Donald Johnstone McGavin
Surgeon, army health administrator, medical administrator
About Donald Johnstone McGavin
Lived 1876 – 1960 (aged 83). Donald Johnstone McGavin was a New Zealand surgeon.
Major General Sir Donald Johnstone McGavin (19 August 1876 – 8 May 1960) was a New Zealand surgeon, army health administrator and medical administrator.
Early life and education McGavin was born in Chatham, Kent, England. He trained at Mason University College in Birmingham and London Hospital qualifying with an MB in 1900 as a Doctor of Medicine in 1901.
Career McGavin joined the Royal Army Medical Corps as a civilian surgeon, serving in Natal during the Boer War. In 1924 he took up an honorary surgical position at Wellington Hospital.
Honours and awards In the 1919 New Year Honours, McGavin was made an additional Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. He was appointed a Knight Bachelor in the 1921 King's Birthday Honours, the first knighthood awarded for medical services. In 1935, he was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal. In 1946 he was appointed as a Commander of the Order of St John.
Personal life McGavin married Mary Allan Chapple in 1903.
McGavin died in Wellington on 8 May 1960.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Donald Johnstone McGavin?
Surgeon, army health administrator, medical administrator (1876-1960)
When was Donald Johnstone McGavin born?
Donald Johnstone McGavin was born on 19 August 1876.
When did Donald Johnstone McGavin die?
Donald Johnstone McGavin died on 8 May 1960.
What was Donald Johnstone McGavin's occupation?
Donald Johnstone McGavin was a surgeon.
What nationality was Donald Johnstone McGavin?
Donald Johnstone McGavin was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Donald Johnstone McGavin
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Donald Johnstone McGavin. https://biography.guide/donald-johnstone-mcgavin/
MLA: "Donald Johnstone McGavin." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/donald-johnstone-mcgavin/.
Chicago: "Donald Johnstone McGavin." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/donald-johnstone-mcgavin/.
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