HMSS 0458 Canberra Hospital Specialists Memoirs

ACT Heritage Library Manuscript Collections

HMSS 0458 Canberra Hospital Specialists Memoirs

Scope and Contents Note
Call NumberHMSS 0458
CollectionCanberra Hospital Specialists Memoirs
Date Range1991-2017
Quantity0.70 m (4 manuscript boxes)
Access ConditionsRefer to Memoir list below for individuals with permission forms submitted
Copying ConditionsRefer to Memoir list below for individuals with permission forms submitted
Related CollectionsHMSS 0073 Keith Powell Oral History Recordings

Doctor Peter Brown has been collecting the personal stories of doctors employed at the Canberra Hospital during the period 1950 to 2007.

This collection contains 55 memoirs. The memoirs are from a variety of specialist doctors including surgeons, radiologists, physicians, pathologists, anaesthetist, paediatricians, gynaecologists, obstetricians, dermatologists and endocrinologists. Memoirs vary with some containing images, career timelines, autobiographical or biographical notes, curriculum vitaes, recollections, obituaries and eulogies.

Note, negotiations are underway to receive copy and access permissions. If you are able to assist in this process as one of the individuals, or next of kin, please contact the ACT Heritage Library at act.heritage.library@act.gov.au.

Memoirs List
BoxNameProfessionBiographical Notes Career Duration
1Brian Maxwell AndreaSurgeonBorn 26/01/1925 in Kattang WA. Died at the South Coast 21/12/2002. 

Memoir is a eulogy by David Nott and Ted Fleming (February 2003).		1959-1990
1Ian Stuart AngusAnaesthetistBorn 01/02/1935 in Sydney NSW. Died in Canberra on 06/09/1969. 

Memoir contains:
  • A letter to Peter Brown from Judy Whyte with Ian's biographical information (09/10/1991)
  • 3 x sepia images of Ian when he was about the age of 25.
1967-1969
1Peter BlaxlandSurgeonBorn in London UK. Started practising in Queanbeyan in 1956. Died 9 January 1996 aged 80.

Memoir contains:
  • letter of refusal to participate to Peter Brown (30/02/1991)
  • notes made by Peter Brown whilst Peter was an inpatient at the then Woden Valley Hospital with peripheral vascular disease (17/10/1992)
  • obituary from The Canberra Doctor, March 1996-7
  • obituary from The Canberra Times (10/01/1996)
1956-1981
1Robert George (George) BlumerObstetrics and GynaecologyBorn 21/04/1931 in Parkes NSW.

Memoir contains:
  • George's resume
  • 1 x colour image (9.5 cm x 10 cm, undated)
  • a letter of thanks to Peter Brown with additional information since George's retirement (12/06/1992).
1964-1983
1Allan Joseph BridgerEars, Nose and Throat (ENT) SurgeonBorn 29/05/1933 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x colour image of Allan (9 cm x 12.5 cm, Circa early 1990s)
  • autobiographical notes (undated)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1968-1994
1Peter Brayton BrownPlastic and Reconstructive SurgeryBorn 05/05/1933 in Melbourne VIC.

Memoir contains:
  • 1 x colour image of Peter (10 cm x 15 cm, Circa 1979)
  • autobiographical notes (2015)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1966-1998
1John Arthur CalderOrthopaedic SurgeryBorn 17/08/1945 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains autobiographical notes (28/04/1992).		1980-1987
1Thomas (Tom) Albert CookPathologistBorn 21/03/1934 in Liverpool UK.

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x colour image of Tom (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, Circa 1992)
  • a response letter to Peter Brown with autobiographical details (27/04/1992)
  • curriculum vitae (27/04/1992).
1975-1985
1William (Bill) Warwick CouplandHaematologyBorn 03/06/1935 in Manilla NSW. Died in 07/07/2012 at home.

