Christoffel Venter
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Christoffel Johannes Venter CB DFC & bar |
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|---|---|
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| Nickname(s) | Boetie |
| Born |
1 November 1892 nr Middelburg, Eastern Cape |
| Died | 20 February 1977 (aged 84) Lyttleton, Pretoria |
| Allegiance | |
| Service/branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Major General |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | |
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Major-General Christoffel 'Boetie' Venter CB DFC & bar, (1 November 1892 – 20 February 1977) was a South African military commander.
He joined the 7th Mounted Rifles in 1912 then the 5th SAMR in August 1914 for service in South West Africa. He joined 1 South African Infantry Battalion in 1916 and served in France until he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in February 1917. He was shot down and captured in 1918. He won the DFC and bar and was credited with 16 aerial victories, and joined the South African Air Force in 1922.
He commanded 1 Squadron SAAF and served as Officer Commanding Wits Command in 1936
He was Director-General of the Air Force from 1940 to 1945. After World War II, he was managing director of South African Airways.
Then Major General Venter was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath on 1 January 1944
The notice in the London Gazette reads as follows:
To be an Additional Member of the Military Division of the Third Class, or Companions, of the said Most Honourable Order:
Temporary Major General Christoffel Johannes Venter, D.F.C., South African Staff Corps
Lieutenant Venter was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1918. The notice in the London Gazette reads as follows:
Lt. Christoffel Johannes Venter.
During recent operations this officer shot down five enemy aeroplanes, one of which he followed down to 500 feet, when it was seen to fall.
He is a bold and skilful airman.
In November 1918 he was awarded a bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross The notice in the London Gazette reads as follows:
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