| Jan Breytenbach | |
|---|---|
| Allegiance | Republic of South Africa United Kingdom[1] |
| Years of service | 1950-1955 South African Army 1955-1961 Royal Navy 1961-1987 South African Army[1] |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Awards | Van Riebeeck Decoration[2] |
| Other work | Author |
Jan Breytenbach was appointed by the Founder of the South African Special Forces Brigade - General Frits Loots - as the first commander of 1 Reconnaissance Commando - the first unit founded within the South African Special Forces. He was also appointed as the first commander of the 32 Battalion, known colloquially as Buffalo Battalion, as well as 44-Para Brigade.
Breytenbach retired from the military in 1987, and has written a number of books since then. He is the brother of South African poet and writer Breyten Breytenbach and of war correspondent/photographer Cloete Breytenbach. During the 1980s, Breyten and Jan Breytenbach held strongly opposing political viewpoints, so with his brother opting for a more moderate approach, this influential family effectively covered the political spectrum.
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