John Fairbairn (naval officer)

Commodore John Fairbairn (1912–1984) was a South African Naval officer.

Fairbairn was educated at Diocesan College in Rondebosch before joining the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) and joining the South African Navy at the start of World War II.

Fairbairn commanded the Loch-class frigate HMSAS Transvaal when Marion and Prince Edward islands were annexed from Great Britain. He commanded the Rothesay-class frigate SAS President Steyn before being appointed Naval Officer in Charge (NoiC) of the Simon's Town Naval Base.

Fairbairn retired in 1972 and died in Cape Town in March 1984.