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Archiver > INDIA > 2001-04 > 0986391397


From: "Hugh Wallis" <>
Subject: [India-L] New lister's interests - PETTITT
Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2001 09:36:37 -0400


I have two generations of PETTITTs with connections to India.

My g-g-gf James PETTITT, b. Hethersett, Norfolk, England 1818 and his older
brother Francis PETTITT, b. Hethersett 1814 were both in the 57th Regiment
of Foot. I understand that this regiment was in India until about 1846.

Much later (around 1906-1923), James's youngest son, my g-gf, George Henry
PETTITT was in India as the Works Superintendent of the Times of India.
There is a photograph of him in India at
http://members.home.net/hughwallis/Pettitt/G.H.Pettitt_in_India.jpg - he is
at the bottom left.

He was very active in the Bombay Commercial Gymkhana who held a thank-you
for him on Apr 7th, 1923 (possibly just before he left to return to Wales -
to die, sadly) for all the work he did. There is a G.H.Pettitt corner in the
club to this day. I believe that there is also a Colaba Park in Bombay with
a cricket ground section named after him since he helped to create it.

My Uncle Alan, G.H.P.'s grandson, also tells this story:

"In January 1947, Alan and his step-father, Trevor Evans, where both in
Bombay at the same time. Alan in the Army and Trevor in the Merchant Navy.
Alan was visiting Trevor on board his ship while it was being provisioned
and discussion ensued with the Indian agent in which it was made known that
Alan's grandfather was George Henry Pettitt, former member of the Bombay
Gymkhana. This prompted an invitation to visit the club. A taxi was
despatched and, upon arrival, Alan and Trevor were asked to wait for a
moment before being escorted into the club room where the members were
gathered and greeted them with great applause. They were led to the G. H.
Pettitt corner which was in memory of George Henry Pettitt and were treated
as honoured guests for the evening."

If anyone can provide any more information about the PETTITTs in India,
contact information for the Gymkhana Club, Times of India employee archives,
information or photos about the Colaba Park PETTITT field(s) etc., I would
be most appreciative.

Thank you

Hugh Wallis


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