Wilhelm Westhofen
1842 Born in Germany
The following information is drawn from from 'The Forth Bridge – A Picture History' by Sheila Mackay.[1]
Westhofen trained as an engineer and became a draughtsman in Cologne and Mannheim
1867 Moved to London
1891 Moved to South Africa to supervise construction of the Gauritz River Cantilever Bridge (designed by Benjamin Baker).
1892 Became Head of the Engineering Branch of Cape Town Public Works Dept.
1925 Died
Westhofen was Assistant Engineer for the Forth Bridge works, with responsibility for foundations and pier building and for the construction of the central 'Inchgarvie' cantilever. In 1890 he wrote an invaluable and comprehensive account of the design and construction of the bridge.[2]