Friends of Millbank
Sir James McGrigor
Wellington’s Chief Medical Officer, and the father of the British Army Medical Services
Portrait of Sir James McGrigor by Andrew Geddes (by permission, Aberdeen Medico-Chirurgical Society)
Sir James McGrigor Statue - now at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
'He is one of the most industrious able and successful public servants I have ever met with.'
The Duke of Wellington
'First and foremost, Sir James was filled with an intense interest in the medical profession and took every opportunity to add to his professional knowledge and skill. In this his powers of observation and the importance he attached to the keeping of records were of great help.
Secondly, he had a profound sympathy for and understanding of the common man, be he a private soldier or a junior officer, and these were ever present spurs to improve their lot and medical care.
Thirdly, he was a man of integrity, courage and initiative and was thus well qualified to propose schemes and reforms and to see them through in the face of every obstruction and opposition.
Fourthly, he obtained his results by personal example and leadership and was one who called “Come on” and never “Go on”. As a result he had the support, loyalty and affection of all his juniors and most of his seniors.
Fifthly, he enjoyed the Army and being part of it he thus exercised his talents in a stimulating and congenial environment.'
Editorial, ‘Sir James McGrigor 1771-1850’ Journal of the Royal Army
Medical Corps, April 1971, p. 47
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