Hello to all, I have just joined up. My interest is not so much in hunting, but in the history of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. I used to live in Zimbabwe where I bred, showed and judged this breed. I became fascinated in the history of the breed, and collected a lot of material. In 2000 we left Zimbabwe and came to live in Queensland in Australia (with our family, dogs and all my historical material!). In 2004 I published a book entitled "Rhodesian Ridgeback Pioneers" which told of the early days of the breed - the owners, breeders and the dogs themselves. However, my research has continued since then.

Later this year I am giving a presentation at the Rhodesian Ridgeback World Congress to be held in Canada - I will be talking about some of the Ridgebacks who left Southern Rhodesia in the 1920's and 30's and made their way to England. A small breeding group went to Kenya in the 1920's where a professional hunter named Sydney Waller bred them for some years. Many of his were exported to Britain and other parts of the world.

Waller died in Tsavo in the 1950's and he was probably best remembered for his role in leading HRH Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester's safari in 1928. He also had a lead role in the filming of the early movie "Trader Horn" in 1929

I have been asked to provide as many images of possible for my presentation in Canada. I am focussing quite heavily on the theme "Safari" as it was those English clients who took hunting safaris in the 20's and 30's who took back Ridgebacks with them to their home countries. If anybody can assist me with pictures of the following, I would be most grateful, and of course you would be acknowledged. The timeframe is up to about 1940.

Pictures of Sydney Waller or anecdotes about him

early pictures of Rhodesian Ridgebacks or stories/anecdotes about them

pictures of safari life - from the most sumptuous to the barest minimum

pictures of HRH Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester on safari 1928

any "movie" footage of any of the above

I appreciate any assistance or suggestions received.

With kind regards,

Linda at ridgebackhistory