Memoir contains

  • 1 x colour image of Bill (10 cm x 15 cm, March 2017)
  • biographical notes written by wife Anne and daughter Lucy (March 2017)
  • biographical notes written by Frank Long (March 2017)
  • access and copying conditions permission form (30/03/2017).
1935-1986
1William (Bill) CoyleOrthopaedic SurgeryBorn 1939 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x colour image of Bill (10 cm x 15 cm, undated)
  • autobiographical notes (March 2017)
  • access and copying conditions permission form (30/03/2017).
1939-2005
1Eric De SalisPathologyMemoir contains 2 x colour images of Eric (10 cm x 15 cm, Circa 1996). 
1Philip (Phil) DeckObstetrics and GynaecologyBorn 27/06/1919 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains:

  • 4 x images (10cm x 15 cm):
    • 1 x black and white image of Phil (undated)
    • 2 x colour image of Phil (Circa early 1990s)
    • 1 x colour image of Phil with a mother and baby (undated)
  • autobiographical notes (undated).
1961-1987
1Dharam. Pal (Pal) DhallSurgeonBorn 08/12/1937 in Meru, Kenya.

Memoir contains:
  • autobiographical notes (Circa 1998)
  • curriculum vitae (Circa 1998).
1974-1998
1Dennis Clark Dyason SurgeonBorn 07/12/1940 in Nuk'u'alofa, Tonga.

Memoir contains Dennis's curriculum vitae.		1975-1998
1Creswell (Cres) John EastmanEndocrinologistBorn 30/03/1940 in Narrandera NSW.

Memoir contains:
  • response letter to Peter Brown (02/06/1992)
  • biographical notes (02/06/1992).
1975-1978
1Nobby ElvinHospital AdministratorBorn 23/05/1928 in Durham UK.

Memoir contains:

  • 2 x black and white images of Nobby (10 cm x 15 cm, 1971)
  • a handwritten letter to Peter Brown with autobiographical notes and recollections (undated)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1964-1986
1Marcus (Marc) FauncePhysicianBorn 05/12/1922 in Waverley ViC.

Memoir contains:

  • 2 x black and white images of Marc (10 cm  x 15 cm, Circa 1970s)
  • career timeline (Circa 1990s)
  • 'The Early History of Canberra and Medical Practice in the Lower Molonglo' written by Marc and based on an address to the Canberra Medical Society on Tuesday 17/05/1988 at the Hyatt Hotel (Circa 1990s).
  • Articles and talks written by Marc:
    • Closure of the royal Canberra Hospital (North) - (publication unknown)
    • 'John Dixon Lodge', The Medical Journal of Australia, vol. 147, 20 July 1987
    • 'The Royal Canberra Hospital' - talk to Canberra Medical Society, 1988
    • 'The Beavers Club - talk to Canberra Medical Society, 1988
    • 'Early Canberra, Queanbeyan', Canberra Doctor, June 1988
  • Copies of The Canberra Times newspaper clippings regarding the Canberra Hospital.
1957-1987
2Edward (Ted) Lloyd FlemingSurgeonBorn 20/01/1925 in Melbourne VIC.

Memoir contains:

  • 2 x images of Ted
    • 1 x black and white(10 cm x 15 cm, undated)
    • 1 x colour (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, Circa 1990s)
  • 2 x curriculum vitaes (Circa 1990s)
  • autobiographical notes (updated December 2016)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1966-1990
2Stanley Bryan FurnassPhysicianBorn 16/09/1927 in Manchester UK.

Memoir contains:
  • 1 x colour photo of a black and white image of Bryan (10 cm x 15 cm, undated)
  • 2 x Black and white images of Bryan (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm; 8 cm x 10 cm, undated)
  • a response letter to Peter Brown (21/05/1992)
  • Notes about Bryan including reminiscences of the Canberra Medical Scene in the early 1960s (21/05/1992)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1961-1966
2Kenneth E. GoardRadiologistBorn 12/11/1927 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains Kenneth's autobiographical notes (24/04/1994).		1964-1990
2Kerry John GoulstonGastroenterologistBorn 15/01/1936 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains:
  • a thank you note to Peter Brown(undated)
  • curriculum vitae (undated).
1969-1974
2Graeme Lindsay (Lindsay) GriggSurgeonBorn 16/09/1927 in Auckland NZ.

Memoir contains Lindsay's curriculum vitae (undated).

1974-1999
2Jeffery HarringtonObstetrics and GynaecologyBorn 15/11/1921 in Sydney NSW. Died in an air crash on 30/11/1961.

