Just wanted to share: On our safari in the Luangwa Valley in Zambia, we visited the grave site of Peter Hankin, whose death by lioness is the opening story in 'Death in the Long Grass', by Capstick. It is situated in Johnny duPlooys Chanjuzi Block

www.safaribwana.com/NEWSLETTERS/2009/May15.htm
http://zambiaconservation.blog...time-c1927-2007.html

A little extra.

Thank you for sharing that with us.

Yes. Thanks for sharing that.

I hope someone maintains the grave stone and restores the missing letters. It would a pity if such "monumnets" to hunting were lost.

Is the grave in the same location as the mauling?

No, he was killed in North Luangwa National Park, and is buried in the adjoining Cahnijuzi GMA, which Johhny duPlooy of Muchinga Adventures holds.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
I hope someone maintains the grave stone and restores the missing letters. It would a pity if such "monumnets" to hunting were lost.

Bwana Nderobo was right there although I suppose he was a might too busy, what with hunting and honeymoon and whatever.

Thanks for sharing this with all of us. A good man no doubt.

I was all out of vowels...

My respects,

Phill

For the many of us who probably don't remember him: Peter Hankin was a bit before my time, but I was already an African freak long before my first safari in 1977, and in the early '70s, before his untimely death, he was thought of as a real up-and-comer. That was the hayday of hunting in the Luangwa Valley, and he was doing very well and was highly regarded.

A most interesting footnote: Peter Capstick often referred to his experience in Zambia, but his actual presence there is not well known or documented. Some years ago somebody sent me a copy of Peter Hankin's newsletter from, I think, '73 (but don't hold me to that; I can't find the darned thing! At worst, it's within a year of so of '73). Anyway, in that particular newsletter he introduced Peter Capstick as his new American PH!
Cheers, C

It seems the gravesite has deteriorated since we visited in 2006. We were most moved.

I would be more than happy to pay for or contribute to the restoration of his grave stone if someone reputable would tak on the task. Johnny or Laura are you out there?

Thank you, Craig, for setting the record straight. I, um, heard this from several Zambian PHs. I still say Capstick was one hell of a writer, if nothing else...

SBT, I'd be on board with that too.

I've e-mailed John Barth asking him to contact Johnny DuPloy to see if he would manage the restoration.

I didn't know Hankin, but I'd be happy to contribute...his grave (and memory) should be better kept. Anyone taking it on please send me a private post. I'm out of the country so may not reply immediately.
I did note Bwana Nderobo's "um" in his post. I have no idea how long Peter Capstick was in the Luangwa Valley, or how many safaris he did for Hankin...but quite some years ago (pre-Internet) there was question as to his presence in that area (his activities in both Botswana and then-Rhodesia are better known). Hankin's flier (not really a brochure, but a Xeroxed season's end newsletter) sets that to rest: Peter Hankin did engage Peter Capstick as a PH. And, you bet, he was a fine storyteller who must be given much credit for rekindling interest in Africa.

In Safari The Last Adventure, there is a picture of PHC's work permit from Zambia showing professional hunter dated 19/10/1969.

Damn this eidetic memory...

Some of the older, and experienced Zambian PHs told me that PHC lost his license in Zam very shortly after receiving it. I DO NOT WANT to stir the PHC pot, but thats the story as I heard it. IMHO, he kept the safari flame alive during the darkest times. PHC, Ruark, Hemingway, and Mr. Boddington are the reasons I've made three safaris, and will make as many as possible until they plant me.

I've heard some similar stories of PHC, but I also keep in mind that negative stories about him can be just as suspect as PHC's stories themselves. Sometimes it's just too easy and fun to pile on a guy to puff up one's own ego. After all, there are those who believe bashing heros elevates oneself higher than the status of those they bash.

For a guy who only died a mere decade-and-a-half ago, there sure is a lot of mystery about him. He would have been interesting to know.

PHC, Gordon Cundill, a bottle of good Gin, and I'd love to have heard the war stories...