Henry Kenneth Vernon was born on 10 December 1908, the son of Walter Vernon, a pharmacist, and his wife Sarah Ann, née Davies. He was educated at Hartlepool Grammar School and Durham University College of Medicine where he was awarded the Phillipson Scholarship. He graduated MB, BS in 1931 and was a

Munro Black was born on 23 January 1909 in Harton, County Durham, the son of Ernest Black, a clothier and amateur artist. He was educated at South Shields High School and Durham University Medical School, graduating with honours in 1931 and being awarded the Philipson Scholarship for the best marks

Born at West Hartlepool, January 2, 1909, the second child of William and Lilian Peet. He was educated at Tynemouth High School and Durham University Medical College in Newcastle where he graduated in 1931. His first year's appointments were at the Royal Victoria Infirmary and were followed by eight