In Memory Of

HOLTZHAUSEN, JOHN OWEN

Service Details
Age:
28
Date of Birth:
-0001-11-30
Service No:
P1/38342
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
2 Sqdn.
Regiment:
South African Air Force
Date of Death:
1952-04-10
Cause of Death:
Killed in action, North American F-51 Mustang #372. Major Mouton led a three aircraft flight, comprising himself, Lt J. O. Holtzhausen in the No.2 position and Capt van der Merwe in the No.3 position. Their target was a railroad at YE5004, which they attacked from 7500 feet. Visibility over the target was poor, with low cloud and haze. Prior to his attack, Major Mouton noticed that both his No.2 and No.3 were in position, and after the attack he headed for the form up point and called his flight to check in. Only No.3 did so. On calling Lt Holtzhausen again, Major Mouton received a response, to the effect that Lt Holtzhausen was joining an American flight for the return home. However, he failed to arrive with any of the American flights involved in the attack, and was not heard of again.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
Panel 13
Cemetery:
UNITED NATIONS PUSAN MEMORIAL
Country:
South Korea
Additional Information
Husband of Mrs. Sybil Dulcie Holtzhausen (born Eckstein on 20 May 1923 and married 10 December 1949), of Cape Town. ref. 85 years of SAAF