Passing of Ken Gillings

Subject: Passing of Ken Gillings Fri Dec 09, 2016 9:22 pm

It was very distressing this morning to wake up to the news of Ken Gilling's passing , seems Ken drowned while Snorkelling at Cape Vidal , I caught up with Ken only last month at Rorke's Drift , although he was conducting a tour he took time out to come over and have a chat , we had planned to meet up for a few days next march . The loss of Ken I cannot emphasize to highly , this passing of Ken will have ramifications throughout the AZW & Boer War Fraternities , Ken was a busy man , lways working on projects here there and everywhere , who knows what will become of these . Ken wasn't a tall man in statue but he was a bloody Giant in regard to the Military History of Sth Africa , this is very , very distressing , first Rob Gerrard now Ken Gillings , two sets of large boots to be filled which I doubt never will ! . RIP Ken , well batted mate .
Cheers 90th Sad

Posts : 2594 Join date : 2009-04-24

This has to be the saddest news yet. Can't believe it! He was so full of life so deadicated to his work. My thoughts really do go out to his family and friends.

Subject: Re: Passing of Ken Gillings Fri Dec 09, 2016 9:38 pm

Very tragic news news, 90th thanks for posting. It really quite hard to take in. I will miss his updates on the Battle field tours he undertook, very knowledgeable on South African History. I not sure his place can be taken. Like CTSG my thoughts go out to his family and friends.

For those members that didn't know Ken, here are his contribution to the forum.

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And from the RDVC forum.

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Posts : 1185 Join date : 2015-11-24

Such a sad loss, condolences to family and friend's..
' in the midst of life, we are in death.' we can only
take each day we are spared and give thanks. RIP.

Posts : 1862 Join date : 2009-03-25

Sad news seems never ending these days. RIP Ken, your name won't be forgotten.

"Ken Gillings is a retired military man and has conducted tours around the battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal for over 40 years. He conducts tours of an elementary or technical nature to the scene of all actions in KwaZulu Natal. He has undertaken extensive research into South African Battlefields, especially those of KwaZulu Natal and has written numerous articles and books on the subject. Ken chaired the Anglo-Boer War Centenary Committee in KwaZulu-Natal. He is also registered for the Kruger National Park and all KwaZulu Natal Parks as well as being a registered Culture Guide for KwaZulu-Natal. He has studied the history, heritage and traditions of the “Land of Heaven” since his school days and has spent a great deal of time exploring the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, which he knows intimately. He has lectured extensively on Zulu culture and the Zulu Dynasty"

Subject: Re: Passing of Ken Gillings Fri Dec 09, 2016 10:34 pm

90th I can understand your shock on receiving news.
Ken will be sadly missed. Are there further details relating to this tragic accident.
Ken was an important part of this forum as he was on the RDVC. I'm sure they will be as sad as we are on this forum. Sad news is never good news. RIP Ken.
I have posted a link to this thread on the linkedin Military forum, where Ken was very well known.

Subject: Re: Passing of Ken Gillings Sat Dec 10, 2016 2:16 am

What terrible news.

My condolences to Ken's family and friends.

I only knew Ken through his postings and e-mails, yet his loss will be felt throughout the Zulu War community.

John Y.

Posts : 947 Join date : 2011-10-21 Location : Algoa Bay

Hi All,
This is very sad news indeed, Kens tragic passing through accident is most dismaying news.
RIP Ken and sincere commiserations to the Gillings family of Pinetown.
Ken was indeed a giant in the history field of Natal and replacing him with his knowledge built up over a lifetime, will be well nigh impossible. He also had, in his own right, a military reputation having been decorated during his career.
Being personally very well acquainted with Cape Vidal in Isamangaliso Park on the Zululand coast and its pristine beauty, one needs to remember that extreme danger lurks there.

regards

barry

Subject: Re: Passing of Ken Gillings Sat Dec 10, 2016 4:37 am

Ken was a friend, we were involved in a couple of projects together, not least the fight to stop the iSandlwana development. His death is a shock but the manner is consistent with how he lived, to the fullest. If he would have ever been asked Im sure this would have been close to his way chosen way of leaving us.

Isikhathi sokuba ukudabula umngane wami, kanzima yayo, kwakusekhona okuningi kangaka kithi ukwabelana. Hamba ngokuthula oyihlo.

Frank and Carol

Subject: Re: Passing of Ken Gillings Sat Dec 10, 2016 10:05 am

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Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

Terrible news. RIP Ken.

Subject: Re: Passing of Ken Gillings Sat Dec 10, 2016 12:59 pm

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Posts : 1185 Join date : 2015-11-24

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Subject: Re: Passing of Ken Gillings Sat Dec 10, 2016 5:45 pm

Les 3rd post up.

Subject: Re: Passing of Ken Gillings Sat Dec 10, 2016 6:21 pm

A tragic loss to his family, and South African history.

Posts : 1185 Join date : 2015-11-24

Of course, thanks Pete.

Subject: Re: Passing of Ken Gillings Sun Dec 11, 2016 5:14 am

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Subject: Re: Passing of Ken Gillings Sun Dec 11, 2016 5:16 am

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Subject: Re: Passing of Ken Gillings Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:13 am

Unbelievable. We'd exchanged e-mails only recently. How very sad.

Posts : 629 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 44

What a shame! RIP Ken!
You never know what's around the corner.

» 90th Trip to the Battlefields Zulu War 1879
» The fascinating story of Two Field Guns! And our Man Ken Gillings
» Ken Gillings - Fort Napier Cemetery Records/Visitors Book ?
» battles of kwazulu-natal and "whom the gods love"
» Discovering the battlefields of the Anglo Zulu War by Ken Gillings