Percy Westacott (1880-1932) of the British Construction Co
1880 Born at Barnstaple the son of John Westacott, Ship Builder, and his wife Ellen
1891 Living 1 Quay, Northam: John Westacott (age 46 born Barnstaple), Shipbuilder. With his wife Ellen Westacott (age 36 born Marwood) and their children Blanch Westacott (age 12 born Appledore); Percy Westacott (age 11 born Barnstaple); Gladys Westacott (age 5 born Appledore); and John Westacott (age 3 months born Appledore). One servant.[1]
1900 Married at Plymouth to Jessie Louisa Shapter
1932 November 11th. Died
1932 Obituary [2]
PERCY WESTACOTT was the chief engineer and managing director for Sir John Jackson of Westminster, with whom was incorporated in 1926 his own business which he had established in 1911 under the title of The British Construction Company. The latter firm constructed many important marine works to Mr. Westacott's designs, including Guernsey Harbour Jetty. Sir John Jackson, subsequent to Mr. Westacott's association, was the contractor for a great many other public works, amongst which might be mentioned the Jerusalem temporary water supply, the harbour improvements and pier at St. Peter Port, Guernsey, and the Nag Hamadi Dam, in connexion with which Mr. Westacott was made a Grand Officer of the Order of the Nile (second class) by the King of Egypt. His firm also constructed the Feluja Bridge in Iraq, and were entrusted by the British Admiralty with the contract for the Singapore Naval Base.
Mr. Westacott was born at Barnstaple in 1880, and served a three years' apprenticeship with Mr. R. H. B. Neal, M.I.Mech.E., civil engineer, of Plymouth.
He then became chief draughtsman to Mr. A. E. Lethbridge, also of Plymouth, for about twelve months.
In 1899 he was engaged as surveyor to the Northam Urban District Council for a few months, and in the same year joined Messrs. R. H. B. Neal and Company as assistant works engineer. He was later appointed chief engineer. Mr. Westacott was afterwards engaged in a similar capacity for several other contracting engineers until he came to London to commence his own business.
He was elected a Graduate of the Institution in 1902, an Associate Member in 1905, and was transferred to Membership in 1927.
He was also a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
His death occurred on 11th November 1932.
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ 1891 Census
- ↑ 1932 Institution of Mechanical Engineers: Obituaries