Denis John Earp SSA SD SM SOE (7 June 1930[1][2]- 19 May 2019[3]) was a South African military commander, who held the post of Chief of the South African Air Force.

[5] In 1964 he spent time in England converting to Canberra light bombers and on his return served as a pilot at 12 (Canberra) Squadron at Waterkloof Air Force Base.

Eighteen months later he was appointed commandant flying at Air Force Base Pietersburg and after that senior staff officer (air) of the Joint Combat Forces.

[5] His career took an unusual turn when he converted to helicopters and became officer commanding 17 Squadron at Air Force Base Waterkloof.

[5] He served as Chief of the Air Force from 1984 to 1988[6] His son, Lieutenant Michael Earp, was a helicopter pilot who was killed in the Border War on 5 January 1982.