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- Hannes grew up on the farm 'Kahlenberg' near Faure. He and his brother Hennie inherited the farm and very successfully continued the family farming business.
The need for some action interfered. While Hennie stayed on the farm, Hannes found action in the air. First, as a 'Shaka' volunteer in the Winter War, where he proved to be a accomplished and succesful pilot. He then joined the Air Force in 1941. He flew in combat over North Africa, Malta, Sicily and Italy. Ace pilot, now Lt Col. (at age 27!!), Hannes had the honour of leading the SA Air Force at the Victory Parade, London, June 1946.
After the war, Hannes returned to the position of commander of SAAF Langebaan but at the end of 1950 returned to life as a farmer. He died in February 1995.
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