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Charles Dundas (colonial administrator)

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The Honourable Sir Charles Cecil Farquharson Dundas, KCMG, OBE (6 June 1884[1] – 10 February 1956[2]) was a British colonial administrator who served as Governor of the Bahamas from 1937 to 1940 and Governor of Uganda from 1940 to 1944. He was the fifth son of Charles Saunders Dundas, 6th Viscount Melville.[2][3]

Career

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Early career

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He first served as Assistant District Commissioner in the British East Africa Protectorate in Mombasa from 1908.[1][4] This was following by a posting to Nairobi, followed by a secondment with the Indian Army in German East Africa during World War.[1]

Tanzania

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In 1921, Dundas became district commissioner of the Moshi area in Tanzania[1] and Secretary for Native Affairs about 1925.[1] In 1926, he was made a member of the Executive Council of the Tanganyika Territory.[5]

In 1930, he founded the Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union.[citation needed] He popularised the area's coffee production,[citation needed] and was given the title Wasaoye-o-Wachagga (Elder of the Chagga).[1]

Dundas became very popular and respected during his stay at Moshi. When he left Moshi for the last time by train to Tanga and ship to Dar es Salaam, the Chagga reputedly hired a band to accompany him on board the ship and serenade him on his journey. As the boat sailed into Dar es Salaam harbour, the band apparently struck up God Save the King.[citation needed]

Bahamas

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Dundas served as Colonial Secretary of the Bahamas from April 1929 to July 1934.[2][6]

Later, Dundas was Governor of the Bahamas, appointed 1937.[7] He was replaced by the Duke of Windsor in 1940.[2]

Uganda

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Dundas then became Governor of Uganda.[4]

Awards and Honours

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Dundas was knighted in 1938.[8] In 1942, he was also appointed a knight of the Venerable Order of the Hospital St John of Jerusalem.[9]

The settlement of Dundas Town in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas was named for him.

Death

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Dundas died on 10 February 1956, aged 71, while he was at the barber.[4] He was survived by his wife Anne, Lady Dundas[4] and one sister. A funeral service was held at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square.[10] Dundas was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery.

Bibliography

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  • Sir Charles Dundas, Kilimanjaro and Its Peoples, 1924
  • Sir Charles Dundas, African Crossroads, 1955

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Dundas, Charles Cecil Farquharson (1955). African Crossroads. London and New York: Macmillan & Co (London); St Martin's Press (New York). pp. v–vii, 1, 126.
  2. ^ a b c d "Stauntonian Hears of Relative's Death". The Daily News Leader. Staunton, Virginia. 14 February 1956. p. 8.
  3. ^ Kelly's (1943). Kelly's Handbook to the Titled, Landed and Official Classes. Kelly's Directories. p. 610.
  4. ^ a b c d "Died at his Hairdresser's". West London Press. Kensington and Chelsea, London, England. 17 February 1956. p. 1.
  5. ^ "Appointment". The Gazette (33127). London, England: 617. 26 January 1926.
  6. ^ "Former Secretary will be Governor". Miami Herald. Associated Press. 31 May 1937. p. 5. Retrieved 27 May 2024. As colonial secretary here from April, 1929 to July, 1934, Dundas received $5,500 and a small house allowance.
  7. ^ "Appointment". The Gazette (34424). London, England: 5040. 6 August 1937.
  8. ^ "Knighthoods". The Gazette. Supplement 34518. London, England. 7 June 1938. p. Page 3689. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  9. ^ "Appointments to the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem". The Gazette (35403). London, England: 82. 2 January 1942.
  10. ^ "Funerals: The Hon. Sir Charles Dundas". The Daily Telegraph. 16 February 1956. p. 6. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
Government offices
Preceded by Governor of the Bahamas
1937–1940
Succeeded by
Preceded by Governor of Uganda
1940–1943
Succeeded by