Memoir contains:
  • 2 x images of Jeffery taken from a photocopy (undated)
  • a response letter to Peter Brown containing biographical details as provided by Pam (01/07/1992)
1960-1961
2Graeme John HeapUrological SurgeonBorn 01/09/1933 in Melbourne VIC.

Memoir contains:

  • 2 x colour images of Graeme taken by Peter Brown (9 cm x 12.5 cm, Circa 1986)
  • curriculum vitae (Circa 1992)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1965-1991
2David Crosborough HenchmanPaediatricianBorn 23/04/1920 in Brisbane QLD.

Memoir contains:
  • response letter to Peter Brown (02/04/1992)
  • autobiographical notes including recollections of the Royal Canberra Hospital site in 1940 (circa 1992).
1951-1976
2Peter Dalton HughesUrologistBorn 28/07/1932 in Wagga Wagga NSW. Author of: Hughes, Peter Dalton © 2012, Medical and party politics, Peter D Hughes, [Canberra]

Memoir contains:

  • an images of Peter (10 cm x 15 cm, 1985)
  • autobiographical notes (03/12/2016)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1956-2008
2Brian Peter HurleyRenal physician

Born 5 June 1933 in Toowoomba, Queensland

Memoir contains:

  • an image of Brian (10cm x 15cm, 2017)
  • autobiographical notes, including a history of the development of Renal medicine in Canberra (December 2017)
  • access and copying conditions permission form
1966-1999
2George Michael JeroginAnaesthetistBorn 21/12/1935 in Berlin, Germany.

Memoir contains:

  • autobiographical notes (undated)
  • a copy of a newspaper clipping when George retired in The Canberra Times, March 2001.
  • a copy of another clipping (publication unknown, 2001)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1965-2001
2Francis (Frank) Edwin Swinnerton KeillerSurgeonBorn in Jersey, Channel Islands.

Memoir contains:

  • autobiographical notes (undated)
  • a copy of  Royal Air Force (RAF) citation regarding Frank's service in the RAF Hospital in the 1960s (undated).
1988-1998
2Reginald (Reg) Jack KitchinOrthopaedic SurgeryBorn 18/02/1931 in Durbam, South Africa. Died in 14/09/2012.

Memoir contains:

  • curriculum vitae (undated)
  • biographical notes as dictated by Reg (undated, electronic copy only)
  • Funeral Service Booklet (22/09/2012).
1963-1991
2John (Johnnie)Dixon LodgeOphthalmologistBorn 01/01/1908 in Sydney NSW. First ophthalmologist in Canberra. Died in 1986.

Memoir contains:

  • 2 x sepia images of John (10 cm x 15 cm, Circa 1970s)
  • biographical notes (September 1991)
  • response letter to  Peter Brown (18/09/1991).
1951-1975
2Francis (Frank) Leo LongPhysicianBorn 19/09/1929 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x colour image of Frank (10 cm x 15 cm, 03/09/1999)
  • autobiographical notes (25/10/1999)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1967-1999
2Edward (Ted) MacarthurPathologistBorn 05/10/1927 in Cessnock NSW.

Memoir contains:

  • 2 x colour images of Ted (Circa 1990s)
  • autobiographical notes (06/12/1999)
  • a response letter to Peter Brown (07/12/1999).
1969-1992
2Arnold MannSurgeonBorn 22/12/1929 in Essen, Germany.

Memoir contains:

  • 2 x black and white images of Arnold ( 5.5. cm x 7 cm, 10 cm x 15 cm, undated)
  • curriculum vitae (07/04/1992)
  • a response letter to Peter Brown containing additional autobiographical details (07/04/1992).
1974-1991
2John Joseph McCarthySurgeonBorn 08/04/1921 in Melbourne VIC.

Memoir contains:

  • curriculum vitae (15/09/1998)
  • a response letter to Peter Brown containing additional autobiographical details (15/09/1998).
1970-1986
2James (Jim) McCrackenObstetrics and GynaecologyBorn 25/04/1917 in Melbourne VIC.

