Wadia Shipbuilding

A Tale of a Flying Rotarian with a Maritime History


It’s often interesting to know a bit more about your fellow members in

Rotary, their interests and ancestry. One such Rotarian is Feroz Wadia,

not only is he a Past World President of the ‘International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians’ (IFFR),he also has a maritime connection through his ancestors who were accomplished ship builders. Below is a short extract

about his family’s shipbuilding history; 


When their connection with the Bombay Dockyard ended in 1913, the Lovji Wadia family had left a legacy of ships, from sloops to schooners, merchant ships and man-o-wars, cutters and clippers, frigates, water boats and steamships – over 400 ships!

Photograph of young Wadia cousins - Jehangir Naoroji and Hirjeebhoy Meherwanji with Uncle Dorabji Mancherji on the left, ca. 1838.

According to a publication in 1955 of The Bombay Dockyard and the Wadia Master, the ship HMS Trincomalee was built by a nephew of Lovji - Jamshedji Bamanji Wadia and launched on October 12, 1817, for the British Navy. Later the ship was named Foudroyant (1897). It served the British well during the Crimean War (1852-1857) and World War II (1939-1945) and now rests in Britain, soon to be converted into a museum.

Jamshedji, Nowroji, and Dhanjibhai Wadia have been the outstanding shipbuilders of the 19th century British India, building 22 ships for the British Navy alone.

Like the HMS Tricomalee, the HMS Cornwallis, launched on May 2, 1813, saw active battle in the British-American War of 1812 and twenty years later as Flagship of the British Fleet in the China Seas, she led an expeditionary force during the “Opium War” of China. The historic signing of the Treaty of Nanking, ceding Hong Kong to the British took place on HMS Cornwallis August 29, 1842.

Several other warships like the HMS Asia saw action in various parts of the world.

Wadia Family, Bombay, ca. 1870s. Cursetji Naoroji Wadia (seated center), grandson of Jamsetji Bomanji Wadia, third Master Shipbuilder.

Nusserwanji Maneckji Wadia (1753 – 1814)
Grandson of the great shipbuilder Lovji Wadia opened up trade through shipping with foreign countries. 

Other descendants of Lovji –

Jehangir, Nowroji , Dossabhoy,Dhunjibhoy and Cursetji  further developed worldwide trade with Europeand America.

In 1834 Ardeshir Cursetji Wadia was the first to introduce gas to Bombay. He became the first Indian Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1841.

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The Teams Celebrate

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Club President, Steve Knight presents the cheque for £750

A cheque for £750 will fund activities for Young Carers

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Information on Shanklin Rotary Club's International Involvement

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Thanks to the generosity of all who donated goods and attended the sale, a fantastic £42,000 was collected for all our good causes. Many Thanks to you all!

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Kevin Newton is presented with a cheque for £2,000 by Club President Steve Knight

Kevin Newton the founder of 'The Bus Shelter' presented his project - to end rough sleeping on the IOW, to Shanklin Rotary Club members.

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Shanklin Rotary Club donate £2,000 to fund essential travel needs.

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Club President Steve Knight presents 'BIG' cheque to Robert & Sheila Young

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Shanklin Rotary Club President, Steve Knight, presents the cheque for £4,000 to Lifeboat crew members.

Members of Shanklin Rotary Club visit Lifeboat Station for presentation of £4,000 Cheque

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Shanklin Rotary Team wins District Knockout Golf Final

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New River Boat to be purchased

Shanklin Rotary thanks S&SRC for their contribution to Annual Sale success

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Rotary Polio Plus Campaign

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Club President Steve Knight presents a donation to David Tamcken

Shanklin Rotary Club supports David Tamcken's efforts in Ghana

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Club President, Steve Knight, presents a cheque for £4,000 to Anne Taylor

Shanklin Rotary Club donates £4,000 to fund raising campaign

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Members of Shanklin Rotary Club help to marshal this popular event

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A Tale of a Flying Rotarian with a Maritime History

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President Steve Knight presents Mike McConville with a cheque in support of the Farmers Overseas Action Group

Mike McConville from Stourbridge Rotary Club gives a presentation on the Farmers Overseas Action Group

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Over 15's require kit to continue with club

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Shelter Box used in disaster areas providing shelter and emergency supplies for a family in need

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Club President Steve Knight receives  cheque for £1,000

Members of Shanklin Rotary Club attend presentation

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A Fantastic £32,000 total is acheived

The ever popular event returned with great success generating £32,000 for good causes.

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'Lovely' Ron presents cheque to Food Bank

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What Shanklin Rotary does in the community

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