Frank Langford was born on 26 August 1900 in Galatz, Romania, the first child of William Morris Langford, a civil engineer and Maria, née Chodkowska, of Polish birth. He was educated at Bristol Grammar School, Wycliffe College and the University of Bristol. He qualified in 1924, proceeding FRCS in 1

Edgar Frederick (John) King was born in Midsomer Norton, near Bristol, on 3 December 1899. His father, Edgar James King was in commerce and his mother was Sarah Denning, nee Bird. He was educated at King Edward's School, Bath, and at Bristol University and Medical School. He served as a Second Lieut