Born 10 April 1901, fifth child and fourth son of Alderman Thomas Willets Adshead, manufacturer, who was twice mayor of Dudley, and his wife Adeline Hand. He assumed the extra surname Barnie by deed poll. He was educated at Dudley Grammar School and Birmingham University, where he graduated in scien

Born on 2 November 1901 he was educated at Wyggeston School, Leicester and at the London Hospital, where he was awarded the Buxton Prize in anatomy and physiology in 1921. After qualification he held numerous house appointments at the London Hospital, where he became first surgical assistant and reg