THE KROOMEN

The Kru of West Africa were excellent sailors and sought after by the Royal Navy. They joined the Navy on three year contracts, after which time they were to return to West Africa. Many however, married or formed relationships with Simon's Town women and remained in the town.

The first Kroomen known to have been stationed at Simon's Bay, arrived aboard HMS Melville in March 1838. Their reputation as hardworking, trustworthy and sober men, soon ensured their employment at Admiralty House and in the Dockyard. Kru numbers at Simon's Town grew slowly and by 1861 the Admiralty employed ±24 ashore. This rose to 54 by 1887 and to 78 by 1903. In 1935 however, Kroomen were no longer allowed to be discharged at Simon's Town, but were to be repatriated at the end of their contracts. Furthermore no Krooman was allowed to marry a Simon's Town woman without proof that he could pay for his wife and children to be repatriated to West Africa at the end of his contract with the Royal Navy.

Names given to Kroomen by Royal Navy officers and men reflect an inability to pronounce or spell their West African names hence records listing individuals named: Peasoup; Jack Savage; Flying Gib no.2; Black Whale; Tom Creeper etc. Needless to say this is very frustrating for descendants trying to trace family histories.

STATUS OF KROOMEN AND SEEDIES IN THE ROYAL NAVAL HERARCHY

Kroomen and Seedies had different rating titles, but the Orders of the Africa Station were revised in the early 1900's and ranks became practically interchangeable. The hierarchy was more or less as follows:

Head Krooman (Classed ship)

Head Krooman (Unclassed ship)

Head Tindal of Seedies

First Tindal of Seedies

Stoker Tindal

Second Head Krooman

Second Tindal

Second Stoker Tindal

Krooman

Seedie

Stoker Seedie

D.J. ANCESTOR

Strange to think

a long time ago

he had been a young seaman

ebony skinned out of Sierra Leone

in naval white dress,

British Seaman, in port a Black Romeo

with wild oats to sow,

creator of bliss with his kruman kiss,

dark staff, dark ecstasy.

Passionate progenitor.

Even as an old, old man he had presence,

a dark and marvellous dignity

and a melodious voice that embraced,

coloured as it was by

his heavily accented West African English

reaching into and holding your consciousness.

A revered patriarch,

he wore white shirts, dark suits and a tie

knotted with special occasion correctness,

walking slowly with legs bandy with age,

stick gripped in hand

so that those who were legitimate

or illegitimate offspring,

friends, acquaintances, with respect,

assisted him, the sage, holding his arm,

feeling perhaps when you,

who in comparison are young,

help those who are old,

it is like briefly touching

and being touched

by God.

By PETER E. CLARKE, written for his grandfather, DANIEL JOHN

The Kroomen

Date: 1838-03-02

The Kroomen

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