John Courtenay Chasman CHADWICK - 1st Class Interpreter

I have long had the medal to, and an interest in, the above chap who, according to my records, served as a 1st Class Interpreter and Intelligence Officer with Major General Newdigate. This position was purportedly equivalent to that of an Honorary Colonel, although I think that a bit far-fetched.

Has anyone encountered his name before in the context of the Zulu War - I have scoured the newspapers over the years and have come up empty handed. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Regards

Rory

Subject: J.C.C.Chadwick - 1st Class interpreter Fri Nov 13, 2020 8:33 am

Hi Rory
I had a look in the index of ' Local General Orders Relating To The AZW Of 1879 ' , nobody by the name of Chadwick is mentioned in the Index . I'm sure he'll be mentioned somewhere in AZW literature.
90th

Many thanks John - just haven't been able to find out much on this chap, militarily speaking

I find the idea of a '1st class' interpreter intriguing......did they have different classes of interpreter and maybe grades of pay?

Cheers

Simon

Posts : 176 Join date : 2017-02-05

Rory,

Here is confirmation that Chadwick did serve under Major-General Newdigate in the Zulu War.

The Belfast News-Letter from 16 September 1879 contained a valedictory order of the day issued by Major-General Newdigate, C.B., to the troops under his command on the 27th July, 1879. The following is an excerpt from that order.

“To Mr. Chadwick and Mr. Brickhill, who acted as intelligence officers and interpreters to the division, the major-general tenders his thanks for the great assistance they have given him and the useful information he has received from them.”

Tom

Many thanks Tom - would this be tantamount to a mention in dispatches?

Posts : 176 Join date : 2017-02-05

Rory,

The valedictory order of the day was more of a farewell letter to Major-General Newdigate's division on his departure. Not being a dispatch to his superiors I wouldn't think it would qualify as an M.I.D. Happy to be corrected.

There are others on the forum more qualified to answer you question.

Tom

Hi Rory
Was skimming through ' Local General Orders ' and found this on Page 207 , ' Unnumbered , dated 29th May 1879 , Natal Witness 31st May 1879 ; 1/ With the concurrence of his Excellency the Lt Governor , Mr J.C.C.Chadwick is appointed First - Class interpreter to Maj - Gen Newdigate's Division , for 3 months from the 29th May , 1879 '.
90th

Much obliged 90th and to you Tom, for your further explanation.

Chadwick went on to become a Pusnie Judge and Chief Justice of the Native High Court in the Colony of Natal.

Regards