Born on 19 August 1876 in Birmingham, son of John McGavin, he was educated at King Edward's High School and the University of Birmingham. He trained at the London Hospital, winning a gold medal and university scholarship. During the South African war he served as a civilian surgeon with the army, im

Educated at King's College Hospital, where he served as house surgeon, house accoucheur, and ophthalmic clinical assistant. He was also house surgeon and clinical assistant at the Royal Eye Hospital, Southwark. He practised at Weybridge 1900-07, and at Bicester 1907-13. He then retired to Lustleigh,