Surgeon then Soldier

It's fast approaching exactly 100 years since the start of the Great War. A war that saw numerous atrocities and millions die in battle. Large numbers of staff and students from the College went over to play their part in the effort to save some of these lives.

One man, Professor of Surgery, at the time went and was lucky enough to return after the war in 1918. His name was George Jameson Johnston.

George Jameson Johnston (1866 - 1926)

Johnston was born in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, in April 1866. He attended the Royal School in his town before entering Trinity College. Even though he took his courses in Trinity Johnston chose to take his medical degrees from the Royal University. He was First of First Honourmen and First-class Exhibitioner at his B.A examination. He was also First Honourman in Anatomy and Prizeman in Midwifery in Trinity. Johnston, before and after qualification, conducted large private classes or what we would know as 'grinds' now. He graduate M.B. and B.Ch in 1894 from the Royal University and gained his M.A from the same in 1891.

Johnston held the position of Assistant Surgeons in the Richmond Hospital and was elected Visiting Surgeon to the City of Dublin Hospital. A position he held up until his death. In 1896 he became a Fellow of the College. He was also Demonstrator of Biology in the Royal College of Science and Assistant Lecturer in Zoology for summer courses in Edinburgh.

In April 1912 Johnston was elected Professor of Surgery in the College. It was during this tenure that he went off to war. He served his time in the 83rd (Dublin) Hospital in France as a Lieutenant-Colonel. Upon his return from war he returned to his teaching of surgery in the College. Johnston married in 1925 but sadly did not have long to enjoy domestic bliss dying quickly from an illness in 1926. In his obituary Johnston is described as having no enemies who was straightforward, honourable in his conduct and possessed a genuine kindliness.

The Heritage Collections are honoured to hold a number of items (photographs, newspaper cuttings, letters) that belonged to Johnston. Amongst them are medals he received for his part in WWI.

Front of WWI medal awarded to Johnston 

Back of medal 

Johnston features in a soon to be published book which focuses on Irish doctors who took part in WWI. The book has been written and researched by Kevin Cullen, Joe Duignan and Pat Casey and includes a directory of over 3,000 Irish doctors. The book will be on the shelves by Spring 2015 and is called Irish Doctors in WWI.

First World War medal awarded to Johnston

 

Back of medal

- Researched and written by Meadhbh Murphy