africa 🇿🇦 and didn't now about this, great video

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! I'm glad I was able to share the story.

[@retrorusticsRSA]

Awesome episode.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you very much!

[@lukasvisagie9513]

Thank you for a wonderfully interesting and very well presented look into the past. I've been to many of these places and have experienced some of the development, thank you for rekindling special memories!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the show. It was challenging to make.

[@lukasvisagie9513]

@@JustOfftheHighway I can imagine! Finding the amazing footage you have must have been quite a challenge. Well done, much appreciated!

[@justincoombes]

I remember the flying boats landing in Durban bay . Spectacular !

[@JustOfftheHighway]

I believe so.

[@desfourie528]

Wishing you all the best!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! I appreciate the encouragement.

[@Maria63756]

Very interesting history i love it ❤

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@cathievanrooyen8420]

The base at Deneysville became a UK military base where they trained the pilots. Because in the UK the flying boats were at risk from the Germans. A friend of mine's father was a pilot for both imperial air, and a captain in the GB airforce. Im going to tag him. Great video

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you, it would be a rare opportunity to hear from someone who was actually involved.

[@MalikDERRICO]

Why don't our school teach us this?! This is true South African history ❤❤ Just found this channel and loving it

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you so much! That's a question that has often puzzled me too. I'm so glad you're enjoying. Please share.

[@MalikDERRICO]

@@JustOfftheHighway I shared it with my sister and she also started watching your videos

[@cousinjack2841]

That was great; I've learned a few things today. I used to sail and fish around Deneysville regularly. Thanks. Subscribed.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for your words of encouragement and for your subscription. 🙏

[@davidrusso4249]

Well thankyou. That was very interesting info. I never new that. Would love to learn more

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for watching! It's fascinating how much history is hidden under the water.

[@jannaude2106]

Yes. Now this is history. Tired of al the apartheid stuff. It just aanger the whole country from start.

[@AmberjoyJohnson]

So nice to see this episode..

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Cheers, thanks!

[@DavidJones-ih1cp]

Amazing. Thank you

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My pleasure. Thanks for your comment.

[@osks]

What a wonderful story, and well narrated! Well done…

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words.

[@valerioscarpone1790]

In the 70'- 80' I lived and grown up in South Africa at Vanderbijlpark near the Vaal River. We often went fishing at the Vaal Dam. This is a very interesting and nice story of the Flying Boats on the Vaal Dam that I never heard of. Greetings to all my friends, from Italy, ❤ 🇮🇹🇿🇦

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for sending a message from Italy.

[@andysaunders3708]

What a way to fly. I recall these things landing and taking off in Auckland, NZ, when I was about 5 or 6. They were so good, and SO LOUD!!!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Must've been an experience. Piston engines are magical.

[@scottrobinson3281]

I still have a 1954 16mm movie my father took of a flying boat taking off from Durban Harbour.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Brilliant! I suggest you monetise it. That footage is very rare. The small clip I used cost me a chunk of money.

[@marcclarkharcourts5744]

Wow very informative thank you

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for your comment. 🙏

[@carolinedecastro4171]

Hello El, I enjoyed all your videos. Well done.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@THEDIESELCHANNEL]

Awesome

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks 🙏

[@lisaenslin7963]

Super interesting!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mahargleopenaws]

Wow. Thanks for this history

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@mahargleopenaws]

@@JustOfftheHighway I don't know if you are in the business of documentaries. If you're an amateur, you have outdone many a "Professional". Very very well done. Such a pleasure to watch.

[@craigcampbell7390]

Hi Al. When are you going to do an episode on the Foster Gang? My great grandfather, Detective Charles Albert Mynott, was killed by them. Would love to see your views on this.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Craig, I have been meaning to talk about the Foster Gang. If you're willing to chat, your family story would be very valuable to the episode. Please drop me a mail at the contact address below the video.

[@briann887]

Hi, I have been researching the foster gang for 20 years, how do I get in touch with you?

[@craigcampbell7390]

@@JustOfftheHighway may I have your full email address. Sending you info about foster gang

[@jasonyu-gi-oh1056]

This is amazing and incredible!!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks very much for your kind and encouraging comment.

[@mabelmbatha]

Thank you so much for auch great historyshared with us, my mom is from the vaal and she didnt know this

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My pleasure. I'm so happy I could share the story.

[@scottmordauntflyingspanner2216]

Great SA content. Thank you!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you for your encouraging comment.

[@mohaumosai3758]

Hello Al, this was my first time watching your channel and I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and so you have gained a subscriber in me. Looking forward to more similar content 👍.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi! Thanks very much for your kind comment. My channel is a bit eclectic, focusing on South African stories, but with quite a variety. Thanks for joining me on the road. There are 50+ episodes so far and I hope you'll find something to interest you.

