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Dr. Ross Tilley: OBE, CM – A Personal Tribute
This website honours Dr. Ross Tilley, highlighting his pioneering work in reconstructive surgery for burned aviator victims during World War II, and his influential post-war career in Canada where he played a pivotal role in founding the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Inspired by Reginald “Crash” Harrison’s memories, this presentation details Tilley's compassionate care for aircrew, his leadership at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, Sussex, UK. The regimen developed throughout the treatment period of members of “The Guinea Pig Club”, was a decisive factor in advancing contemporary burn reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation practices around the world!
Dr. Ross Tilley's legacy endures through the treatment advancements he championed and the establishment of the world-renowned institution,” The Ross Tilley Burn Centre”, at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.
The Caterpillar pendant was created by Eric Bristow, RCAF Tail Gunner in a Lancaster shot down over the Ruhr Valley towards the end of WWII. After assisting his crew mates parachute to safety, he also escaped the "shot-up" burning death trap the aircraft had become. In spite of flames, his chute carried him to safety. The medallion reflects his entry into the revered "Caterpillar Club." It was given by the parachute company to Jumpers' whose lives were saved by their parachutes. Eric Bristow later fashioned the pin into a chain & pendant and presented to his daughter Carol Bristow, on her 20th. birthday.
Eric was captured by German home guards and moved into a nearby hospital where his wounds were essentially left untreated. According to his daugther, Carol, he was so badly burned they couldn’t identify if he was friend or foe. Allied Ocupying Forces overwhelmed the camp several days later and he was immediately air lifted to England and transfered to the Canadian Wing of the QV Hospital at East Grinstead at the direction of Dr. Ross Tilley who assumed his surgical care from that date forward.
This story is related by his daughter Carol in the following web page.
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