Randal Elliott
Encyclopedia
Sir Randal Forbes Elliot, KBE, GCStJ
, FRCS (12 October 192220 July 2010) was a New Zealand
eye surgeon and a campaigner for safety glass
.
He was educated at Wanganui Collegiate School
and later studied at Victoria University of Wellington
and University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine
where he graduated with a MB ChB in 1947.
, and moved to the Institute of Ophthalmology in London for instruction in eye surgery.
Elliot served as chairman in 1971–1972, and President in 1977, of the New Zealand Medical Association.
He played a part in making laminated windscreens compulsory in cars and banning plate-glass or mesh-glass in public areas because of the danger to people walking into them.
he served with the 1st Battalion, Wellington Regiment
, and the Otago University Medical Corps
. He was later a medical officer with the Royal New Zealand Air Force
achieving the rank of Group Captain
and serving in Sarawak, Sabah and Vietnam.
He also performed several tours of duty to the St John Eye Hospital
in Jerusalem as Ophthalmic Surgeon
.
in 1975 for public and military service. In 1977 he was raised to Knight Commander of the order (KBE) for services to medicine and overseas services.
Elliot was promoted to Bailiff Grand Cross in the Order of St John
in 1987 in recognition of his significant contribution to the order of St John. His father was also promoted to Bailiff Grand Cross.
Bailiff Grand Cross is the highest award in the St John Honours system. This honour is limited to only ten people, outside the Royal family, worldwide
Venerable Order of Saint John
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , is a royal order of chivalry established in 1831 and found today throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, Hong Kong, Ireland and the United States of America, with the world-wide mission "to prevent and relieve sickness and...
, FRCS (12 October 192220 July 2010) was a New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
eye surgeon and a campaigner for safety glass
Safety glass
Safety glass is glass with additional safety features. Designs include:* Toughened glass * Laminated glass* Wire mesh glass...
.
Early Life & Education
Elliott was born in Wellington into a family with a long medical history. His father, Sir James Elliott, was a doctor and medical journalist, editing the New Zealand Medical Journal for many years, and both of his brothers trained as doctors.He was educated at Wanganui Collegiate School
Wanganui Collegiate School
Wanganui Collegiate School is an independent, coeducational, day and boarding secondary school in Wanganui, New Zealand. The school is affiliated to the Anglican church.-About:...
and later studied at Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington was established in 1897 by Act of Parliament, and was a former constituent college of the University of New Zealand. It is particularly well known for its programmes in law, the humanities, and some scientific disciplines, but offers a broad range of other courses...
and University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine
University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine
The Dunedin School of Medicine is one of three medical schools that make up the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Otago. All Otago University medical students who gain entry after a first year "Health Sciences" program, or who gain graduate entry spend their second and third years studying...
where he graduated with a MB ChB in 1947.
Work
After medical school, Elliot trained at the Royal College of Surgeons of EnglandRoyal College of Surgeons of England
The Royal College of Surgeons of England is an independent professional body and registered charity committed to promoting and advancing the highest standards of surgical care for patients, regulating surgery, including dentistry, in England and Wales...
, and moved to the Institute of Ophthalmology in London for instruction in eye surgery.
Elliot served as chairman in 1971–1972, and President in 1977, of the New Zealand Medical Association.
He played a part in making laminated windscreens compulsory in cars and banning plate-glass or mesh-glass in public areas because of the danger to people walking into them.
Military Service
During World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
he served with the 1st Battalion, Wellington Regiment
Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment is the main combat unit in the regular New Zealand Army. It was formed 9 January 1947 as the New Zealand Regiment with a single infantry battalion as part of the newly created infantry corps....
, and the Otago University Medical Corps
Otago and Southland Regiment
The Otago and Southland Regiment is a Territorial Force unit of the New Zealand Army. It was originally formed in 1948 by the amalgamation of two separate regiments:*Otago Regiment*Southland Regiment...
. He was later a medical officer with the Royal New Zealand Air Force
Royal New Zealand Air Force
The Royal New Zealand Air Force is the air arm of the New Zealand Defence Force...
achieving the rank of Group Captain
Group Captain
Group captain is a senior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries. It ranks above wing commander and immediately below air commodore...
and serving in Sarawak, Sabah and Vietnam.
Order of St John
Elliot served the Order of St John for many years and was Chancellor of St John in New Zealand from 1980 to 1986. His father was also Chancellor of St John.He also performed several tours of duty to the St John Eye Hospital
St John Eye Hospital Group
The St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group is a Foundation of The Order of St John, the oldest order of chivalry in the world. The Hospital Group is based in Jerusalem and is the main provider of eye care in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem...
in Jerusalem as Ophthalmic Surgeon
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems...
.
Honours
In was appointed an Officer (OBE) of the Order of the British EmpireOrder of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
in 1975 for public and military service. In 1977 he was raised to Knight Commander of the order (KBE) for services to medicine and overseas services.
Elliot was promoted to Bailiff Grand Cross in the Order of St John
Venerable Order of Saint John
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , is a royal order of chivalry established in 1831 and found today throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, Hong Kong, Ireland and the United States of America, with the world-wide mission "to prevent and relieve sickness and...
in 1987 in recognition of his significant contribution to the order of St John. His father was also promoted to Bailiff Grand Cross.
Bailiff Grand Cross is the highest award in the St John Honours system. This honour is limited to only ten people, outside the Royal family, worldwide