Eric Vernon Barling was born in Sydney, Australia, on 26 April 1911. His father was Dr James E V Barling, a general practitioner, and his mother was Caroline F M Morgan, daughter of a general practitioner. He was educated at Trinity Grammar School, Dulwich Hill, and the King's School, Parramatta, and in 1930 he entered Sydney University where he had a brilliant career and was Renwick and Caird Scholar, graduating with first class honours and the University Gold Medal in 1935. During his early hospital appointments at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, his outstanding attributes were seen as his dedication, deep sympathy for human suffering and tireless work for his patients. These qualities characterised the whole of his professional life. Vernon Barling enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force on the outbreak of the second world war and in 1941 he was captured by the Germans in Greece after volunteering to remain behind with the sick and wounded. He refused the offer by his captors for safe conduct out of the country, but spent four years in prisoner of war camps. His dedicated care of his patients under such difficult conditions earned their admiration and affection; this outstanding service was recognised by the award of the MBE (Mil). During this period he prepared for the Primary FRCS examination and his father arranged for the Red Cross to send him the text books. Following liberation he stayed for a time in London, gaining the FRCS and becoming registrar to Rodney Maingot at Southend General Hospital, thus increasing his surgical experience. His career was much influenced by two surgeons, Rodney Maingot and Sir Kenneth Starr. While in England he married Joan Deacon of Essex in 1947 and they had two sons (the youngest studied medicine) and two daughters. On returning to Australia, Vernon Barling started private practice in Macquarie Street and was appointed junior honorary surgeon to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, subsequently becoming senior surgeon. He was awarded the FRACS and FACS. He was a superb clinician and a skilful, methodical operator, so that his results were excellent and he was much sought after as a consultant. He was an outstanding teacher of both undergraduates and post-graduates and one of Sydney's great teachers of clinical surgery. He was an inspiration to his registrars, who went with him to the clinical meetings held at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He also served as an examiner for the primary FRACS and the final examination. Vernon Barling remained a modest and very human man, charming and friendly, unspoiled by his great success. He would not compromise his high standards where principle was involved. He was an easy surgeon to work with and held in great respect and affection by the nursing and medical members of his unit. His busy professional life left little time for sport, but he did enjoy tennis and gardening. He died in a motor vehicle accident on 24 April 1978 robbing Australia of one of its most distinguished and dedicated surgeons.