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Gordon Cumming (CNZM, QSO, MBChB, FRCOG, FRANZCOG) was born in Dunedin. He was a distinguished and much-loved doctor, a leading citizen, and a wonderful family man and friend. He died recently aged 94.
[Image omitted. See PDF] Gordon was educated at Otago Boys' High School; he graduated in Medicine from Otago University in 1933, and was a medallist in medicine and clinical medicine.
Gordon was a House Surgeon at Dunedin Hospital in 1934-5 and went to London where he studied Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G). His teachers included Victor Bonney, renowned for his speed operating; a feature of his pupil also. The size of Gordon's surgical operating lists was phenomenal by today's standards. He was awarded the MRCOG in 1939 and volunteered for the Navy in 1940.
Gordon married Molly Bellerby who have must have had a difficult time in war-time Britain, trying to travel to the various ports Gordon was sent to. Molly had equal skills to Gordon's in managing what seemed an impossible workload. This was a very happy marriage.
Gordon was appointed to the Armed Merchant Cruiser Rawalpindi, but asked to be transferred to destroyers. The Rawalpindi was sunk by two German battle cruisers on 21/11/1940, and all but 38 of her crew died. He served on the Russian convoys with...