The Free Press Journal

Englishman explores his family’s legacy at WR HQ

John Kennedy‘s forefather­s held key roles in the railways during the Raj

- KAMAL MISHRA / Mumbai

Stepping into the 125-year-old Western Railway headquarte­rs at Churchgate was a walk down the memory lane for John Edward Kennedy, 75, and his wife Janice. Accompanie­d by WR general manager Ashok Kumar Misra and his secretary Sachin Sharma, the couple had an emotional stroll through the heritage building.

George Herbert Kennedy and John George Kennedy, John’s grandfathe­r and greatgrand­father, respective­ly, held key positions in the railways. While George served as the secretary to the agent (currently known as secretary to general manager) with the Bombay, Baroda and Central India (BB&CI) railway, John, Sr, retired as the Phulera station master in 1923.

During their February 1 visit, the couple, who came from Manchester, relived the glorious days when John’s forefather­s held key railway posts. Expressing gratitude towards the officials for according them a warm welcome, John said, “To revisit our family roots in Mumbai, we came here with a hope to get a few details. Through

Green Life Foundation, we traced where our grandfathe­r GH Kennedy, who worked with the then BB&CI railway from 1905-42.”

The couple and rail officials shared interestin­g stories back from John, Sr’s, working days.

The Kennedy family’s Indian connection began in 1870 when John, Sr, a soldier in the British Army, came to India along with his wife and children. After joining the railways, he worked in a number of locations in Rajasthan. His son George was born during his Abu Road posting.

Taking the legacy forward, George’s first job was in Ajmer, at the age of 19, in 1906, probably at an administra­tive position. He later left for Bombay. Quickly rising through ranks at BB&CI railway, George became chief clerk in 1914, and was based at Mahalaxmi. His department was responsibl­e for rebuilding bridges and station yards. He also spent time as chief engineer in Parel from 1925 during his “brilliant career”, as described by his peers. Ultimately,

The Kennedy family’s Indian connection began in 1870 when John, Sr, was transferre­d to India

he was made the secretary in the agents and general manager’s office. In today’s terms, the post is equivalent to that of a financial director.

In 1922, George also founded the BB&CI company railway magazine, which carried his obituary that shed light on his encyclopae­dic knowledge of railway matters. He also won medals for his service in the first battalion of the BB&CI volunteer rifles. Aged 55, he passed away at the Tata Memorial Hospital in 1942.

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