David Wallace

Sir David Wallace (14 July 1862 – 21 April 1952) was a Scottish surgeon working in Edinburgh, with a particular interest in urological surgery. During the Boer War he was in charge of the Edinburgh South African Hospital, an experience which impressed upon him the importance of the Red Cross movement in reducing and mitigating the horrors of war. Becoming active in the British Red Cross Society, he was instrumental in forming the Edinburgh branch and was its Chairman for over 30 years. He was knighted in 1920 and elected President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1921.

Early life David Wallace was born on 14 July 1862, in Scoonie, Fife, Scotland. He was the son of David Wallace and his wife Annie (née Anderson) of Balgrummo, Leven, Fife. He was educated at Dollar Academy going on to Edinburgh University medical school and graduating MB, CM from the University of Edinburgh in 1884. After posts in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) as house surgeon under Professor John Chiene and house physician under Professor John Wylie, he trained as a surgeon, initially working as a demonstrator in anatomy. He then trained for some years under Professor Chiene and it was at this time that his interest in urological surgery developed. He passed the examinations to become M.R.C.S. Eng. in 1886 and the next year became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSEd). He became assistant surgeon in the RIE In 1892. During this campaign Wallace was mentioned in despatches, was awarded the South African Medal and clasp and was appointed to the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). The hospital was mobilised in 1914, but it was felt that because of his knowledge and experience of the Red Cross Society, he could make a greater contribution to the war effort by working in that organisation. He was Red Cross Commissioner for South East Scotland, a post regarded by many as more demanding than an Army command. In 1911 he was elected a member of the Aesculapian Club. He was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh. The University of Edinburgh awarded him the Honorary degree of LLD. For his services he was appointed C.B.E. in 1918 and K.B.E. in 1920. They had two sons.