Henry Rattray, a veteran of the Zulu Wars. 101 Years Old.

Can’t find this Henry. Would appreciate confirmation so I can lay him to rest in the correct section of the forum.

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The Memorial Plaque at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which honours the staff and patients who lost their lives on “The Wednesday” including 101-year old Henry Rattray, a veteran of the famous Zulu Wars of the late 1870s.

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 44

Name: RATTRAY, HENRY AUGUSTUS
Initials: H A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Civilian
Regiment: Civilian War Dead
Age: 100
Date of Death: 16/04/1941
Additional Information: of Royal Hospital. Died at Royal Hospital.
Casualty Type: Civilian War Dead
Cemetery: CHELSEA, METROPOLITAN BOROUGH
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The Royal Hospital, home of the Chelsea Pensioners, was devastated this night when the Infirmary was destroyed by a Parachute Mine that detonated in the road outside and caused the deaths of fifteen pensioners and hospital staff. Amongst those killed was 101 year old Henry Rattray, a veteran of the 24th Regiment of Foot and survivor of many earlier campaigns.
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Posts : 3362 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi Admin

I have had a quick look and unable to find him listed on the Medal Roll.
I will need to do a little more research into him to prove or disprove his role in the Zulu War.
Idea

Posts : 3362 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi Admin

He was not Zulu War.

An old Sergeant-Bandmaster of the 1st Battalion from 1869 to 1878, Harry Rattray, became the oldest Chelsea Pensioner of the Regiment. He was killed through enemy action on 16th April, 1941, when Chelsea Hospital was damaged in the London Blitz. He was in his 102nd year. At the age of ninety he composed a march entitled The March of the Clansmen of the Braemar Gathering which was inspired from a photograph of three veteran members of the Braemar Gathering in 1929.

Idea

That's a shame. Thanks for confirming. Idea

Posts : 1069 Join date : 2009-10-16

Hi All
Have to go with Andy on this one, all census records point to him having left the Army by 1881.
He does come up 1871 Army Worldwide Index as Bandmaster 1/24th in Malta.
Rai KLH

Posts : 588 Join date : 2013-05-07 Location : Brecon

There are also AZW Roll of Honour at the Duke of York's School and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Interestingly, Harry Augustus Rattray born 2.5.1840 was married 3 times - and had 13 children!

Originally enlisted 5th Dragoons Guards aged 11y 2m on 4.7.1851. Transferred to 1/24th as Band Sergeant 1-24/1658 in 1868.

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