Francis Louis was born in 1900, and went for his medical education to University College, London where he qualified with the Conjoint Diploma in 1922, proceeding to the London University degree in 1924. In 1926 he obtained the FRCS and then held posts in general surgery in various London hospitals, but later became interested specially in accident and orthopaedic surgery. At the outbreak of the second world war he joined the Emergency Medical Service and was appointed as accident surgeon to St Margaret's Hospital, Swindon, which was then a receiving centre for war casualties. With the advent of the National Health Service he became consultant accident and orthopaedic surgeon to the Princess Margaret Hospital, Swindon, and continued in that appointment till he retired in 1965. Louis had an extensive knowledge of literature and spoke four languages. He was fond of classical music, and golf provided his outdoor exercise. He did not live long in retirement, for he died suddenly on 10 November 1965.