Sir
David Ratford
British Ambassador to Norway
In office
1990–1994
MonarchElizabeth II
Preceded bySir John Robson
Succeeded byMark Elliott
Personal details
Born
David John Edward Ratford

(1934-04-22) April 22, 1934
Alma materSelwyn College, Cambridge

Sir David John Edward Ratford KCMG CVO is a retired British diplomat and translator.

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

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Ratford, Sir David (John Edward)". Who's Who. A & C Black. 2019. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  2. "Doomed to failure in the Middle East". The Guardian. 27 April 2004. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  3. "Text of letter to Tony Blair". BBC News. 8 December 2004. Archived from the original on 1 December 2005. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
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