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Johannes Geldenhuys

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Johannes Geldenhuys

SSAS, SD, SOE, SM, GCIH, ORB
Born(1935-02-05)5 February 1935
Kroonstad, Orange Free State Province, Union of South Africa
Died10 September 2018 (aged 83)
George, Western Cape, Republic of South Africa
Allegiance South Africa
Service / branch South African Army
Years of service1954 – 1990
RankGeneral
Commands
  • Chief of the South African Defense Force (1985 – 1990)
  • Chief of the South African Army (1980 – 1983)
  • GOC South West Africa (1977 – 1980)
Battles / warsBorder War
Awards

General Johannes ('Jannie') Geldenhuys SSAS SD SOE SM GCIH ORB, (5 February 1935 - 10 September 2018) was a former South African military commander who served as Chief of the South African Defence Force between 1985 and 1990.[1][2]

Military career

Born in Kroonstad on 5 February 1935.[1] He obtained a BMil from the University of Pretoria before joining 1 Special Service Battalion.[3]: 77  Later he went on to higher command in 1977, serving as commander of South West Africa Command, a post he held until 1980, when he served in the position of General Officer Commanding the South West African Territorial Force. After this he became Chief of the Army, before being promoted to the position of Chief of the South African Defence Force on 31 October 1985. In this role, he took part in negotiations that brought the Border War to an end in 1989, after 23 years of fighting.[2]

Medals and Decorations

References

  1. ^ a b "5 February 1935: General Jannie Geldenhuys is born". SA History.org. Archived from the original on 11 February 2007. Retrieved 21 November 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b "Senior (High Office) Officers / Offisiere". SADF Info. Archived from the original on 23 March 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Uys, Ian (1992). South African Military Who's Who 1452-1992. Germiston: Fortress Publishers. ISBN 0-9583173-3-X.

Further reading

  • Geldenhuys, Jannie (2009). At the Front: A General's Account of South Africa's Border War. Johannesburg, South Africa: Jonathan Ball Publishers SA. ISBN 978-1-86842-331-6.
Military offices
Preceded by Chief of the South African Defence Force
1985 – 1990 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Chief of the South African Army
1980 – 1985 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Unknown
 GOC South West Africa
1977 – 1980 		Succeeded by
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