Frank Armstrong Milne (SH 32-35) 

The following notice was kindly supplied by Frank’s daughter Jane.

“Frank was born in Cheadle Cheshire on 30^th November 1918.  His family moved from Cheadle to Hale in Cheshire when he was still small.  He attended the local prep school as a day pupil until he went away to St Bees School at the age of thirteen. His father had his own leather goods business in the centre of Manchester and it was around the time that Frank started at St Bees that his father died suddenly. The loss of his father at a young age had a profound effect on him and, although he continued to have a close relationship with his mother and sister, he missed the presence of his father throughout his life.

He regularly reflected with affection and pride on the time he spent at St Bees. He often spoke about his school days and recounted many stories of his time there. He enjoyed sports, especially rugby, and remembered well the long-distance runs exposed to the extremes of the Cumbrian weather. We understand that at the end of his first term, the Headmaster’s summary on his report was, ‘Knows nothing but will learn’!  

Frank’s work focus improved over the years and he worked hard to ensure he achieved his goal and he gained a place at King’s College London to study medicine in 1936. This was where he met Peggy, another medical student, who later became his wife. Peggy, and her sister Jean, were the first two female medical students to qualify in medicine at King’s College London. Frank continued to play rugby at university and was captain of the hospital’s 1^st team. During World War II, he was posted to Epsom Hospital to attend and care for the many injured British troops returning from Europe.

Frank later joined the Colonial service and served in Rhodesia for several years where two of their children (Penny and Oscar) were born. He practised medicine in Africa, which he found interesting, working in hospitals, general practice, and even in the local prison. These were happy years which they all enjoyed. As Oscar was not well (he was born with Down’s syndrome and had related heart problems) they returned to England where Frank worked as an RSO at Altrincham General Hospital before setting up in general practice where he was the senior partner. Their third child, Jane, was born in Cheshire several years later. Frank was very conscientious and totally committed to the welfare of all his patients. There was no appointment system in place at the surgery – if a patient required medical attention, they would be seen. As a result, he was popular with his patients and was often still at work until after 10pm. The waiting room was not large and patients happily queued up the garden path in order to gain access for a consultation! He regularly received night calls at home and never hesitated to go out on a visit if it was necessary. Ringway airport (now Manchester) was not far away. In addition to his practice and hospital work, Frank also provided medical support to the RAF, the UK Immigration Service, British European Airways and B.O.A.C. He greatly enjoyed the variety of his work.

Frank, Peggy and Oscar moved to the Isle of Man over forty years ago living on the east coast of the island with distant views of the Cumbrian mountains and St Bees Head. Frank did not set up in general practice again but worked as a locum doctor, which allowed him to spend more time with his family whilst still enjoying medicine for a few more years.

Over the years, he enjoyed receiving the Old St Beghian Newsletters and was saddened by the closure of the school, but encouraged to hear of its possible reopening.

He died on the 3^rd June 2017 at the age of 98, sadly predeceased by his wife Peggy and by his son Oscar. Penny and Jane miss them all greatly but the happy memories of days gone by serve as great comfort. Frank also leaves behind five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 
Frank was a true English gentleman with a great sense of humour. He was enormously respected and is still remembered by so many of the people he helped. Even during the last couple of weeks of his life when he was in hospital, a lady visiting another patient recognised him and remembered that he had delivered her son over thirty years previously!”

 

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