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Auction: 21001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 621

Four: Lieutenant G. A. M. Hilhorst, South African Air Force, late Enslin's Horse

1914-15 Star (Burg. G. A. M. Hilhorst Enslins R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Burg. G. A. M. Hilhorst. Enslins R); War Medal 1939-45 (95744 G. A. M. Hilhorst); Africa Service 1939-45 (95744 G. A. M. Hilhorst), very fine (4)

Gerrit Adriaan Mari Hilhorst was born at Lochem, Holland on 15 October 1893. He served in the Great War with Enslin's Horse, a cavalry formation from Pretoria. This unit saw action early in the war during the little-known 'Boer Revolt' of 1914, which was launched by Boers who saw the Great War as a final opportunity for independence. These 'bitter enders' were defeated by 1915 and Enslin's Horse took part in the German South West Africa Campaign. Hilhorst's records note that in 1915 he fractured his lower jaw, however it is not clear that this injury is related to his military service.

By the start of the Second World War Hilhorst was 46 years old, married and living with his wife and two sons on Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria where he worked as an Estate Agent. He enlisted with the South African Air Force and was assigned to work in the Air Force Station at Gordon's Bay in a maintenance role. Promoted Temporary 2nd Lieutenant on 13 February 1943 and Lieutenant on 13 August 1943. He took part in the East Africa Campaign and is noted as having served in Nairobi, although in what capacity is unclear. His service records state that he was rushed from Nairobi to Pretoria on 19 November 1940, to attend his wife who was unfortunately gravely ill.

He was demobilised in 1946 but died relatively young, a handwritten note upon a picture (sold with the Lot) identifies him and gives the date of his death as 1952 in Pretoria; sold together with copied research and a small medal from the 'Incorporated London Academy of Music' inscribed "Christmas 1935 singing Arthur W. Ward" in a presentation box.

Hilhorst is further entitled to the Victory Medal, Africa Star and 1939-45 Star.

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Sold for
£90

Starting price
£50