It is with great sadness that the David Scott-Donelan family announces the passing of David Scott-Donelan who died peacefully on December 27th in Sierra Vista. David was a valiant warrior a proud Rhodesian and American, who lived an extraordinary life of service to others and his determination was matched only by his generosity. Details of a memorial service will be made at a later date. David will be greatly missed and will forever remain in our memories as the warrior declaring ‘justice follows’.
Our friends at Fireforve Ventures posted this short, but excellent bio of DSD.
A true legend has passed on to follow his last track.
David Scott-Donelan passed away on 27 December in Arizona, his family has just announced. Scott-Donelan had an exceptional military career with service in the Rhodesian SAS, Rhodesian Light Infantry, BSAP PATU Selous Scouts and South Africa’s 5 Recce. While in Rhodesia, he pioneered the development of the original Tracker Combat Unit (TCU).
He was also perhaps one of the most important minds behind the development of modern tactical tracking tactics. He utilized his 30+ years of operational experience to train and mentor an entire new generation of trackers. His manual “Tactical Tracking Operations” remains a benchmark for modern operators learning the battle-tested methods of combat tracking.
Hank had the pleasure of taking a Scott-Donelan approved course with Nortrack with the late Kyle Porter. From this course, it was clear that the old Rhodesian tracking tactics are still extremely relevant even after five decades.
Rest in Peace DSD.
RIP DSD. I have fond memories of the course he instructed. I learned a great deal from him and developed a deep respect of the professionalism, competence, and practicality of the Rhodesian soldier.
Good man.
Saddened I never reached out to share his impact
I took his course/s pre-9/11 and used soon after.. I can state 100% the situational awareness imbued directly saved me twice. Once from a near ambush in the hills and once from a pressure plate IED.
A few times we were able to run down insurgent mortar or rocket teams due to the training.
Fifty other times I made better decisions by being able to rule in or out enemy activity, often with glass.
While the bulk of assaulter life missions were technically driven hard hits under the moonlight.. If you find yourself doing recce, leading indig sweeps, or light infantry work, you will gain an exceptionably useful lens of awareness from the type of training David brought to the US.
Thank you brother man
Fair Winds & Following Seas
rhodesians never die !
Love their anthem
I had the honor of attending DSD’s Combat Tracker class during GWOT and came away a much better, much more observant soldier. Rest in peace, DSD.
Rest in Peace David.
Good man and soldier, humble and resourceful, with great sense of humour. I owe him a lot.