Dennis Van Meurs graduated from St Thomas's Hospital in 1937 and at first intended becoming an ophthalmic surgeon. However, he developed an interest in thyroid operations and decided on a career in general surgery. He was appointed to Kent County Council in 1940 and in 1948 became a consultant su

Edmund Henry Tregothwyn Hambly was born at Port Isaac, Cornwall, in 1914. He was educated at Blundell's and on leaving school entered St Bartholomew's where he graduated in 1937 obtaining his FRCS in the following year. Ill health prevented him from joining the forces in the second world war. He was

Arnold Aldis was a consultant surgeon and former postgraduate dean at Cardiff. He was born on 30 September 1910, in Paoning, Szechuan, China, the son of missionary parents. He qualified in medicine (with honours) from University College, London, in 1937. His ambition to return to China was thwarted

Alexander John Heriot was born on 28 May 1914 in London. He was the youngest of the three sons of Robert and Lillie Elizabeth Heriot. His father had been born in Edinburgh in 1878 and migrated to London to start a building and decorating business in the early 1900's. He married Lillie, a London-trai

Bernard George Albert Lilwall was born at Ramsgate on 21 November 1914, the eldest son of John Edward Lilwall, a company director and Georgina, née Bomford. He was educated at Chatham Grammar School, Ramsgate, Belmont Preparatory School, Mill Hill, and Mill Hill School before studying at Guy's Hospi