Rear Admiral Stephanus Cornelis Biermann (9 December 1918 – 18 February 2003)[1] was a South African Navy officer.

Stephanus Cornelis Biermann
Nickname(s)Chips
Born(1918-12-09)9 December 1918
Johannesburg
Died18 February 2003(2003-02-18) (aged 84)
Cape Town, South Africa
Allegiance South Africa
Service / branch South African Navy
RankRear Admiral
Commands
Spouse(s)May Biermann
RelationsHugo Biermann (brother)

Early life

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Biermann's father, joined the Orange Free State postal service at the age of 12[2] and later joined the SA Railways and Harbours as a telegraphist.[2]: page 3  Biermann was one of four children and received his schooling at Jan van Riebeeck High School in Cape Town. His brother Hugo reached the rank of admiral in the South African Navy.[1]

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Before the outbreak of World War II he was a teacher[3] at Highlands North High School in Johannesburg.[1] This gave rise to his nickname "Chips" after the schoolmaster Mr Chips.[2]: page 5 

Chips, along with his brothers Phillip and Hugo served on minesweepers during World War II.[1] He served aboard HMSAS Natal and took part in Operation Zipper in the Far East.[1]

After the war he returned to teaching but rejoined the Navy as an officer and commanded the Naval Gymnasium, including the South African Naval College

Death

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Biermann died at the age of 84 at a retirement home, Silvermine Village, near Cape Town.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Williams, Roger (21 February 2003). "Chips Biermann obituary". Cape Argus. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Williams, Roger (October 2003). "Admiral H H Biermann". Naval Digest. 9.
  3. ^ "Skout-adm . Biermann sterf". Die Burger. 22 February 2003. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  4. ^ Bester, Ronel (22 February 2003). "Skoutadmiraal Biermann oorlede / Rear Admiral Biermann dead". Volksblad. Retrieved 27 August 2015.