A career soldier, spanning almost three decades of active duty in the war zones of Rhodesia, South Africa, Mozambique and Southwest Africa/Namibia, David is an original member of C Squadron, Rhodesia SAS.
One of the first members of the counter-insurgency unit known as the Selous Scouts, who tracked and fought the communist infiltration in Rhodesia.
David immigrated to the United States in 1988 and has helped to spearhead tracker training. David has shared his extensive tracking knowledge through hundreds of classes spanning a 45 year period. First exposed to tracking as a boy scout, his growing interest in the skill ignited a passion that became a lifelong pursuit.
DSD's book, Tactical Tracking Operations is a comprehensive training manual for tracking, and from it spawned a new generation of combat trackers.
DSD was a vital mentor, friend, and advisor for many of TTTS' cadre. From their time together in training, to working together at the Army Combat Tracking School in Sierra Vista, AZ, to their agreement to start their new Tracking School's as "sister-schools" in 2010.
TTTS and The Scott-Donelan Tracking School worked in tandem as a part of a greater Tracking Network, a dream David often shared with us.
He will be greatly missed by all.
Pamwe Chete!
Larry Comments coming soon
Aside from my Dad, David was the most influential mentor I have had during my career. From the first time he met me, he shared his passion for tracking and really drove home the importance of gathering evidence from the spoor and along the track line.
I was fortunate to receive the one on one training he provided to me and for his guidance when working on our own POI. The times spent sitting in David's living room, learning more about his time in the Scouts is time I will always cherish.
The last time we were in his home he told me about building a shoot house in the bush using rolls of paper in an old decerped structure and how he brought his men to that shoot house to bring them realistic training that at the time was so far out of the box it mad others uncomfortable. That type of innovation and foresight is what he brought to the table.
His legacy continues through all who share his experiences and teachings. We keep the spirit of David and Rhodesia alive as we pass down the Rhodesian Style of Tracking, because as the song says: "Rhodesian's Never Die."
Pamwe Chete!
Matt Comments coming soon