Barton Gilbert was a consultant in gynaecology and obstetrics. He was born in Wembley, London, on 28 October 1908. His father, Ernest Jesse Gilbert, was an accountant. His mother, Amy Louise (whose maiden name was also Gilbert), was the daughter of a leather-merchant. His family was descended from W

Francis Finlaison was born on 1 January 1906 and educated at Charterhouse, Clare College, Cambridge and St Thomas's Hospital. After qualification in 1930 he held several resident posts at St Thomas's Hospital and then became chief assistant to the obstetrical department at the same hospital. Finl