Bob Duncan

Does anyone recognise any of these people?

Lad in green shirt is brother Bob (also known as Bobby)

Man wearing cap on right I think is my father.

Man wearing cap in tent centre I think is my father.

Lad in green shirt is brother Bob (also known as Bobby)

Bob Duncan (Mwanza) 1&2 – My father – anyone remember him?

Bob Duncan (Mwanza) 1&2 – My father – anyone remember him?

Dam camp

Where we lived in Arusha, on a street to the East off Simeon Road, opposite the Mt Meru hospital (The street was lined with Jacaranda trees).

The road north of the house that joined the Moshi road (top of Simeon Road) was unmade, with an area of African houses on the right hand side. Brother Bob and the dog used to chase the local toto’s that had come into the garden for the peaches.

There used to be a Baptist church on Ngoliondoi Road on the left hand side – lots of happy-clappy stuff. There was also a girl who lived nearby that used to own a pet monkey (name unknown – the girl I mean).

My father standing in front of a Baobab tree to indicate the trunk dimension.

Not sure who for. My mother and father (Nora & Bob) are standing together at the back, brother Bob sitting immediately in front of mum, sister Shirley sitting immediately in front of dad and me sitting on the nearest seat looking back (cute little kid). Lady on the left unknown? (Mum used to work in the Standard Bank of South Africa – in either Mwanza or Arusha).

Mucking about (as kids do) in front of the Arusha house.

Mucking about (as kids do) in front of the Arusha house.

With a shot pigeon.

Duncan family departure for a holiday.

Not sure where but assume an airport prior to departure.

My father and his ‘personal boy’ Apenetto after a shoot. (Apenetto used to work with dad in Mwanza and walked to Arusha to work with him again. He used to accompany him on his shooting expeditions, and assisted him re-blueing shotgun barrels.)

Dad carried out numerous gun repairs, becoming known in the area as ‘Bwana Bunduki’.

(From L-R) don’t know, Bob Duncan, Joan Saddler, brother Bob, don’t know name but chemist in Mwanza, John Saddler & don’t know.

(From L_R) don’t know, John Saddler, Apenetto, brother Bob, Dr Sanasada (Mwanza) & me (Brian).

(From L_R) don’t know, Bob Duncan, Apenetto, brother Bob, Dr Sanasada & me.

The animal had killed a couple of local Africans. Father is on right (don’t know other chap, Royce Buckle?).

Bullet hole clearly visible on rear of front left shoulder (heart shot). I think the rifle was a .450 Nitro Express (my dad’s favourite calibre for large game).

Boy, were they chuffed!

Bob, me and Avril Saddler.

L-R – Nora Duncan, me, Bob Duncan, Joan Saddler, John Saddler, brother Bob and Avril Saddler.

It is believed that the Saddlers originally came from Forfar, Angus in Scotland, which is only ~16 miles from where I now live.

In the Serengeti Park. From L-R - Avril Saddler (family friends), brother Bob and me. We took one egg from the nest which I still have today.

Cub out for walk, brother Bob’s feet in picture.

My father originally worked in the Mwanza area for the WD&ID, responsible for dam building and keeping river-beds clear for the next rainy season. Having left the RN after the end of hostilities, he spent some time working with BE Chaplain, Gunmakers in Winchester, where he learnt some of the intricacies of sporting gun repairs. This put him in good stead upon his arrival in Mwanza then subsequently Arusha, where he carried out numerous gun repairs for local shooters. He also manufactured and presented a mounted miniature cannon to the Mwanza Yacht Club. This was used for starting their numerous races.

During our time in Mwanza, all three kids were born (Shirley 1948, Bob 1951, Brian 1954). During my birth, sister Shirley had Malaria, so ended up staying in the same hospital room. Four-six months later, I had a bad bought of boils (on my bum) – bad for me but good for Shirley as she inherited the syringe to treat her dolls!!!!

After 2 ½ years in Mwanza we returned to the UK for six months for the family ‘long leave’. Upon our return to Mwanza, dad worked for a spell in Schumann’s Garage, then transferred to Ukiriguru, then to Malya (with the WD&ID), then back to Mwanza.

1958 we moved to Arusha, where the lifestyle continued much as previous, with both parents also taking up golf at the local 9 hole course, and the three kids enjoying a swim or two in the New Arusha Hotel swimming pool. Although dad obviously preferred game shooting, he was also instrumental in setting up the Arusha Gun Club.

In 1962 (following Independence) we moved to the UK, staying for a short period in the Winchester area (where my mother originated from), then moving to Brechin, Angus where dad went into business as a gunsmith. Initially he had a couple of partners, which did not work out as envisaged, so he set up on his own, becoming one of the largest gun retail business in Scotland (Duncan of Brechin).

Upon his retirement, the business was sold which allowed him to continue with his passion for shotgun shooting (primarily), with some interspersed deer stalking. He also took up fishing, which latterly was easier for him to do due to failing health. He subsequently died in 2001. My mother (Nora) currently lives in the Comrie area, Perthshire with my sister Shirley.

Sister Shirley has spent most of her working life as a PA and senior secretary to numerous company owners/directors. She is now working with the local council, again in a secretarial position. She is married with two children (Stephen & Barbara), and has two grandchildren.

Brother Bob unfortunately died in 1993 (aged 42) from severe diabetes, which he had from the age of seven. Although married with two children (Lynzi & Robbie), he was instigating divorce proceedings at that time, which is believed to have contributed to his early and untimely death. He was an estate factor, latterly working with the Nature Conservancy Council in Edinburgh. He studied at Cirencester Royal Agricultural College, achieving an honours degree.

For myself, married to Sandra, also with two children (Andrew & Angela). Both now grown up (23 & 21 respectively), both living in Brechin, Angus, and both working in the oil industry (North Sea). Sandra & I live in the small and beautiful village of Edzell, which is ~4 miles from Brechin and midway between Aberdeen & Dundee. I also work in the oil industry, having done so since 1985.