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33Mustangs and Mosquitos to its armoury. In 1944, it received Liberators and formed two squadrons, Nos 31 and 34, to complement the RAF%u2019s Italy8based heavy bomber force. An examination of squadron records indicates, incidentally, that, as elsewhere, there was a strong international influence within the composition of SAAF bomber crews. The SAAF also developed its involvement in the tactical transport business as the war progressed. At first, No 28 Sqn was equipped with a large number of Ansons with which to operate what amounted to a communications service but the Anson was also used for SD insertions into the Balkans. The Anson was later supplemented with some Wellingtons before all were replaced by Dakotas. A second transport unit, No 44 Sqn was formed in 1944 and from early 1945 this was based in Italy where both it and No 28 Sqn worked alongside the RAF%u2019s No 267 Sqn to provide much of the dedicated tactical transport. By the last year of the war, South African officers were in positions of authority, not just in their own air force but in RAF formations as well. For example, No 92 Sqn (Spitfires) was commanded by a SAAF major whilst No 271 Sqn (Dakotas) was led by the 48 year old Lt8Col Pierre Joubert DSO AFC. %u2018Joubie%u2019, who was Baltimores of No 21 Sqn SAAF.