Harry Isaac Deitch was born in London on 18 January 1903 and after his early education entered the Middlesex Hospital, graduating in 1926. After early hospital appointments which included that of resident surgical officer at St Peter's Hospital for Stone he rapidly acquired both the FRCS and the MS

Albert William Holgate was born at Halifax on 8 November 1896. His mother's father was Dr Keighley of Batley, Yorks. He was educated at Alleyn's School, Dulwich. He obtained the MRCS LRCP in 1918 and graduated MB BS the following year. He held house appointments at University College Hospital and th