Sad News Death of Rob Gerrard.

It has been announced that Rob Gerrard died at 1a.m. this morning at
Ladysmith Hospital. Rob suffered a stroke a week ago in his room at the
Lodge. He never fully recovered.

This is a real blow to his family and his many friends in the AZW community.
He will be sadly missed.



Rob Gerrard, FRGS, author and ex-Gordon Highlander, was the resident
historian at Isandlwana Lodge. His tours and lectures recaptured all the rich
detail of the Zulu history of Isandlwana, the Battle of Rorke’s Drift and the
surrounding areas. He has done various lecture tours, especially in the UK.

Rob was educated in Britain, commissioned into the British army,
served with the Gordons in Kenya and on a secondment in Malaysia,
Borneo and Thailand. In 1969 he left the army and moved to South Africa
where he became a commodity trader. His passion for British military
history led him into lecturing on the battles of the Anglo-Zulu War of
1879, and Anglo-Boer Wars of 1881 and 1899-1902. He was made a
Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society in 1998.

Rob has written a compelling book on the Anglo-Zulu War entitled
“People of the Heavens”. The book is available at the Lodge curio shop.
http://www.Isandlwana.co.za/ anita@southernspoor.co.za

R.I.P Rob

Source RDVC http://www.rorkesdriftvc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=28521#28521

He was to ill last week to come to the meeting, really sorry to say goodbye to a true gentleman. Top bloke.
RIP Rob.

Hear hear, such sad news, yet another one passed into eternity.
sleep well mate. RIP. xhosa

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Rob G , he was always helpful , and a great listener to my tall tales after I'd been out and about . Isandlwana Lodge will certainly be different without him sitting at the bar before dinner , where everyone would meet and talk about their day , very sad .
90th

Any death is sad news , more so when they come from our own ranks. Rest well!
Your know the true facts of what really happened at Isandlwana.

Yes, very sad news indeed. Met Rob in 2007 on the Holts tour. He kindly went out and got me a spare tape for my video camera! Also met him in 2011 on one of my solo tours. He had one of those voices that you never got tired of hearing. A true gentleman.

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"ROBERT GERRARD FRGS

Rob is the son of Brigadier BJD Gerrard DSO who commanded The Gordon Highlanders, that regiment which Winston Churchill called The finest fighting unit in the British army and the great-grandson of Sir John Robinson, the first Prime Minister of Natal. Rob was educated in Britain, commissioned into the British army, served with The Gordons in Kenya and on secondment in Malaysia, Borneo and Thailand. In 1969 he left the army and moved to South Africa where he became a commodity trader. His passion for British military history led him into lecturing on the battles of the Anglo Zulu War of 1879 and the Anglo Boer Wars of 1881 and 1899-1902. He was made a Fellow of The Royal Geographic Society in 1998. Rob's compelling talks on the battlefields are moving and insightful. He not only talks about the military strategies and tactics, but he weaves stories of the people involved into his presentations, which help his guests experience these battles emotionally and from the historical perspective.;"

Didn't know he had been attacked. Were the attackers caught?

Cowards no doubt. RIP Rob.

I am also very saddened to hear the news of Rob's passing. My wife and I had a terrific day with him in 2014 doing the tours of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift together with the visit to Fugitive's Drift. He was a fount of knowledge and I learnt a lot in those few hours. It was easy to see he had a passion for the events which took place there. Rob, RIP.
Nitro 450

Go well Rob.

Your watch is over.

John Y.

No 24th they haven't managed to catch the 2 people involved who assaulted Rob back in Feb , things may change ! , here's hoping so .
90th

Ngiyabonga ukuphumula kakhulu ngokuthula mnumzane.
Lala ngoxolo!


regards
barry

barry wrote:

Ngiyabonga ukuphumula kakhulu ngokuthula mnumzane.
Lala ngoxolo!


regards
barry

Barry, so what yer saying then. ?

Impi
its a respectful greeting and farewell.

Cheers

And in English it would say ?

barry wrote:

Ngiyabonga ukuphumula kakhulu ngokuthula mnumzane.
Lala ngoxolo!


regards
barry

"Thank you rest in peace sir .
Rest in peace!"

Thanks LH nice quote Barry.

