Gerald Ralph Addlestone

Gerald Ralph Addlestone (“Gerry”) was born in Leeds to Sam and Rachel; his family was part of a growing Jewish community in Leeds. His parents ensured that their daughter, Zena, and younger son, Gerry, were well educated. Sam died young when Gerry was just 19.

After attending Roundhay Grammar School in Leeds Gerry was lucky to gain a place at Leeds Medical School in 1948 at interview. At that time there was discrimination and an unofficial Jewish “quota” for admissions. The usual interviewer was away, and the substitute was either unaware or not prejudiced.

At the Jubilee Club in Leeds, Gerry met his future wife, Muriel Lee, who …