Who was Lieutenant Colonel George Rennie?
Rennie is buried at the Benoni Cemetery with his wife and daughter, Rhoda.
Lt Col George Rennie was born in Banffshire, Scotland, on August 2, 1879, and came to South Africa in 1899 where he began his military career and served as a private in the South African War (1899 – 1902).
After the SA War, he joined the Transvaal Railway System as a clerk and later joined the New Kleinfontein Gold Mine and became its business manager.
Ten years later, he left the mines and opened an estate agency called George Rennie & Co. This building was situated at No 49 Princes Avenue
On the outbreak of World War 1, Rennie volunteered to go on active service and went to France as officer commanding “C” Squadron of the Imperial Light Horse.
At that time, he was elected mayor from 1913 to 1914 so he left his business for the young Morris Nestadt, the new ‘office boy’ to run.
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When Rennie came back after the war, he found that Nestadt had built up the business and they went into partnership together, opening branches all over the East Rand.
He retired from the army in 1929 but re-enlisted when World War II broke out and was commissioned officer, commanding the Italian Prisoner of War Camp at Pretoria.
Rennie was elected to the Benoni Town Council on October 26, 1910, and held this office for six years. He was elected mayor for three terms, the last one being 1924 to 1925 when the Prince of Wales visited Benoni.
He was the first chairperson of the Pioneers Association, a member of the Eastern Districts Sporting Club, a member of the Benoni Club and chief of Benoni Caledonian Society.
In 1901, Rennie married Nellie Vermaak and they had four daughters, Nellie, Betty, Rhoda and Thelma, and a son George (Jnr).
Their home in Woburn Avenue was bombed and burnt down during the 1922 strike. It was rebuilt and called Phoenix Priors.
After a lengthy illness, Rennie died at his home on May 11, 1947.
He was accorded a full military funeral, which was held at the Benoni Presbyterian Church where many people paid homage. His coffin was draped with a Union Jack on which laid his sword and cap.
A fire brigade engine served as a hearse and was led by a military contingent of the 3rd Battalion of the ILH (Imperial Light Horse).
At the graveside, the last rites were read by Reverend Thomas.
Three volleys were fired over the grave and the “Last Post” and “Reveille” were sounded by two buglers.
The firing party was provided by the Eighth Battalion from Auckland Park Camp.
Reverends Garrett and P Thomas conducted the obsequies.
Rennie is buried at the Benoni Cemetery with his wife and daughter, Rhoda.
(Source: Various/Retyped by: Glynis Cox Millett-Clay, November 17, 2016,/updated March 15, 2021).
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