Isandlwana Casualty - McCathie/McCarthy

Posts : 303 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 : 303 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

» Neil McCarthy. Zulu
» Corporal 1576 Tom McCarthy 2/24th Regiment
» Colonial Forces Casualty List.