Christopher Savage was a consultant ENT surgeon at the Chelmsford and Essex Hospital, and the Southend General Hospital, where he developed a special interest in microsurgery of the ear. Born in Edgbaston, Birmingham, on 21 November 1915, he was part of the third generation of a family of surgeons.

Huw Morus Jones was born at Abererch, Pwllheli, North Wales, on 8 September 1917, the eldest son of David Morris Jones, professor of philosophy and religion at University College, Aberystwyth, and Ester Ann, née Williams. His early education was at Swansea Grammar School and University College, Aber

Neville Gill was born in Naini Tal, India, on 4 October 1918, the son of Eric Henry Neville Gill, who was in the Indian Civil Service, and Kathleen Beryl, née Gregory. He was sent home to preparatory school in Eastbourne and then to King's School, Canterbury. He trained at the Middlesex Hospital, wi