I would like to say how sad it is to hear the passing of Rob Gerrard the above photo was taken on my first trip to Zululand in 2011 and was taken when Rob took both myself

And Paul Naish to Cetshwayo’s grave site  we drove a short distance to Mome Gorge where this photo was taken and on the following day he took us to the Valley of the Kings

Where we visited the grave sites  of 5 other Zulu Kings nothing was too much for Rob memories which will last with me for ever REST IN PEACE MATE


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Posted on behalf of Aussie Inkosi

Really great shot, great man, great country. What a scene !! I won't forget my day with him in a hurry, either.
Nitro450

The Truth!

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/brit-ex-army-officer-aged-8884806

God bless him..over the top violence for next to nothing..the authorities need
to get a grip!.

Saul David , this was one of the most sensationalist seeking headlines of all time ! . Rob was attacked back in Feb , it's implying he was killed at home !, this attack , in my mind , no doubt contributed to Rob's passing , Rob was also suffering from Pneumonia , and was admitted to Hospital after having a fall , Joanne Hayes who is she ??? , quite possibly a spokesperson from the Fugitives Drift Lodge ? , as far as I'm aware she doesn't work for Isandlwana Lodge !! , which is where Rob had been working for years , and where the attack took place ! , Rob's Cottage is in the grounds of Isandlwana Lodge . The usual story for Print Journalists , don't let the facts get in the way of a good story ! , please ! .
90th

Hi 90th,
Perhaps you would elaborate on what problem you actually have with the reporting?

regards,
barry

Hi Barry ( hope you are well ? Have you been into Zland recently ? )
It's simply misleading , to me if you read it , you'd think instantly he was killed in his home .
To me it's bordering on sensationalism , they finally mention half way through the article that the attack was in Feb , I don't know a Joanne Hayes , is she a spokesperson for Isand Lodge , or the Fug Drift Lodge ? . ( it just says Lodge ! ) . I feel it could've been written or composed better.
Cheers 90th

Dear 90th

I completely agree with you about how sensationalized this is! However for you to say that Joanne Hayes is quite possibly from Fugitive's Drift is quite simply incorrect and malicious. This incident has absolutely nothing to do with Fugitives Drift or the death of my father in 2007. I have written to the editor of The Times and Telegraph stating as much. This is a perfect example of gutter journalism and it stinks.

We at Fugitives Drift are deeply saddened by Rob's death, and I will certainly miss sharing sunsets with him at Rorke's Drift.

Andrew

Hi Andrew
I live in Australia , I have no clue who Joanne Hayes is ? , I always stay at Isandlwana Lodge , always have done , I don't know her either , to me the report said she was the Lodge spokesperson , she wasn't working at Isandlwana Lodge when I was there in May , so to me , it seemed she may've worked at your lodge ? , obviously not . So , obviously I'm certainly not attempting to be malicious as you put it , there are only two places with the word Lodge in their names , if you read my post , I asked for which Lodge was she the spokesperson . I really don't understand why you're having a go at me ? . Sorry , I never mentioned this had anything to do with David's demise , not sure I understand what you are getting at to be honest ?
90th

Its your accent gary

The 90th malicious, not close to the truth, a kinder easier going man who
always contributes with good sense and compassion, i don't recognise Mr
Rattray's description.. xhosa2000

Funny just thinking of random words Les, Stick End Wrong of. Ah well.

xhosa2000 wrote:

The 90th malicious, not close to the truth, a kinder easier going man who
always contributes with good sense and compassion, i don't recognise Mr
Rattray's description..                                               xhosa2000

Well said Les, a more honest, decent, considerate, thoughtful person you could not wish to meet, the man is a gem.

90th Malicious????

Not a chance.

Dear 90th

I think we may be getting our wires crossed slightly, I am in absolute agreement with you regarding the sensationalism in the British press. I'm sure you have seen the appalling articles in both The Times and The Telegraph? In fact the original article in The Times said he was attacked at Fugitives' Drift Lodge! The have since edited this however the damage has already been done.

Nowhere in the article linked above does it even mention Fugitives Drift, or as you put it "THE Fugitives Drift Lodge". So what must I infer from your comment re the spokesperson?

