Lt.-Gen. George Edwin Brink, CB CBE DSO

Lieutenant-General George Edwin Brink CB CBE DSO (27 September 1889- 30 April 1971) was a South African military commander.

Early life

Lt.-Gen. Brink was born at Jagersfontein, Orange Free State, on 27 September 1889 and was educated at Grey College, Bloemfontein.

In 1913, Brink joined the Union Defence Forces. In World War I he served in German East Africa during the first East African Campaign. In 1933 he was appointed the first Officer Commanding of the Special Service Battalion.

From 1937 to 1939, he was Director of Army Training at Defence Headquarters, from which he was promoted to Deputy Chief of the General Staff on the outbreak of World War II.

From 1940 to 1942, Brink commanded the 1st South African Division during the second East African Campaign. He also commanded the division during the Western Desert Campaign in North Africa.

In 1942, Brink turned over command of the division to Dan Pienaar. Brink then commanded the Inland Area Command in South Africa from 1942 to 1944.

From 1944 to 1948, Brink was in charge of demobilisation.

Lt. General Brink was awarded the

• 1941 - Croix de Guerre avec Palmes,
• 1941 - Distinguished Service Order,
• 1941 - Order of the Bath
• 1942 - Commander of the Order of the British Empire

He was also appointed Grand Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau.

Birth
"South Africa, Free State Dutch Reformed Church Records, 1848-1956", FamilySearch
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2HG-KD2S