Major general Isaac Pierre de Villiers, CB MC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Pierre_de_Villiers

Major-General Isaac Pierre de Villiers CB MC (1891–1967) was a South African military commander and police official. Originally an attorney by profession, he served in the Royal Field Artillery during World War I, and was awarded the Military Cross. In 1928, he was appointed a lieutenant colonel in the South African Police, later succeeding to the post of Commissioner.

He volunteered for military service in World War II, and served as General Officer Commanding 2nd South African Infantry Division from 1940 to 1942. He trained the division, which incorporated a police battalion, and commanded them in internal security operations at the beginning of the war, then commanded the division in North Africa in 1941 and 1942, for which he was made a Companion of the Bath (CB). During this campaign units under his command, including New Zealand cavalry, were responsible for the capture of Bardia, but many of the South African division's personnel were taken prisoner of war at Tobruk.

From 1942 to 1945, he commanded the Coastal Area Command, responsible for the coastal defence of South Africa. In this capacity he was called upon to co-operate with the Royal Navy, and made a name both by his determination to make a success of his command and by his scrupulous fairness in dealing with individuals.

In addition to the honours for his military service he was appointed a Commander in the Venerable Order of Saint John in 1936, and a Knight in the same order in 1943.