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SCOTT Malcolm Leslie MS MB FRCS FRACS

1882-1931

Malcolm Leslie Scott was born at College Park on the 25th June 1882, the son of Paul and Clara Scott, nee Waterhouse. He attended Prince Alfred College and studied medicine at the University of Adelaide graduating MB BS in 1904. He was appointed to the Adelaide Hospital in 1905 and then spent 2 years as assistant to Dr Henry Arthur Powell at Kadina followed by 2 years in post graduate surgical training obtaining the FRCS in 1909 in England. Following his return home he was in general practice in Mt Barker 1910-1916; he married Irene Gertrude Hunter at the Methodist Church, Kent Town on 4th August 1910. He had a love of golf and was President and Captain of the Mount Barker Golf Club in 1914. He was medical officer to the West Adelaide Military Training Area in 1911.

Although it was reported that he first attempted to enlist in July 1915 he did not enlist at this time.  It was also reported in the Adelaide Register in August 1915 that he had been the recipient of a “white feather”. Despite this Scott enlisted in the AIF in May 1916. He was 33 years old and his wife was nominated as his next of kin.  He was 5ft 9ins tall, 154lbs, of medium complexion with brown eyes and hair. He could ride and had a slight knowledge of German. Scott embarked from Adelaide on the 13th July 1916.  He was appointed to the permanent surgical staff of 1 AGH at Rouen in early 1917, detached to a British CCS at Passchendaele, later in 1917 to the 5th British General Hospital. As a temporary major he was posted to the 3 FdAmb with 10 Bn in September 1918 and finally in December back to the 1 AGH at Rouen in Command of the Surgical Division. Scott maintained that the war experience enhanced his surgical knowledge, especially the drainage and treatment of infected joints particularly the knee joint.  He returned to Australia on 24th December 1918 having served in many British and Australian General Hospitals and with FdAmb in France with his only sick leave being Influenza and an inflamed face. His appointment was terminated from the AIF on the 11th May 1919. Scott was issued with the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Scott began a general surgical practice having gained his MS on returning to Adelaide in 1919 He was appointed an honorary surgeon at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital and in 1927 an honorary surgeon to the Adelaide Hospital.  Scott was a foundation fellow of the RACS. He was also involved on the as a demonstrator, lecturer and examiner at the Medical School of the University of Adelaide from 1919 to 1927. Scott’s commitment to education was also demonstrated by his Committee and Council memberships of Scotch College and Presbyterian Ladies College and to the profession by membership and 2 years on the Council of the SA Branch of the British Medical Association. Malcolm Leslie Scott died on the 3rd November 1931. He was survived by his wife and six children.

Source

Blood, Sweat and Fears: Medical Practitioners and Medical Students of South Australia, who Served in World War 1. 

Verco, Summers, Swain, Jelly. Open Books Howden, Adelaide 2014. 

Uploaded by Annette Summers AO RFD