Sir Frederick Gebbie (1871-1939)
1939 Obituary [1]
THE civil engineering profession has lost a distinguished member by the death, on Monday last, at his home, "The Orchard," Buckland, Bletchworth, Surrey, of Sir Frederick St. John Gebbie, C.I.E., who was a leading advisor for the scheme for the construction of the Lloyd Barrage at Sukkur, India.
He was born at Buenos Aires in August, 1871, and received his education at Edinburgh Collegiate School, Edinburgh University, and the Royal Indian Engineering College at Coopers Hill, London.
In 1893 he joined the Public Works Department of the Bombay Presidency and became superintending engineer in 1911 and secretary of the Bombay Public Works Department in 19l6. During his years in the Sind he became an enthusiastic supporter of the Sukkur Barrage proposal, which was completed in later years, when he had boon transferred to higher duties.
In 1920 Sir Frederick was appointed Chairman of the Nile Projects Commission, which inquired into a dispute over Nile irrigation. The following year he was appointed Inspector of Irrigation to the Government of India, a position which he filled until 1923, when the post was abolished in the interests of economy.
In 1923 he became Consulting Engineer to the Government of India, a position which he continued to hold with distinction until 1926, when he retired and received the honour of knighthood. He was a good engineer and keen administrator and a fine sportsman.
His death will be regretted by his associates and colleagues, both in this country and in India, which he served so well.