David was the self-taught, internationally renowned expert on the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879, who was sadly murdered in 2007. He ran the Fugitives’ Drift Lodge with his wife Nicky, near Rorke’s Drift located in Kwa Zulu Natal. Learning directly from the descendants of Zulu warriors who fought in the war, David dedicated his life to educating visitors to his lodge on the war and taking them to battlefield sites. As a result, he was instrumental in putting these remote battlefields on the tourist map. The winner of the competition will enjoy a two-night stay at Fugitive’s Drift, visit selected battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu wars and also receive £2,000. Plus, there are also two runners-up prizes of £1,000. The winning essay will also be read by Maggie Phillips, Joint Managing Director of Ed Victor Ltd agency, providing exposure of the winner’s skills to the publishing world.

How to enter

To enter, you need to write an essay of between 1,000 and 1,400 words, it should be a work of fiction entitled, ‘Reconciliation’.

Entries will be judged by a prestigious judging panel. This comprises: Graham Boynton, Daily Telegraph; Lord Hurd, author and former UK Foreign Secretary; Lucia van der Post, author; Francine Stock, author and broadcaster; Pumeza Matshikiza, opera singer; Nicky Rattray, David’s widow. Essays need to be sent in Word format to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or, post five A4 copies to:
David Rattray Memorial Competition, 56 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 2DX to be received by June 1, 2009.