Isandlwana Casualty - McCathie/McCarthy

Posts : 309 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

I've come across two or three genealogy sites which detail a William McCathie who was apparently killed in action at Isandlwana. Further information:

Born 16 Oct 1835, Gateside, Strathmiglo, Fife, Scotland
Father - John, born 1 April 1803, Strathmiglo
Mother - Janet (nee Fernie), born c.October 1805, Strathmiglo

William married Helena Dorothy Foord (born 1846) 7 May 1866 in York, Natal and they had seven children between 1867 & 1877.

There are a number of spelling variations used in relation to the surname on the websites including McAthie/McCathie/MacCathie/McCathie but as far as I can see none of these appear in the casualty rolls for Isandlwana (happy to be corrected!) - therefore, the only conclusion I can come to is that this is the individual listed in England's Sons & For God, Queen & Colony as Sgt W. McCarthy 1st Btn 3rd Regt NNC (McCarty in Dutton's/Tavender's medal/casualty rolls respectively).

As ever, if anyone has any further information which would help to confirm this particular casualty's identity I'd be interested to hear.

Regards,

Tim

Subject: Re: Isandlwana Casualty - McCathie/McCarthy Sun May 03, 2020 9:23 am

Tim
I presume that the family genealogy sites in question give no sources. They are usually created by family members themselves and will contain a contact e-mail address. None given I presume?
It does sound like this chap might be even be Conductor McCarthy (rather than Sergt. McCarthy), on the other hand...it could be another blind alley. Not decisive, I know, but I have McCarthy's initial as P and the McCarthy spelling comes from two different contemporary sources. It'll be interesting to see what else turns up.

Posts : 309 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Julian,

The first site I found him on was 'South African Settlers' at the following link:

http://www.southafricansettlers.com/?p=32952

The WikiTree site detailing the family does have a contact email address but although I've emailed twice now I'm yet to receive a response.

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/McCathie-45

Will keep digging!

Regards,

Tim

Subject: Re: Isandlwana Casualty - McCathie/McCarthy Fri Nov 01, 2024 7:51 am

Re McCarthy, the mystery has now been solved. See the thread 'Isandhlwana unaccounted for casualties'. Both Conductor William McCathie ACTD and Sergt. William McCarthy NNC were kia at Isandhlwana.

Posts : 309 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Julian - many thanks to both you and Stefaan!

Regards,

Tim

Subject: Re: Isandlwana Casualty - McCathie/McCarthy Sat Nov 02, 2024 9:32 am

Tim
Stefaan's research in Probate Records and other legal documents has also thrown up the correct names not just of
William McCathie ACTD
Sergt William S McCarthy 1/3 NNC
but also of
Alphonse Antoine Laparra
and
Trpr. Henry (baptized Heinrich) Hermanus Dinkelmann NMR known as Dirk
All credit to Stefaan!

Subject: Re: Isandlwana Casualty - McCathie/McCarthy Sat Nov 02, 2024 1:40 pm

Dinkelmann's names are complex to say the least. He was baptized Hermann Heinrich in Niedersögeln, Bramsche, Germany but, as is customary in German, seems to have preferred to be known by his middle name.
In Natal he seems to have anglicized Heinrich to Henry and 'Dutchified' Hermann to Hermanus, which is how he appears in the Probate Record in Natal. He also seems to have had the nickname of 'Dirk'. Some genealogical websites confuse him with his brother Johann, also resident in Natal, who benefited from his estate.
Laparra was born in Cahors in the Department of Lot, France.

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