Glen Syndercombe


Vice Admiral Glen Syndercombe was a former Chief of the South African Navy.
Born in Cape Town, Syndercomb attended school in Sea Point. His nautical career began in January 1948 with a two-year cadetship at the SA Nautical College General Botha.

Early career

His seagoing career began in the British merchant service in 1950 as a cadet, and his first command came 10 years later in South Africa's Department of Sea Fisheries when he was appointed master of the fisheries survey vessel, Sardinops.
In 1959 he managed to fit in a course of studies at the University of Southampton before transferring from the merchant service to the SA Navy in 1960 as a junior officer.

Naval career

In October 1972 he became commanding officer of the destroyer for two years before being appointed Senior Staff Officer Operations on the staff of the Commander of Naval Operations. This was followed by a one-year stint as a project officer for the Strike Craft project and then as commanding officer of the newly formed strike craft squadron from June 1976, in the rank of Captain.
In 1979 he completed the Special Joint Staff Course at the South African Defence College and in January 1980 was appointed Director of Naval Operations and promoted to Commodore In October 1982 he became a rear admiral and Chief of Naval Staff Operations.
In 1985 he was promoted to Vice Admiral and appointed Chief of the S.A. Navy.

Honours and awards

The following were awarded:
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