Famous East Devon smuggler’s descendant dies at his home

A WELL known Lyme Regis man died suddenly at his Summerhill Road home yesterday (Sunday).

Dave Rattenbury, 85, was a direct descendent of famous Beer smuggler Jack Rattenbury, dubbed the “Rob Roy of the West”, and the father of award-winning actor, playwright and television script writer Andy Rattenbury.

He was a former worshipful master of the Lyme Freemasons and one time president of Lyme Regis Football Club. He ran his own electrical business for many years, and was also an active member of, and snooker player for, the now disbanded Conservative Club.

His late brother-in-law, John Harvey, was at one time Conservative MP for Walthamstow East.

As a young man, he was a member of the old Lyme Regis Youth Club and was a commissioned officer with the local cadet force.

During the last war he served in the Royal Navy, coming from a great seafaring family, among them his father who was the sole survivor when the Bridport boat Olive Branch, went down in a gale off the north of England.

Mr Rattenbury leaves a widow, Celia, and five sons.