Alan Reece was a consultant in the accident and emergency department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead. He was born on 14 January 1945, the son of Ethel Muriel Reece née Forknall and Herbert Reece. He gained a BSc from Newcastle University in 1967 and qualified with a MB BS degree three years l

Richard Dale was a surgeon in the Royal Navy. He was born in Worcester on 18 March 1945, the son of Reginald William Dale, a county planning officer, and Margaret Dale née Norman. He grew up in Somerset, where he was to return in retirement, along with his wife Hilary. He attended Taunton School and

Robert Ollerenshaw was born in Manchester, the son of Robert Ollerenshaw, FRCS, and Florence Eleanor (née Watson). He studied medicine at Oxford and Manchester (clinical studies) graduating in 1938. He had an abiding interest in the Territorial Army and had enlisted as an other rank in the Royal Art

Norman Lester Rowe was born on 15 December 1915 in Paganhill, Stroud, Gloucestershire. His father was Arthur William Rowe OBE and was a civil servant. His mother was Lucy Adams. He attended preparatory school at Neville House, Eastbourne, Sussex, and public school at Malvern College, Worcestershire.