Farewell to David Rattray
A great son of Africa and friend of the Zulus

As most of you know the funeral service for David Rattray, who was tragically killed on 26th January, was held at Michaelhouse School Chapel, Balgowan, near Pietermaritzburg on Thursday 1st February.  About 1,500 mourners attended the service in the school chapel.  They included IFP president Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Kwa-Zulu Natal premier S’bu Ndebele, British High Commissioner His Excellency Paul Boateng, and Brigadier Robert Aitken, Colonel The Royal Regiment of Wales (24th/41st Foot).  A personal tribute from HRH The Prince of Wales was read by Mr Robin Woodhead of Sotheby’s.

The following day, David’s family and close friends gathered on the battlefield of Isandlwana for a more personal remembrance and celebration of David’s life.  David often referred to this historical place of conflict ‘as the office’.  The small group first gathered at the foot of the 24th memorial and tearfully sang ‘Cwm Rhondda’ (Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer) – a hymn which David himself recalled each day in his stories being sang by the Welsh soldiers at the little church at Rorke’s Drift on the 120th anniversary in 1999.  The first wreath was laid on the memorial on behalf of the Royal Regiment of Wales.  The party then moved to the Zulu memorial where a second wreath, made of flowers from the gardens at Fugitives’ Drift, was laid by the family, Nicky, and sons Andrew, Douglas and Peter, and Peter and Gillian, David’s father and mother.  It was a tough and tearful occasion for all those present.  The battlefield became quiet and still.  Africa has lost a true son and the Zulus a great ally and ambassador.

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