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x black and white image of Jim (13 cm x 18 cm, Circa mid 1980s)
  • autobiographical notes (Circa 1990s).
1950-1985
2Keith McGonigalOrthopaedic SurgeryBorn 02/09/1920 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains:
  • a timeline of Keith's career (Circa 1994)
  • a response letter to Peter Brown(26/10/1994).
1968-1985
2Angus John McIntoshPaediatrician

Born 1935 in Sydney NSW

Memoir contains:

  • a timeline of Angus' career (undated)
  • an image of Angus (undated)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1962-2002
2Diarmid McKeownSurgeonBorn in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains:
  • Diarmid's curriculum vitae (undated)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1969-1998
2Robert (Bob) Wentworth MitchellPhysician

Born 22/01/1927 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains autobiographical notes (January 1992).

1964-1985
2Bruce Dudley MorisonAnaesthetistBorn 16/08/1925 in Melbourne VIC. Died in Canberra.

Memoir contains:

  • an image of Bruce (Circa 1985)
  • autobiographical notes as dictated to Peter Brown (Circa early 1990s).
1960-1990
3Geoffrey (Geoff) Charles NorthcottSurgeonBorn 07/11/1927 Moonee Ponds VIC. Died on 27/08/1987.

Memoir contains:

  • an image of Geoff (Circa early 1980s)
  • letter from wife Patsy Northcott to Peter Brown (26/02/1999)
  • biographical details provided by his wife Patsy Northcott (26/02/1999)
  • copy of obituary by John Dixon Hughes published in Australian Association of Surgeons -2000, The Australian surgeon., Australian Association of Surgeons, 1987,  p.18.
1967-1985
3David Bruce NottSurgeonBorn 17/05/1931 Canberra ACT.

Memoir contains:
  • David's curriculum vitae (Circa early 1990s)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1962-1998
3Howard J PeakCardiologist

Born in Sydney

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x colour image of Howard (10 cm x 15 cm, 08/06/2017)
  • a memoir titled The Development of Cardiology in Canberra 1971 - 2000 , written in in the form of a letter (08/06/2017)
  • access and copying conditions permission form
1971-2000
3Gwen PinnerRadiologistBorn 01/01/1922 in Melbourne VIC. Died in February 1998.

Memoir contains:

  • an image of Gwen taken by Peter Brown (9 cm x 12.5 cm, Circa 1986)
  • photocopy of obituary by AWA Davis published in Canberra Doctor, June 1998.
1955-1987
3Keith PowellPhysician

Born 07/04/1927 in Queanbeyan NSW

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x colour image of Keith Powell (2020)
  • typewritten memoir titled Canberra Medical Scene
  • access and copying permissions form
1957-2001
3Anthony (Tony) J. ProustConsultant General and Thoracic PhysicianBorn 23/02/1924 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains:

  • 2 x black and white images of Tony (5.5 cm x 6.5 cm, 10 cm x 15 cm, undated)
  • autobiographical details (15/05/1992).
1954-1988
3Alastair G. G. RobsonNeuro SurgeonBorn 09/04/1926 in Sydney NSW. Died in 2010.

Memoir contains Alastair's obituary (2010)		1961-1993
3Raymond France (France) RohanEars, Nose and Throat (ENT) SurgeonBorn 11/12/1920 in Mauritius

Memoir includes:

  • 2 x colour images of France (9 cm x 12.5 cm, 7 cm x 8 cm, undated)
  • career timeline (undated)
  • a letter to Peter Brown with autobiographical information (18/05/1992)
  • a copy of France's English Scholarships at Royal College Mauritius (01/06/1942)
  • a copy of France's Leaving Certificate at Royal College Mauritius (08/02/1945)
  • Rohan F. 'A case of nasal pain'. Reprinted from the Journal of Laryngology and Otology. 1961 August; 75:779-82.
  • Rohan RF. Haemangioma of the mandible presenting as epistaxis. Reprinted from the Journal of Laryngology and Otology.1960 March; 74:178-81.
  • Rohan RF, TURNER L. The levator palati muscle. Reprinted from the Journal of Anatomy. 1956 October; 90(1):153-4.
1963-1991
3Colin Graham Russell-JonesAnaesthetistBorn 21/01/1925 in Sydney NSW. Died in Melbourne on 25/07/1985.

