At nearly 86 years old, Memorable Order of Tin Hats (Moth) Cottesloe Homes resident Glen Raubenheimer has lived through chapters of history that many people only read about in books.
The former soldier, police reservist, and mining industry trainer has witnessed the rise and fall of nations, served in multiple military forces, and spent a lifetime dedicated to service.

Born in what was then Rhodesia, his career began in the federal army before he joined the British army in the early 1960s. After returning to Rhodesia, he served in the police force before eventually settling in South Africa, where he spent many years working for Rand Mines, and later in occupational health and safety.\

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Nearly two decades ago, Raubenheimer moved into the retirement community he now calls home, where he remains one of its longest-serving residents. His military career placed him at the centre of significant moments in Southern African history. Among his proudest memories is carrying regimental colours during ceremonial parades linked to the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and the birth of independent Zambia.

Despite the honours and historic moments he witnessed, it is the human cost of conflict that has remained with Raubenheimer throughout his life. Looking back on his years in uniform, he speaks as much about loss as he does about service. While he remembers the camaraderie, discipline, and sense of purpose that military life provided, some memories are still difficult to revisit. The violence he witnessed during periods of unrest in central Africa remains among the saddest experiences of his life, largely because of the suffering endured by ordinary people caught in the middle of conflict. Those experiences shaped the lessons he carried with him long after leaving the military.

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Raubenheimer credits his years of service with teaching him respect, trust, discipline, and values that he believes have guided him throughout his life. Although he looks back on his military career with pride, he admits to one lingering regret – leaving the army. Even so, there is no bitterness in his reflection, only gratitude for a life that has taken him across continents, through pivotal moments in Southern African history, and, ultimately, to a community he is proud to call home.

After a lifetime in uniform, Raubenheimer’s story is less about war than it is about service, resilience, and the values he has carried with him long after the battles ended.

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