Hector Daniel
Encyclopedia
Brigadier
Hector Daniel CBE MC AFC (1898–1953) was a South African military commander. He served in the Royal Air Force
in World War I
, becoming an ace with nine aerial victories, and joined the South African Air Force
in 1923.
He was Director of Air and Technical Services, i.e. head of the SAAF, from 1937 until the outbreak of World War II
in 1939, when he was appointed Officer Commanding SAAF Headquarters. During the war, he was Inspector of the SAAF in 1940, senior SAAF officer in East Africa
from 1940 to 1941, and Air Officer Commanding 24 Group from 1941.
Brigadier Daniel retired in 1953. He died by his own hand.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in numerous aerial encounters. On one occasion he completely destroyed three enemy aeroplanes on the same day. He has in addition crashed three others and sent down two out of control. He has always displayed the greatest skill, keenness and courage in aerial fighting, and his services have been of inestimable value to his patrol leader.
Brigadier
Brigadier is a senior military rank, the meaning of which is somewhat different in different military services. The brigadier rank is generally superior to the rank of colonel, and subordinate to major general....
Hector Daniel CBE MC AFC (1898–1953) was a South African military commander. He served in the Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, becoming an ace with nine aerial victories, and joined the South African Air Force
South African Air Force
The South African Air Force is the air force of South Africa, with headquarters in Pretoria. It is the world's second oldest independent air force, and its motto is Per Aspera Ad Astra...
in 1923.
He was Director of Air and Technical Services, i.e. head of the SAAF, from 1937 until the outbreak of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
in 1939, when he was appointed Officer Commanding SAAF Headquarters. During the war, he was Inspector of the SAAF in 1940, senior SAAF officer in East Africa
East Africa
East Africa or Eastern Africa is the easterly region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. In the UN scheme of geographic regions, 19 territories constitute Eastern Africa:...
from 1940 to 1941, and Air Officer Commanding 24 Group from 1941.
Brigadier Daniel retired in 1953. He died by his own hand.
Military Cross (MC)
T./2nd Lt. Hector Daniel, Gen. List and R.A.F.For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in numerous aerial encounters. On one occasion he completely destroyed three enemy aeroplanes on the same day. He has in addition crashed three others and sent down two out of control. He has always displayed the greatest skill, keenness and courage in aerial fighting, and his services have been of inestimable value to his patrol leader.
See also
- List of South African military chiefs
- South African Air ForceSouth African Air ForceThe South African Air Force is the air force of South Africa, with headquarters in Pretoria. It is the world's second oldest independent air force, and its motto is Per Aspera Ad Astra...