Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

McCANN William James MB BS (Hons) FRCS FRACS

1922-1990

William James McCann was born on 18th May 1922, in Malvern, South Australia. He was the eldest child of William Francis James McCann (1892-1957) and Mildred, nee Southcott (1900-1948).  He had a younger brother, Ralph Newton McCann and sister, Mildred Alison McCann, who later married Alan Powell. His father, a lawyer, was a decorated WW1 veteran who served in the 10th Bn at Gallipoli and Pozières with distinction. He rose from the rank of private to major was awarded the DSO, MC and bar and appointed CMG OBE. He later served in the militia and was promoted to lieutenant colonel. McCann was educated at St Peter’s College from 1934 until 1940, and was dux of the school in 1940. He gained a commonwealth scholarship and studied medicine at the University of Adelaide. He won the Gardner Scholarship and the Shorney Medal. He graduated in 1946 and undertook his residency at the RAH.  He enlisted in the army on completion of his residency, and served in Japan with BCOF from 1947 until 1948. McCann went to England in 1949, where held several junior posts, and gained his Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1951. This was followed by a registrar position at the Royal Free Hospital, London from 1952 until 1956. He married Patricia Vollbracht prior to gaining his fellowship. Returning to Australia he was appointed a specialist at Prince Henry's Hospital, in Melbourne, from 1956 until 1983 and gained his FRACS in 1957. Later, when Prince Henry's became part of Monash Health Service, he was appointed a consultant from 1984.  William James McCann died on 16th June 1990.

Sources

Blood, Sweat and Fears II: Medical Practitioners of South Australia on Active Service After World War 2 to Vietnam 1945-1975.

Summers, Swain, Jelly, Verco. Open Book Howden, Adelaide 2016

Uploaded by Annette Summers AO RFD