Gerald Townsley BSc MD FRCS
1907-1975
Gerald was born in Belfast and educated at Larne Grammar School where he was captain of rugby. Proceeding to Queen’s University, he gained prizes in chemistry and anatomy and graduated with a BSc (Hons) in 1928. During his clinical years at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast he took a first prize in surgery and was also distinguished in athletics. He represented the university at cricket and soccer and was captain of the medical rugby side and a notable sprinter.
After qualifying in 1931 he went to Salford Royal Infirmary and in 1935 took the FRCS. During this period, he was registrar in the radiotherapy unit at Mount Vernon and later resident surgical officer. In 1939 he was appointed radiotherapeutic surgeon at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in Rochester. His interest in athletics continued and he played rugby for Broughton Park and London Irish up to 1939 enjoying competitive skiing and in the post-war years up to 1960 represented the Medway towns regularly at badminton and tennis.
Gerald was a master of his craft and a perfectionist. No matter how well he knew an operation he would again read carefully the relevant anatomy. His dissection of neck, where intricacy, deftness and detailed knowledge were essential were superb demonstrations of surgical skill. A general surgeon in every sense of the word, he was able to tackle successfully many special procedures.
The surgery of malignant disease was his special metier. He cared greatly for the sick who needed him and each was a special responsibility to whom he devoted his entire energy. He had a natural attitude for teaching and his registrars were assured of examination success.