The following media release from the University of St Andrews describes the opening of the Dr John Forfar Clinical Study Room. Bob & Shirley Perry, Paddy O’Connell along with Richard & May Scambler represented 47 RM Commando Association.

University Honours Paediatric Pioneer and War Hero

On Wednesday 12 November, the Principal joined guests for a moment of history in the School of Medicine: the official opening of the newly named Dr John Forfar Clinical Study Room.

Images of Dr John Forfar Clinical Study Room

David Forfar (son of Dr John Forfar), Alison Forfar (daughter-in-law), and Dr Colin Forfar (son) with Principal Dame Sally Mapstone and Professor Deborah Williamson, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine

The dedication honours Dr John Oldroyd Forfar (1916–2013), a pioneering paediatrician, decorated war hero, and alumnus whose life embodied courage, compassion, and service. A graduate of the MBChB degree at St Andrews in 1941, John returned as Senior Lecturer in Child Health from 1948 to 1950, and later earned his MD with commendation in 1958 for groundbreaking research in paediatrics and child health.

But John’s story began in extraordinary circumstances. At just 27, he joined the newly formed 47 Royal Marine Commando as a medical officer, landing on Gold Beach during the Normandy invasion. His landing craft struck a mine, forcing him to swim ashore without equipment. Amid devastating losses, he improvised first aid posts and treated dozens of marines, civilians, and even enemy soldiers.

His bravery was immortalised in a painting by war artist Leslie Cole, now displayed at the Imperial War Museum, a copy of which will now hang outside the Dr John Forfar Clinical Study Room. Later, during the assault on Walcheren in 1944, John’s courage reached its zenith. Under relentless mortar and machine gun fire, he tended to the wounded in the dunes, rescuing his troop commander with a gunshot wound to the head. For this extraordinary act of gallantry, he was awarded the Military Cross.

Left: John Forfar
Right: John Forfar (centre-back) providing first aid.
Painting by Leslie Cole (credit IWM)

After the war, John channeled the same resilience into medicine. He rose to become Professor of Child Life and Health at the University of Edinburgh and consultant physician at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. His leadership helped shape paediatrics in Britain: as President of the British Paediatric Association and a founding architect of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, he left an indelible mark on the profession.

The naming ceremony was attended by members of the Forfar family, representatives from the Military including the 47 Royal Marine Commando Association, colleagues from the School of Medicine and NHS Fife.

Speaking to attendees, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone said: “As we open the doors to the Dr John Forfar Clinical Study Room, we do more than dedicate a space. We affirm the values that Dr Forfar embodied: courage in adversity, compassion in practice, and commitment to the betterment of others. May this room be a place where those values are nurtured in every student who studies within it.”

From 2027 onwards, the John Forfar Medal will further extend his legacy, awarded annually to the St Andrews MBChB student who demonstrates outstanding leadership and community engagement.

Just as John dedicated his career to improving child health, future recipients will be recognised for advancing health outcomes beyond the classroom.