Richard Cory was born in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the son of Francis, a banana planter and his wife, Annie Allen, nee Seymour. He went to school at Cornwall College in Montego Bay and in 1922 spent one year teaching before entering Bristol University for medical training. He was awarded the Suple Prize,

Norman Barrett was born in Adelaide, Australia, on 16 May 1903. He was one of the great pioneers of thoracic surgery. After spending his early years in Australia he came to England and was educated at Eton where he was distinguished in both academic and athletic fields. He proceeded to Trinity Colle