David Ratford
Sir David John Edward Ratford KCMG CVO is a retired British diplomat and translator.
Sir David Ratford | |
|---|---|
| British Ambassador to Norway | |
| In office 1990–1994 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Sir John Robson |
| Succeeded by | Mark Elliott |
| Personal details | |
| Born | David John Edward Ratford April 22, 1934 |
| Alma mater | Selwyn College, Cambridge |
Early life
David John Edward Ratford was born on 22 April 1934 to George Ratford and Lilian Ratford (née Jones).[1]
Ratford was educated at Whitgift Middle School. Ratford attended Selwyn College, Cambridge, graduating with a 1st class Honours degree in Medieval and Modern Languages.[1]
Diplomatic career
Ratford completed his national service in the Intelligence Corps from 1953 to 1955.[1]
Ambassador to Norway
Ratford was appointed the British Ambassador to Norway in 1990, succeeding Sir John Robson.
Ratford left this appointment in 1994.
Retirement
In April 2004, Ratford signed an open letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair, expressing concern over Blair's policy on the Arab-Israel conflict and the Iraq war.[2]
In December 2004, Ratford signed a further open letter, urging Blair to commission an independent inquiry into the number of civilian casualties in Iraq since the invasion.[3]
Personal life
Ratford married Ulla Monica in 1960.[1]
References
- "Ratford, Sir David (John Edward)". Who's Who. A & C Black. 2019. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
- "Doomed to failure in the Middle East". The Guardian. 27 April 2004. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
- "Text of letter to Tony Blair". BBC News. 8 December 2004. Archived from the original on 1 December 2005. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
External links
- "Ratford, Sir David (John Edward)". Who's Who. A & C Black. 2019. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)