Lot 552

Description

Britannica Australia Award, in 18 carat gold (190 grams, 61mm) reverse inscribed 'Medicine/ 1964/ Norman McA, Gregg'. In case of issue, uncirculated and very rare, a most significant award to a noted Australian Opthamologist.

Together with British Red Cross Society War Service 1914 - 1918 medal for nurses, in case of issue with Court of London Branch, Chelsea Division compliments slip, this medal received by Norman Gregg's wife. Gregg, Sir Norman McAlister (1892 - 1966) born in Burwood Sydney, graduated with first class honours at Sydney University Medical School, was a commisioned officer in the RAMC and won the M.C (gazetted 1919). Set up practice in Macquarie St in 1923 and married Haidie Margaret Carson in the same year. His two papers on the effects of rubella (German Measles) were ground-breaking contribution to medicine. He received numerous honours and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in 1958. Despite this and being an outstanding sportsman, he was a man of great humility. This medal, which he shared in 1964 with Dame Kate Campbell, remains as one of the few tangible evidences of his life. (see ADB Vol 14 pp 325-7)