Henry Simpson Newland

Henry Simpson Newland was born on 24 November 1873 at Kensington, Adelaide, eldest son of Simpson Newland and his wife Jane Isabella, née Layton. His early years were spent at Marra station on the Darling River, New South Wales, but in 1876 the family moved to Adelaide. Educated at the Collegiate School of St Peter, Newland studied medicine at the University of Adelaide and graduated, sharing top place, in 1896. In 1902 he was awarded the university's first master of surgery degree.

From 1898 to 1902 Newland undertook postgraduate studies at London Hospital (M.R.C.S. (Eng), L.R.C.P. (Lond), 1898; F.R.C.S. (Eng), 1900); he was surgical registrar in 1901. He observed paediatric surgery at Great Ormond Street and was senior house surgeon for six months at the Poplar Hospital for Accidents. He visited European capitals to observe leading surgeons, commenting sharply upon some. In early 1902 he returned to Adelaide, where he joined the lucrative general practice of Dr R. H. Marten, gaining, incidentally, the benefit of Marten's interest in neuro-surgery. In 1908, following visits to England, Paris and the United States of America, including three months in 'the inspiring atmosphere' of Johns Hopkins medical school, he decided to limit his work to surgery. On 14 July 1910, in his old school's chapel, Newland married Ellen Mary Lindon.

Newland was appointed C.B.E. in 1919.

He gave extensive honorary service to the (Royal) Adelaide and Adelaide Children's hospitals, was consultant surgeon to the Repatriation General Hospital, and held surgical lecturing appointments in the university's medical school in 1912-38. Although his work was soundly prepared, and he was dedicated and enthusiastic, he was an unexceptional lecturer. Best remembered as a great plastic surgeon, he also pioneered thoracic and neuro-surgery.

Newland followed the voluntary service tradition of Adelaide Club men. He helped to found St Mark's, the Anglican university residential college, and chaired its council in 1927-54. He had been knighted in 1928.

Newland died on 13 November 1969 and, after a service at St Andrew's Anglican Church, Walkerville, was cremated. Portraits hang in the A.M.A., St Mark's College and the Adelaide Club, Adelaide, and in the R.A.C.S., Melbourne, and Royal College of Surgeons, London.