The article also says that Rob suffered the same fate as my father which is also completely wrong and I wasn't meaning that you had inferred that at all. I do apologise if you interpreted my comment that way.

Best wishes
Andrew

Hi Andrew
There was really no need to infer anything , as I said , I was merely asking the question if she worked at FDL ,as I said in my post , Joanne Hayes wasn't working at Isandlwana Lodge when I was there in May , she may well be now ? who knows , if so , I'm unaware of it . Yes , we certainly agree that the story was certainly a grab for sensationalism , and hasn't done anyone any favours that's for sure . All the best Andrew . Wires now uncrossed
Regards
90th

Thoughtful piece in this mornings Times about battlefield tourism by Ben Macintyre prompted by the sad deaths of Rob Gerrard and David Rattray.

Steve

That cartoon is a brilliant piece of satire.

I've only just heard the news about Rob's passing. As a very frequent visitor to Isandlwana Lodge in the early 2000's, I will remember the man who outran a serving Royal Marine on the Fugitives Trail (aged 59), whom I assisted in launching a booze-fuelled fireworks attack on the South Wall of the Lodge one night in June 2002 (his cackle rings in my ears as I type) and who, on hearing of my wife's pregnancy in 2009, congratulated us in his own inimitable way with "Well, it's not mine!" while grinning broadly. The times I spent with him tramping around the countryside remain among my most treasured memories of life in South Africa.

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From one 'special survivor' to another; Requiescat in Pace.

This is just a cracking photo!, he look's well to cool for school.

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Any and all copy write freely acknowledged.

Yes agreed , I had the very same Tour with Rob and on my own , I'll never forget it .
90th

As I may have posed already, my wife Ann, and l had a day with Rob starting on the terrace in 2014. Fantastic day, I won't forget it in a hurry, either.

nitro450 wrote:

As I may have posed already, my wife Ann, and l had a day with Rob starting on the terrace in 2014. Fantastic day, I won't forget it in a hurry, either.  

I heard Chief Buthelezi spoke a very moving eulogy at Robs memorial can any one post it on the forum please

Aussie,

I have contacted the Major for details of Prince M. G. Buthelezi's eulogy, if he can't assist I have e-mail for the Prince and could try that.

John Y.

I cannot think of a more fitting place to bid farewell to Mr. Rob Gerrard than here, in the shadow of Isandlwana.  This is the place he loved, the place that spoke to him.

For more than a hundred years, the stained-glass windows of this church have told the story of British officers who laid down their lives on the battlefield.  As we honour Mr. Gerrard’s memory this morning, we too tell of a British officer, a fine and respected gentleman, whose life was lost at Isandlwana.
I am here not only as a friend of Miss Mary Pat Stubbs and Mrs. Maggie Bryant, but as a descendant of King Cetshwayo and a descendant of Inkosi Mnyamana Buthelezi who commanded all of the King’s regiments in the Anglo-Zulu War.  I am here as someone who deeply appreciates the valuable gift that Mr. Gerrard bestowed on the Zulu Nation, on our country, and on the record of history.

He was an outstanding historian.  Through his telling, the very human experience of one of history’s greatest battles became accessible.  He understood that, as in any war, there were acts of heroism on both sides and acts of cowardice.  There was tragedy and victory on both sides.  When he recounted the battle of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, we could hear the cries, feel the heat and smell the blood.  The past came alive, and that really is the hallmark of genius.

Training under the late David Rattray, Mr. Rob Gerrard found his passion.  He was not content to simply recount what he had read.  Instead, he pursued new knowledge on the past, seeking out the descendants of Zulu warriors, listening to the oral history of our people, and working with other historians to uncover more.  What he found is contained in his beautifully illustrated book, People of the Heavens.  I am grateful that some of his lectures have been captured on audio discs, so that his voice and his stories will continue to inspire.

But for those who knew and loved him, hearing his voice is not enough.  His physical presence will be deeply missed, both by his family and his extended family at Isandlwana Lodge.

It pains me to know that Mr. Gerrard was so brutally attacked in his home at Isandlwana earlier this year.  Senselessly, intruders broke the body of one of our own sons.  He could not survive that, despite his every effort over the past seven months.

