Photo taken by my father Algy Spurr, probably in 1940. This aircraft was originally ordered for SAA but then converted for military use in WW2. It was operated by 12 Squadron SAAF. More details would be welcome. Unfortunately unable to read the serial number.

According to a German source, the Ju 86 was originally designed with fixed landing gear. The narrow-track retractable main gear seems to have worked adequately. Svalan, ex D-AXWZ, was the sole civil Ju 86 delivered to Sweden. It was transferred to the Swedish air force in 1940. Photo by: Asbjørn Barlaup / Nasjonalbiblioteket (Norway)

One of 18 Ju86 aircraft operated by South African Airways. It later joined the SAAF fleet, serialed 647. The aircraft crashed on July 9, 1945 while on a flight from Swartkop AB to Brooklyn AB, Cape Town. It flew into a into hillside near the Pakhuis Pass in bad weather. The event cost the lives of all three crew members. The remains of the airframe were recovered in 1978 and are now on display at the South African Air Force Museum at Swartkop Airfield.

South African Airways took delivery of eighteen Ju-86s. They were fitted or retrofitted to Ju 86Z-7 standard with P&W Hornet engines. The 'Ju 86Z-5' designation seems to be a modern invention. Photo from: DRISA