Jack Fine

Jack Fine’s interest in medicine was kindled by a GP uncle who encouraged Jack to join his rounds in pre-war Cardiff. The war having disrupted his school’s 6th form, he spent a year at University College Cardiff before starting at the evacuated Guy’s preclinical school in Tunbridge Wells. His first year was marred by antisemitism at the residential hall, something he had not experienced in Cardiff. He subsequently moved into digs and established a circle of lifelong friends. While in Tunbridge Wells he volunteered as a motorcycle messenger, which gave him the perk of a petrol allowance, allowing him to explore the countryside. During his first clinical year in London he volunteered as a firewatcher and was allocated to the roof of the South London Hospital for Women and Children, where he saw the first V1 flying bombs, which he mistook for successfully downed German bombers. In the morning the hospital was overwhelmed with casualties, and despite the statutes of the South London Hospital …