Jacobus Verster

Lieutenant-General Jacobus Verster SSA SM (1919–1981) was a South African military commander. He joined the South African Air Force in 1936, and served in World War II. He was Chief of the Air Force from 1967 to 1975.

Jacobus Pieter Verster SSA SM
Born	22 May 1919[1] Boksburg, South Africa
Died	1981
Allegiance	South Africa
Service/branch	South African Air Force
Rank	Lieutenant General
Commands held	Chief of the South African Air Force
Battles/wars	World War II
Awards	Star of South Africa (SSA) Southern Cross Medal (SM) 1939–45 Star Africa Star War Medal 1939–1945 Africa Service Medal (WWII)

Military Career

He was educated at Pretoria University and joined the Air Force in 1936 as a student pilot.[2]

He served in RAF Bomber Command in World War II. He was shot down in North Africa in 1942[1] and was taken prisoner.

He served as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General and the State President (1953 – 1962)[2]

Awards and Decorations

• Star of South Africa (SSA)
• Southern Cross Medal (SM)
• 1939–45 Star
• Africa Star
• War Medal 1939–1945
• Africa Service Medal (WWII)

Military offices
Preceded by Kalfie Martin	Chief of the South African Air Force 1967 – 1975	Succeeded by Robert 'Bob' Rogers

See also

• List of South African military chiefs
• South African Air Force

References

1. Uys, Ian (1992). South African Military Who's Who 1452-1992. Fortress Publishers. p. 255. ISBN 0-9583173-3-X.
2. Nöthling, C.J.; Meyers, E.M. (1982). "Leaders through the years (1912-1982)". Scientaria Militaria. 12 (2): 98.