George Francis Abercrombie

George Abercrombie was born in 1896, the son of a solicitor. He enrolled in the Royal Navy at the onset of the World War I and despite being a medical student with only three months clinical experience, he assisted in numerous destroyers over a period of 10 months. He was affiliated to the London Division of the Royal Naval Reserve (RNVR), maintaining his interest in the navy throughout his life and eventually becoming surgeon captain. ==Medicine==

On returning from the war, Abercrombie studied at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, and completed a bachelor's degree before qualifying in medicine from St Bartholomew's Medical College. He very soon changed his mind and became a member of the steering group, which founded the RCGP. He was appointed first chairman of the provisional foundation council on 19 November 1952 and his mother, Mrs G.K. Abercrombie, gave a significant donation. He subsequently became chairman of the full foundation council and of the first three councils of the college between 1953 and 1956. He was president of the college between 1959 and 1962. During that time he played a chief part in acquiring the Princess Gate building, the president's chain of office and the college's coat of arms. The RCGP's motto was initiated by Abercrombie. == Family and personal ==

Abercrombie married Maria. His hobbies included mountain climbing and he was a member of the Alpine Club. He was a strong chess player and once won against world chess champion José Raúl Capablanca. As a member of the Sherlock Holmes Society, he published an article about Dr Watson. He retired in 1966. == Death and legacy ==

Abercrombie died in 1978. The George Abercrombie Award is given for the most commendable literary work in general practice by a fellow, member or associate of the RCGP. == References ==