Hendrik Klopper
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| Hendrik Balzazar Klopper | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 25 September 1903 |
| Died | 30 December 1977 (aged 74) |
| Allegiance | South Africa |
| Service/branch | South African Army |
| Years of service | 1924-1958 |
| Rank | General |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order |
General Hendrik Balzazar Klopper DSO (25 September 1903 – 31 December 1977[1]) was a South African military commander. He joined the South African Army in 1924. During World War II he commanded the 3rd Infantry Brigade[2] in North Africa, for which he was awarded the DSO[3] and then briefly commanded 2nd Infantry Division. As fortress commander, Klopper was forced to surrender Tobruk and its garrison to Axis forces on 21 June 1942. He escaped from captivity in 1943 and was officially exonerated for the Tobruk disaster.
He was OC of Northern Command in 1945[4]
He served as Army Chief of Staff from 1951 to 1953, as Inspector-General from 1953 to 1956, and as Commandant-General,[5] i.e. head of the Union Defence Force, from 1956 to 1958.
See also
References
- ↑ http://www.eggsa.org/library/main.php?g2_itemId=926920
- ↑ http://www.generals.dk/general/Klopper/Hendrik_Balzazer/South_Africa.html
- ↑ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35697/pages/3948
- ↑ Uys, Ian (1992). South African Military Who's Who 1452-1992. Fortress Publishers. ISBN 0-9583173-3-X.
- ↑ C.J. Nöthling, E.M. Meyers (1982). "Leaders through the years (1912-1982)". Scientaria Militaria 12 (2): 94.
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Christiaan du Toit |
Chief of the General Staff of the Union Defence Force 1956 – 1958 |
Succeeded by Stephen Melville |
| Preceded by Christiaan du Toit |
Chief of the South African Army 1951 – 1953 |
Succeeded by Pieter Grobbelaar |
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