Memoir contains information about Colin as provided by his wife Peggy Russell-Jones. It includes:
  • 1 x image of Colin in airforce uniform (12.5 cm x 12.5 cm, undated)
  • request letter to Peggy Russell-Jones from Peter Brown  (29/03/1992)
  • a letter to Peter Brown  from Peggy Russell-Jones outlining Colin's biographical details (25/04/1992).
1963-1978
3Thomas (Tom) Arthur SaleHospital AdministratorBorn 12/06/1916 in Liverpool UK.

Memoir contains:

  • 2 x black and white images of Tom (7 cm x 10 cm, 10 cm x 15 cm, undated)
  • autobiographical details (15/04/1992)
  • a letter to Peter Brown outlining the information Tom has provided (15/04/1992).
1972-1976
3John SaundersAnaesthetistDied in 1969.

Memoir contains 2 x colour images (9 cm x 12.5 cm, Circa 1965).		1960-1969
3Jim Scott-FindlaySurgeonBorn 15/11/1923 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains:
  • a letter to Peter Brown outlining Jim's qualifications and appointments (25/01/1999)
  • a letter with a cassette tape recorded by Jim Scott-Findlay containing his recollections (04/02/1992).
1960-1985
3Douglas (Doug) A. R. ShephardDermatologistBorn 14/02/1916 in Wagga Wagga NSW.

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x black and white image of Doug (5.5 cm x 6.5 cm, Circa 1960s)
  • handwritten autobiographical details (20/07/1992).
1970-1988
3Erroll SimpsonPaediatric Surgeon

Born in South Africa

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x colour image of Erroll (10 cm x 15 cm, November 2017)
  • typewritten memoir titled Paediatric Surgery in Canberra
  • access and copying permissions form
1984-2017
3Martyn Stafford-BellObstetrics and GynaecologyBorn 13/10/1942 in London UK.

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x colour image of Martyn (10 cm x 15 cm, Circa 2015)
  • autobiographical details (10/10/2015)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1975-2007
3Mary StannardPhysicianBorn 02/08/1938 in Hobart TAS.

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x colour of Mary (10 cm x 15 cm, undated)
  • curriculum vitae (19/06/1992).
  • reply letter to Peter Brown (19/06/1992)
19741983
 4Robert (Bob) Edmund VanceEars, Nose and Throat (ENT) SurgeonBorn 23/02/1927 in Sydney, Australia.

Memoir contains biographical details of Bob and his brother Dick as written by Bob in a handwritten letter to Peter Brown (14/02/1999).		1963-1992
4 Richard (Dick) Alan Bruce VanceOrthopaedic SurgeryBorn 17/02/1924 in Liverpool UK and died 02/04/1993.

Memoir contains biographical details of Dick and his brother Bob, as written by Bob in a handwritten letter to Peter Brown (14/02/1999).		1960-1989
 4Darrell Peter WallnerAnaesthetistBorn 01/01/1929 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains:

  • a handwritten letter to Peter Brown with autobiographical notes
  • transcribed autobiographical notes (digital copy only)
  • 3 x colour images of Darrell taken by Peter Brown (9 cm x 12.5 cm, Circa 1986)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1959-1990
4Arthur John (Jack) WaltersPaediatricianBorn 07/06/1924 in Ceylon

Memoir contains:
  • a letter to Peter Brown containing autobiographical details (27/02/2002)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1963-1990
 4Henry Malcolm (Malcolm) WhyteProfessor Clinical SciencesBorn 26/10/1920 in Jammalamadagu, India.

Memoir contains:

  • 1 x black and white image of Malcolm (10 cm x 15 cm undated)
  • autobiographical details (14/10/1991)
  • curriculum vitae (14/10/1991)
  • access and copying conditions permission form.
1966-1991
4Helen WilesPaediatricianBorn 22/02/1923 in Sydney NSW.

Memoir contains:

  • an image of Helen (Circa 1970s)
  • autobiographical details (20/05/1992)
  • reminiscences (20/05/1992)
  • response letter to Peter Brown (25/05/1992).
1958-1988