Biography of Colonel David Wright DSO, OBE

David Wright graduated MB ChB from the University of Glasgow in 1935. He was born on 23 February 1912 in Overton, near Wishaw. His father was Dr Hugh Patrick Wright, a medical practitioner.

Educated at Hamilton Academy, Wright went on to matriculate at the Faculty of Medicine in 1930. Among his classes were Midwifery and Sick Children (5th Year of studies). He was awarded a First Class Certificate in Clinical Medicine (Royal Infirmary) by Professor Walter K Hunter, in the Summer Session of 1933-4, and a Second Class Certificate in Intensive Midwifery Course (Royal Maternity and Women's Hospital) by Professor James Hendry, in the Christmas term of 1933 and Winter Session of 1933-4. His post-graduate training in Surgery was undertaken at the University of Edinburgh between 1937-1941.

After graduation, he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) for a short-service commission, becoming junior surgeon to British military hospitals in Punjab in 1941. He was in command of the 3rd Indian Light Field Ambulance in Italy (1944), for which he was awarded a Distinguished Service Order (DSO). In 1946, he was made Assistant Director of Medical Services of the 1st India Armoured Division. From 1949-52 he was posted to Austria as adviser in surgery to the British troops. He was then appointed Commanding Officer of the surgical division of the first British Commonwealth General Hospital in Japan (1952-54); to the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR), stationed in Hostert (1954-57) and Iserlohn (1957-59). He continued in the BAOR until 1961 as the Assistant Director of Medical Services of Division and, meanwhile, was awarded an OBE in 1954 for his work during the Korean campaign.

Wright was sent to Dhekelia, Cyprus, as commanding officer of the British Military Hospital, where he died on 11 October 1962, at the age of 50.

Sources

Archival Materials

• College Courant vol 15, 1962-63
• DC183/11/65 Register of Members of The General Council of the University of Glasgow, 1st January 1940
• R1/4/2 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Glasgow 1897-1947
• R3/1/9 University of Glasgow Dates of Birth of Graduates and Members of General Council Volume XI
• R3/2/3 University of Glasgow Roll of Graduates, 1928-1937
• R8/5/54/6, Matriculation Slip 1933-34, Men T-Z
• SEN10/76 The Glasgow University Calendar 1934-35

Summary

Colonel David Wright DSO, OBE
Born 23 February 1912.
Died 11 October 1962.
GU Degree: MB ChB, 1935; Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences,
University Link: Graduate
Occupation categories: military; surgeons
English snippet: Medical graduate of the University of Glasgow in 1935, successful military surgeon
Record last updated: 26th Mar 2014

Country Associations

Scotland, North Lanarkshire
Place of Birth

Cyprus, Dhekelia
Place of Death

Austria, No Region

Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia, Iserlohn

India, Punjab

Italy, No Region

Japan, No Region

Luxembourg, Niederanven, Hostert

University Connections

University Roles

• Graduate