TONY CAMP
A Tribute by Sapper

One cold October night many years ago I received a phone call from Chelmsford in Essex, it was from a certain Tony CAMP who posed the question, "I wonder if you could help me?"

Tony was of South African birth having been born on the 26th Nov 1944. He saw service in the South African Navy. Fate and circumstance lead him to ESSEX and his passion for music came at an early age and stayed with him all his life. He was born in Cape Town, a beautiful place. We got on right from the off.

His family was his pride and joy, followed by music and then as a re-enactor due to the fact an ancestor of his was one Pte WILLIAM HENRY CAMP "B" Coy 2 / 24th, a defender of Rorkes Drift on a certain date in January 1879. Tony told me that one researcher informed him of no known relatives, after much searching the number has risen to over 250.

Tony set me up with my first computer and one night spoke to me for nearly 8 hours with no lack of purpose to help me get problems sorted out. We went to many events together around the UK as this picture taken in May at Chatham indicates. Tony is in brown standing next to Sandra Barker the great grand-daughter of FRED HITCH VC, I am the Sgt ( Royal Engineers ) standing next to Hilary his wife.

It was not that long ago Tony had undergone a kidney transplant but sadly although the operation was a success it took its toll on him. Having been admitted to ADDENBROOKES Hospital I last spoke to him after he was confident that he would be released to attend an event at NOTHE FORT in Weymouth, sadly he was too ill to attend. Gradually he got weaker, I was with him at the moment of his passing at 2:45 pm on Sat 26th September 2009. He was a patient man and loved his family, music and the Zulu War of 1879. I have lost a good friend and will always remember him.