South African War Graves Project -

Brigadier Hector Cyril Daniel CBE MC AFC (1898 ? 28 December 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 (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. Born Senekal, Orange Free State. Resided at 354 Currey Road, Berea, Durban. He was married. His son, J Daniel, who was also a Brigadier until his retirement, is buried in the same grave. He died in Cape Town, at the age of 78.

Age:	55
Date of Birth:	1898-10-19
Rank:	Brigadier
Regiment:	South African Air Force
Date of Death:	1953-12-28
Cause of Death:	Committed suicide, suspected, died of multiple injuries when he fell from the Van Der Stel Building in Pretoria

Cemetery:	THABA TSHWANE (OLD No.1) MILITARY CEMETERY

Localitly:	Gauteng
Country:	South Africa

Decorations:	O B E, M C, A F C
Citations:	OBE LG Sup 24 September 1941 pg. 5568; MC LG Sup 26 July 1918 pg. 8792 - "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." AFC LG Sup 3 June 1919 pg. 7033
Brigadier Hector Cyril Daniel CBE MC AFC (1898 ? 28 December 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 (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. Born Senekal, Orange Free State. Resided at 354 Currey Road, Berea, Durban. He was married. His son, J Daniel, who was also a Brigadier until his retirement, is buried in the same grave. He died in Cape Town, at the age of 78.