Alex Bird died on 6 November 2002, aged 75. Born in Johannesburg, Alex Bird studied dentistry at the University of Witwatersrand. At an early stage, he developed an interest in oral surgery, working with Lester Brown at Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg. This was to shape his future career.

Norman Lester Rowe was born on 15 December 1915 in Paganhill, Stroud, Gloucestershire. His father was Arthur William Rowe OBE and was a civil servant. His mother was Lucy Adams. He attended preparatory school at Neville House, Eastbourne, Sussex, and public school at Malvern College, Worcestershire.

Terence Ward was born in Dartmouth on 16 January 1906, the son of a school teacher. Shortly afterwards the family moved to Edinburgh, where he was educated at the Royal High School. Wishing to pursue a career in dentistry, but with only limited means, he became apprenticed as a dental mechanic, and