mini-Sitrep 10 - From school Van first joined the S. African Air Force and then the 1st City Cape Town Highlanders, serving in Egypt and Italy. Returning to Kenya after the War Van worked for Eddie Ruben at Express Transport and then with the Kenya Meat Commission. When the Kenya Regiment was conscripting again he was among the first to join up, attending several camps. When he joined the Kenya Police in 1952 he had to resign from the Regiment. He served with the KP during the Mau Mau emergency and was 'mentioned in despatches'. Always interested in canines he transferred to the Dog section and was in the team of trainers for which the KP were internationally renowned.

In 1983 Van retired as Senior Superintendent, Force Dog Master but before he left Kenya he was able to see the completion of the brand new Dog Section complex at Langata, with all the facilities that had been lacking at the old premises at Gymkhana Road. Van and Diana moved to S. Africa in 1983 partly to be near their daughter Annette, who has her own guard dog security company in Johannesburg. Katrina the elder daughter lives in Derbyshire. .......... An active sportsman in his younger days Van played rugby for Marist Brothers and for Kenya and East African clubs against visiting teams. He boxed competitively and took to cricket when his rugby days were over ........ fishing was his main love ......… (more)