Jack Dutton


Jack Dutton was a South African Army officer who served in the Korean War.

Early life

He was born in Tulbagh, and matriculated from Rondebosch High in 1945. In 1947 he joined the Union Defence Forces.

Military career

In 1953 he was one of 12 officers sent to the Korea where he was seconded to the Royal Tank Regiment. In 1964 he was appointed as Officer Commanding 1 Special Service Battalion. In 1968 he became Officer Commanding Eastern Province Command at the rank of Brigadier. He was then appointed Director of Armour. In 1973 he was promoted to major-general as Chief of Army Staff Operations from 1 July 1973. In 1976 he became Chief of Staff Operations with the rank of Lieutenant-general.

Diplomatic service

While still in the Army he was appointed South Africa's ambassador to Chile.

Awards and decorations