TOPIC:

Thank you for the help previously given me in researching the history of my grandfather Peter John Lindebaum, No 1849, a member of the CMR for 18 years. One of the leads you gave me to the National Archives provided much information about his retirement which was occasioned by bad eyesight and subsequent transfer to King Williamstown as a gaoler for the CMR Gaol. In calculating the payment and pension it was quoted that he received an additional payment amount for "Extra duty pay language allowance "Kaffir Dutch".

Is there anyone who could explain to me exactly what this meant, e.g. what language could he speak? Would it be an African language or Dutch (Afrikaans or Dutch?), or both?

In addition, as he was not able, due to bad eyesight, he was exempt from muscatry practice and worked instead as a Batman for the commanding office. What would this have entailed?

I hope this mail will create some response as every little bit of information helps to paint a picture for us.

Regards,

Glenda Furst

Glenda

I suspect that "Kaffir Dutch" means 'pidgin Dutch', which would have been more widely spoken than 'pure Dutch'.

Regards
Brett