Honouring a Remarkable Legacy

On July 1st each year, I find myself reflecting on the life of my grandfather, Manser William Bartlett. Born in 1895 in Richmond, London, he represented an era long before commercial air travel transformed the world. Bartlett was not just an aviation pioneer; he was a trailblazer who ventured into the unknown, flying his own aircraft from England to Nyasaland—now Malawi.

Journeying Across Continents

Upon arriving in Nyasaland, Manser Bartlett dedicated his efforts to improvement and development, becoming a roads and transport engineer. His contributions to the region were invaluable, particularly through his proposal to the Colonial Office for a transport system aimed at enhancing the lives of the local population. For these significant services, he was honoured with the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), one of the highest civilian accolades awarded by the British Empire.

Impact on Aviation and Education

A vital part of his legacy includes his mentorship of Gulam Haji Osman, the first African pilot in Central and Southern Africa. This achievement stands not only as a testimony to Manser Bartlett’s commitment to education but also highlights his role in fostering talent in aviation during a period of great change. His written accounts about the Ngoni people and his various contributions are preserved in the University of Malawi Library, enabling future generations to appreciate his work.

Family history also recounts how Manser Bartlett was often called upon by villagers to help eliminate the threat posed by man-eating crocodiles terrorising communities along the Shire River in Mangochi. Such stories reveal a man who was not only skilled but deeply involved in the well-being of the community he served.

As I delve deeper into the archives, both in London and Malawi, I become increasingly convinced that history has unjustly overlooked such an extraordinary figure. The more I learn, the more I realise that my journey, as the real crocodile hunter®, perhaps began long before I drew my first breath.

Happy birthday, Grandad. Your legacy of innovation, commitment, and courage continues to inspire and evoke pride within our family.

The Real Crocodile Hunter®

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