At 85 years old, Glan Raubenheimer has witnessed some remarkable chapters of southern African history.

The former British Army captain and former custodian at Moth Cottages in Fairland has spent a lifetime in service, first in the military and later in industry, before settling into retirement among fellow veterans.

Born in Rhodesia, Raubenheimer began his military career in the Federal Army before joining the British Army in the early 1960s. After training overseas, he returned to Rhodesia, where he served in both the police force and police reserve during the bush war years.

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Among the memories that stand out most are the ceremonial duties he performed during significant moments in the region’s history.

Stationed with the Northern Rhodesia Regiment, an Ascari battalion made up largely of African troops and officers, Raubenheimer carried the regimental colours during the farewell parade marking the breakup of the federation. He later carried the colours again during ceremonies surrounding the transition from the Northern Rhodesia Regiment to the newly formed Zambian Regiment following Zambia’s independence.

“I’ve carried colours in two remarkable parades,” he recalled.

Despite his military accomplishments, Raubenheimer speaks candidly about the realities of conflict.

“There are no winners in any war,” he said, adding that the camaraderie formed between servicemen remains one of his strongest memories.

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After leaving the military, he moved to South Africa and spent many years working for Rand Mines, where he managed a training centre. Even in retirement, he continued working in health and safety management.

For the past 18 years, Moth Cottages has been home.

Describing his time there, Raubenheimer smiled and summed it up in three words: “Magic, magic, magic.”

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