I want to honour Mr. Rob Gerrard.  I want to wipe away the pain of what was done to him, even knowing that I seek the impossible.  I want to pour the love and gratitude of my nation onto his wounds, and onto the wounds that are carried by his sister, Mrs. Sally Gerrard Fox, and by his beloved sons, Joe and Jamie.

To me, it would have been eminently appropriate to scatter Mr. Gerrard’s ashes on this battlefield.  It is difficult to understand the reasoning that prevented this, for the bones of thousands of people of all races lie scattered across Isandlwana.  Moreover the battle took place over many kilometres and the battlefield is far larger than the proclaimed area.  Indeed, the originally proclaimed area is quite minuscule.  Under my leadership, it was expanded, but still it doesn’t encompass the story of the past.

I understand the need to protect the integrity of this place – and I know that Mr. Gerrard would agree – because every now and then we hear about graves being desecrated as thieves look for the medals of British soldiers.  It is tragic that this kind of criminality has caused a clampdown that affects even those with the deepest respect for Isandlwana.

Thus, we will use this service at Saint Vincent’s to honour Mr. Gerrard’s life.  But whenever we visit the battlefield we will remember him.

History relies on people who have empathy and understanding to keep it alive.  Thus Mr. Gerrard was one of the custodians of our past.  His work at Isandlwana Lodge did a great deal for tourism.  I know that Miss Stubbs and Mrs. Bryant held him in the highest esteem.

These two ladies are remarkable in their own right.  They made a substantial investment in rural KwaZulu at a time when no other investor would have considered it.  And indeed Isandlwana Lodge ran at a loss for several years.  But they had tremendous courage and foresight.  I remain grateful for the confidence they showed in my leadership of the KwaZulu Government, and the Zulu people themselves.

Isandlwana Lodge is now an icon, and my friendship with its founders remains strong.  Itherefore feel their loss, and the loss of Mr. Gerrard’s family, quite acutely.

The Gerrard family has deep roots in South Africa.  Mr. Rob Gerrard’s great-grandfather, Sir John Robinson, was the first prime minster of the British colony of Natal, and founded The Natal Mercury which was run by the family for four generations.  When Mr. Gerrard chose to return to the land of his birth, he was continuing a legacy of service in South Africa.  We were blessed to have a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society commit twenty years of his life to preserving our heritage.

As I stand here now, I remember the battle that he loved to talk about.  On the Day of the Dead Moon, 22nd January 1879, my grandfather Mkhandumbe Buthelezi was wounded at the Battle of Isandlwana.  His brother, Mtumengana, laid down his life, but my grandfather was among the warriors who finally shouted “Usuthu!”  May that same cry of victory be the sound we hear when we remember Mr. Robert Joseph Gerrard.

On behalf of my ancestors and my nation, I salute a great son of Africa.

Thanks for posting John. What a wonderful way to remember someone. Words from the heart!

Thanks so much John what a fitting way to salute Rob of my respect for Prince Buthelezi have grown
a million times over

Rob's sister Sally has ask that I make the forum members aware of this plan.


After several requests, we have decided to look into setting up a Memorial Fund in Rob’s name.  This will depend on the interest shown.

It is planned that the proceeds from this fund will be used to restore St Vincent’s Church at Isandlwana – the stained glass windows; the flooring; the font; the doors; the seating and other general repairs.

St Vincent’s was built in honour of those who died at Isandlwana and we would like to see it restored to its true beauty, not only to ensure that no further deterioration occurs, but also as an historical landmark in the area.

If you are interested in participating, please email: info@isandlwana.co.za  (attn: Lodge Manager) and we will be in contact with you.

John Y.

What are they looking to raise!

24th,

As much as possible I would suggest.

Saint Vincent's was built a memorial to the fallen of Isandlwana. The name honouring the saint whose day fell on 22nd January.

The church is still used to this day by the local Zulu Anglican community, it also provides health care through the guise of a mission doctor.

Obvious the local community are a poor rural group, so any support that allows the continued use of the church would help.

I intend to discuss this with others who have a marked interest of the events of 22nd January 1879, to see if we progress the fund in that way.

John Y.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1hAwuY61VKqMG9iVEZRd0t2VFU/view