Herbert Gallagher facts for kids
Herbert William Gallagher (1917–2007) was an important person from Northern Ireland. He was a doctor, a politician, and a brave officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War II. He dedicated his life to helping others, both in medicine and in his community.
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Early Life and Education
Herbert Gallagher was born in 1917. He went to school at Methodist College, Belfast. After that, he studied medicine at Queen's University Belfast. He started his medical studies in 1939.
A Doctor in World War II
When World War II began, Herbert volunteered to join the British Army's Medical Corps. This meant he would use his medical skills to help soldiers.
In 1940, he was on a ship traveling from Northern Ireland to England. The ship hit an underwater mine near Liverpool. Herbert used his medical training right away to help the injured people on board. His military service took him far from home, to places like Egypt and India. While serving, he met and married a nursing sister who was in the same military unit.
A Career in Medicine
After the war ended, Herbert finished his military service. He then trained to become a surgeon at Belfast City Hospital. A surgeon is a doctor who performs operations.
When the National Health Service was created, which provides healthcare for everyone in the UK, Herbert became a Consultant. This means he was a senior doctor with special expertise. He worked at Banbridge Hospital and Newtownards Hospital, helping many patients.
Professional Groups
Herbert Gallagher was part of several important medical groups. These groups help doctors share knowledge and improve healthcare.
- He helped start the Ulster Surgical Club.
- He was the President of the Ulster Medical Society.
- He was also a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Medicine (Ireland).
- He was a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.
- He was also a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Life After Retirement
Herbert retired from medicine in 1977 when he was 60 years old. But he didn't stop helping his community. He became a local politician, serving as a councillor for the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland. A councillor helps make decisions for their local town or area.
He also helped start the Comber Probus Club. Probus clubs are groups for retired people to meet and socialize. He continued to attend this club almost until he passed away.
Herbert William Gallagher died in 2007 from throat cancer. He was a widower at the time, meaning his wife had passed away before him. He is remembered for his service as a doctor, a soldier, and a community leader.