[@elisedurand8030]

Wow thank you so much Had no idea

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you! I'm glad I was able to share it.

[@GenaEnSamIAm]

As a comedian we really liked seeing you at Parkers. Now you bring out this masterpiece! Awesome work Al and team!!! Please please do more videos like rhis!!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi, I wish Parker's still existed. I miss those shows! Thank you for your kind comment. I will cherish the word "masterpiece" and I acknowledge that it's a collaboration to create these episodes. There are 50+ earlier episodes that I hope you'll browse and we'll be back with more in 2025.

[@gavinlundie2310]

My father, John Lundie, worked at that very spot. Prior to that he worked in Cairo during the war, then moved to Durban where he was a radio engineer on the flying boats. Then to Vaaldam at this location, Palmietfontein next with the introduction of the Comets, and then on the Jan Smuts Airport. He was on Sunderlands, C Class flying boats, Comets, Britannia's, VC10's. He retired during the BOAC 747 era, still based at Jan Smuts.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Fascinating. What a wealth of stories he could tell! Thanks for providing that personal link.

[@desfourie528]

🙂Thanks

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Des, thank you so much for generously supporting "Just Off the Highway"! I really appreciate that you've added some fuel into the tank to keep me searching for authentic South African stories. 🙏 🙏

[@rogeratygc7895]

Very interesting video. I visited the Vaaldam one afternoon in 1976 while I was seconded to British Steel South Africa for 3 months. Being a keen glider pilot I used to go to the airfield at Barragwanath at weekends, and I understand that went out of use not long after.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you. A few years ago I heard about the Baragwanath airfield and I've wanted to learn more. Thanks for reminding me. 🙏

[@rogeratygc7895]

@@JustOfftheHighway I have one or two photographs you could use, taken from a glider. The club there was the "Witwatersrand Gliding Trust" as I recall. I don't know if we can establish contact without giving the world our contact details?

[@andysaunders3708]

Now. That is a car and a half. Bloody good to see.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yes, she's special! Not tinny at all. 😉

[@RTS1980]

This is history. Can't change that boys

[@jannaude2106]

For sure. Why not teach this in svhools. Very good history to learn

[@JustOfftheHighway]

I agree. Human stories of daring and innovation to inspire everyone.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

I agree. Human stories of daring and innovation to inspire everyone.

[@Prinsvdmerwe-gb4ly]

Mooi Man.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Baie dankie!

[@jannaude2106]

Stem. Iets anders as apartheid wat net die mense van vooraf omkrap. Die is great vir alle rasse en nasies en is regte geskiedenis.

[@kenernstzen2407]

My eldest brother was the air controller at Vaal dam!

[@Palmstreet-u7x]

Year's ?????

[@kenernstzen2407]

@@Palmstreet-u7x as far as I can remember about 1950

[@Palmstreet-u7x]

@kenernstzen2407 wow okay So early Thanks

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Now that's a strong link! He would have been able to share such rare and valuable details to this episode. Thanks.

[@kenernstzen2407]

@@JustOfftheHighway spent a school holiday with him at Vaal dam when I was in primary school. As I remember it an amazing experience for me as a young boy!

[@tonydacruz]

Great opportunistic story Al. I have some SARH high quality photos of the Airboats arriving and passengers disembarking

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Tony, thanks, I received them. Much appreciated.

[@carlreiche4991]

Loved this history story, Dec 24

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed the episode. 🙏

[@rhodetruter6664]

Interessant

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Dankie 🙏

[@garethzwart]

This was really interesting ive been to the vaal and live in south Africa and didn't know this... although i was only born late 80s

[@JustOfftheHighway]

You're not alone. I only read about it recently.

[@terencejackson4888]

We lived in Benoni and in the 1940s my father used to take us, the family, out for a Saturday or Sunday drive to Vaal Dam to watch the Flying Boats landing. I have always remembered this as an exciting, wonderful and interesting sight. As Al mentioned in those days Vaal Dam was the Johannesburg airport.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

That sounds like a wonderful memory - thank you for sharing it.

[@stephanievegter5438]

Wow!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you very much!

[@ernstwoest6260]

Nice to see you Allan Stokes

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Without Allan's gracious assistance, this episode would not have been possible.

[@kevinreeves6875]

Very interesting. My wife's parents flew out from England to Rhodesia on a flying boat after ww2. There was an interesting article in sa flyer magazine a few yrs ago about the flying boats and I remember that saaf had some in dbn. Also I remember canopus was mentioned.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yes, the SAAF Catalinas operated in Durban.