Orders, Decorations and Medals

Eight: Commandant W. D. S. Marais, South Africa Air Force

Korea 1950-53, South African issue (Kapt.); Union Medal, E.II.R., officially numbered ‘131’; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal; Africa Service Medal, these last four all officially named; U.N. Korea; South Korean Korea Medal, mounted as worn, very fine or better (8) £800-1000

Willem Diderik Snyman Marais was born in South Africa on 19 January 1912. He served in the Special Service Battalion, January to July 1934, and in the ranks of the South Africa Air Force until March 1942. Appointed to a temporary commission in March 1942, he served in the war as Engineer Officer until December 1943, and as Radio Officer thereafter. As a Radio specialist, Marais was one of the original group of officers nominated for service in Korea with No. 2 Squadron S.A.A.F., which he joined on 27 August 1950, as Signals Officer. He served with the squadron in Korea until October 1951. He was promoted to the rank of Major in December 1960, to Commandant (Lieut-Colonel) in November 1968, and retired on pension in January 1972.

The group is sold with several photographs and a complete copy of his military service records.