Jan Breytenbach facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jan Dirk Breytenbach DVR SD SM MMM
Born	(1932-07-14)14 July 1932
Died	16 June 2024(2024-06-16) (aged 91) George, South Africa
Allegiance	South Africa  United Kingdom
Years of service	1950–1955 South African Army 1955–1961 Royal Navy 1961–1987 South African Army
Rank	Colonel
Unit	1 Parachute Battalion
Commands held	1 Reconnaissance Commando 32 Battalion 44 Parachute Brigade
Battles/wars	Suez Crisis Biafran War South African Border War Angolan Civil War Bophutatswana crisis
Awards
Other work	Author

Jan Dirk Breytenbach (born July 14, 1932 – died June 16, 2024) was a brave South African soldier and a writer of military books. He is most famous for starting South Africa's first special forces unit, called the 1 Reconnaissance Commando. During his long career, he fought in many important conflicts, like the Suez Crisis and the South African Border War. He became a high-ranking officer, a Colonel, before he retired.

Jan Breytenbach's Military Journey

Jan Breytenbach began his military training in 1950. In 1953, he received a special award called the Sword of Peace. He first served in the South African Army's tank division. Later, he joined the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, which is the part of the navy that uses aircraft. He saw action during the Suez Crisis in 1956.

In 1961, he returned to the South African army. Soon after, he completed a tough course with the 1 Parachute Battalion. A military leader named Fritz Loots then asked him to create the South African 1 Reconnaissance Commando in 1971. This was South Africa's very first special forces unit.

Leading Operations

In 1975, Breytenbach led a secret mission called Operation Savannah. This was during the Angolan Civil War. The soldiers from this mission later formed an elite unit known as the 32 Battalion, also called the "Buffalo Battalion."

He continued his training at the South African Army College in 1977 and was promoted to Colonel. In 1978, he led a major air attack during the Battle of Cassinga. He has often spoken about this event in the news.

Breytenbach later became a senior officer for operations in the Northern Transvaal area. He also commanded the 44 Parachute Brigade from 1980 to 1982. He then started a special school for guerrilla warfare within the South African army and led it until he retired.

Jan Breytenbach left the military in 1987. After retiring, he wrote many books about his experiences. He was the brother of a famous South African poet and writer, Breyten Breytenbach. He also had a brother named Cloete Breytenbach, who was a war reporter and photographer. Even though Jan and Breyten had very different political views in the 1980s, their family was quite influential.

Awards and Medals

Jan Breytenbach received many awards and decorations for his service. These show his bravery and dedication as a soldier. Some of his awards include:

• Van Riebeeck Decoration (DVR)
• Southern Cross Decoration (SD)
• Southern Cross Medal (1975) (SM)
• Military Merit Medal (MMM)
• Pro Patria Medal (South Africa) (with Cunene Clasp)
• Southern Africa Medal
• General Service Medal (South Africa)
• Good Service Medal (Gold (30 Years))
• Good Service Medal (Silver (20 Years))
• Good Service Medal (Bronze (10 Years))
• Naval General Service Medal (1915) (Great Britain)

Learn More

• 32 Battalion (Book)
• 32 Battalion (South Africa)
• South African Border War