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Archiver > INDIA > 2000-08 > 0965160233


From: "Alfred Gabb" <>
Subject: Re: Off topic - Appur Forest
Date: Tue, 01 Aug 2000 21:03:53 +0100


Hi Nigel

You said
> On a separate subject: I see from the India list that you are the Author of
> a book on the Indian Railways (which I shall purchase for background
> information !)

I can send you a copy as I distribute them. It will cost you £7 plus p&p
£1.10 UK, £1.70 Overseas Surface mail or £3.30 Overseas Airmail. Make out
your cheque to me at Church Farm Bungalow, Overton, York YO30 1YL, U.K.
>
> My family history ( in India ) is inexorably linked with the E.I.R.
> Gt. G'father ( G. Mother's side) Walter Andrew BRUCE - 1889 - Guard EIR,
> Dinapore.
> G'father - Walter Andrew PREECE - 1908 - Guard EIR, Gomoh, 1912 - Driver
> EIR, Asansol.
> G'father's brother - Ernest George PREECE - 1921 - Fireman EIR, Asansol.
> Uncle - Walter Ronald PREECE - 1931 - Fireman EIR, Allahabad.
> Aunt's Father - Alfred Robin BEAHAN - 1938 - Driver EIR, died when the
> Punjab Mail was derailed by suspected sabotage, near Madhupur. 2 killed, 31
> injured. Alfred was credited with saving many lives by applying the brakes
> slowly which slowed the train when it went over the embankment.

> One real frustration I have with my research is that the EIR records in the
> India Office allegedly dry up after 1922 !? Do you know of any other
> archive later than this ?

My paternal great grandfather was a Foreman Boilersmith from 1891 to 1893 in
Bombay and his son my grandfather was a Foreman Fitter in Bhusaval from 1892
to 1905, both for the GIPR. I found some of their particulars in the old
India Office Library, although somewhat incomplete. I was surprised to hear
that records dry up as early as 1922 for the EIR. Did you look in Thacker's
Directories for Bengal Presidency? I would also suggest that the PRO, Kew is
worth a search.

Regards

Alfred Gabb, York, UK

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