Peter Kenelae Atherton Digby was born to Roland and Olwen (nee Gibbon) Digby.
He attended King Edward VII School and matriculated in 1963.
He played the snare drum in the Pipe Band during his time at KES.
He qualified as a teacher (English and History) and, subsequent to his appointment at Pretoria Boys’ High School, he started the Pipe Band in 1971 and took on the duty of the cadet detachment.
He was also responsible for the production of the school’s annual magazine, The Pretorian, while he was there.
Peter re-established the museum at KES in 2012 after it had been neglected for years.
He kept company with highly placed personnel of the SADF and was on first name terms with President Cyril Ramaphosa who has an extensive collection of books, some of which he purchased through Peter.
Everything he did, he did with 100% commitment.
Dave Jeffrey
Dear Fellow Association Members,
It is with extreme sadness that we confirm the passing of (Capt.) Peter Digby onto higher service.
On behalf of the Chairman, Executive committee and Members of the Transvaal Scottish Regimental Association, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to his family on this sad and no doubt difficult time.
With fond memories.
Michael King
Secretary
IN MEMORIUM ~ PETER DIGBY
Peter was born on 15th November 1945.
Peter passed away at the Le Vern care home on Friday, 8th October 2021.
He was a member of the Transvaal Scottish for many years.
He was responsible for establishing the Regimental Museum.
He was a house master at Pretoria Boys High for many years.
He ran the book department for Stephan Weltz successfully for a number of years.
He wrote many articles on Military Medals.
He was chairman of the Military Medal Society.
He was chairman of the Military badge collector’s society.
His book Pyramids and Poppies stands proud as monument to the SA Infantry Brigade, In Libya, France and Flanders 1915-1919.
Michael Kaplan
Peter Digby touched the lives of so many Transvaal Scottish and Pretoria Boys High past and present members that SAMVOINT (South African Military Veterans Organisation International) would like to pay tribute to the life and achievements of Captain Peter Digby.
His study and knowledge of the Military campaigns from the Zulu War, Boer War, First World War and the Second World War, led to the publishing of a number of highly regarded accounts and publications of these conflicts. His devotion, commitment and dedication in this field, led to the creation of the respected museum at the Transvaal Scottish and formation of the cadet detachment Pipe Band at Pretoria Boys High School in 1972 – where he continued as Band Master, until his retirement.
Peter – SAMVOINT salutes you and we thank you for your legacy to South African Military History and the proud traditions you have engrained and bestowed on so many Veterans, Old Boys and Bandsman both in South Africa and Abroad.
REST IN PEACE- stand down- your duty is now done- We will Remember You. Lest we forget.
A fellow Jock.
Tony.
Veteran Tony Macquet MMM
Please pass on my sincere condolences at the passing of Capt. Digby.
I am out of the country just now, so will unfortunately be unable to attend the funeral.
Capt. Digby was a stalwart of the Regiment – may he rest in peace.
Mike Shirley
I’m so humble to have met such a Gentleman..
I am saddened by such that this respectable man in uniform, has been called to a Higher Calling
“Peter you are the Custodian of our Regiment” we will NEVER forget you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May your family and other respect your devotion to the cause.
Robert Wallis
The Funeral will be on Friday, 15th October 2021.
The memorial service details have been confirmed as follows:
Venue: Doves, Randburg, 147 Malibongwe Drive
Time: 13:00pm
3 Responses
I’m so humble to have met such a Gentleman..
I am saddened by such that this respectable man in uniform, has been called to a Higher Calling
“Peter you are the Custodian of our Regiment” we will NEVER forget you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May your family and other respect your devotion to the cause ……………………………………..
With respect from a fellow author and friend.
It is with great sadness that I belatedly hear of the passing of Peter Digby. He cultivated in me, whilst I was a pupil at PBHS and receiving English tuition from him, an abiding passion for the English Language, History in general and military history in particular. May he rest in peace.
Mike Turnbull