Born in Wolverhampton of Irish parents he graduated at University College, Dublin with first-class honours, and specialised in ear nose and throat surgery. He became senior ear nose and throat surgeon to the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth and to several other hospitals in London. After service in the RAMC during the war of 1939-45 he became also consulting ENT surgeon to St Anthony's Hospital, Cheam. He was among the pioneers of the fenestration operation for deafness in England, and designed many special instruments. He was created a Knight Commander of the Order of St Gregory the Great by Pope Pius XII. Wilfred Magauran practised at 116 Harley Street and died at his home 25 Alexandra Road, Epsom on 27 May 1964 aged about 65, survived by his wife Dr Iris Mary Magauran, née Lamey, MRCS DOMS, their son and two daughters, one of whom is Dr Denise Mary Magauran MRCS.