Lives of the First World War

Krooman was a RN designation given to British West African sailors who had been locally recruited into the Royal Navy and was in use in the 19th and early 20th century. The designation originated from the Kroomen people, experienced fishermen from the Kroo or Kru tribe in Sotta Krou in what is now Liberia in West Africa, and it would seem the designation at some point broadened to include similarly competent recruits from many other parts of British West Africa. Kroomen were recruited on a three year contract (as were Seamen's Schoolmaster, Ship's Steward, Ship's Cook, Sick Berth Steward, Sick Berth Attendant, Servants, Musicians, Bandmen, Butchers, Barbers, Tailors and many others) and received RN rates of pay and allowances within published bands appropriate to rank of Krooman, Second Head Krooman and Head Krooman (2 Grades). Kings Regulations & Admiralty Instructions - Part II 1913, Appendix XV Ship's Company and Marines. Part I. Ratings, Wages and Allowances African, Asiatic, &c., (otherwise known as Locally Entered Personnel.) tells us that a Krooman of 1913 was receiving one shilling a day (as comparison an Ordinary Seaman was receiving one shilling and three pence). Krooman William Hard is listed on the Admiralty Medal Roll under ADM 171/134 (pp. 147 and 326), under "Natives", as entitled to the British War Medal. His medal was neither claimed or issued.

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