Dear Roy,

For a number of years I have been carrying out research on Ireland;s Railway Engineers, and have assembled a some information on your grandfather, Robert Bryson Newell (1874-1937), and your father, Robert Howden Newell (1906 - ??). R.B. Newell was born in Edinburgh and R.H. Newell in Isle of Man. R.B. was appointed Engineer of the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway in 1916 and, following his death in Londonderry in 1937, R.H. took over the role which he held until about 1951. By 1897 R.B. was working on the 3-ft gauge Isle of Man Railways and in 1900 he reported on the state of the permanent way on the 17-mile Manx Electric Railway. R.H. worked as a building contractor from 84 Strand Road, Londonderry, before becoming Engineer of the L&LSR. I do not have any details of R.H.'s career after 1951, but would be pleased to hear from you if you are able to assist.

Kind regards,
Gerald Beesley