Born in Liverpool, 11 April 1878, the only son and eldest child of Henry Thompson, provision merchant and company director of Liverpool and Chester, and Elinor Julia Walker, his wife. He was educated at Arundel House School, Chester, where he was captain of both elevens. He won a high place in compe

The fifth son and sixth child of George Parkin of Gateshead, jeweller, and Jane Owens, his wife, he was born in Wreckenton, Co Durham on 13 May 1879. He was educated at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and at the Durham University College of Medicine. He graduated with first-class hono