Backhouse/Wynter/Gratze

Obituary
ANDREW ELLIS WYNTER, M.D.
Dr. Andrew Ellis Wynter, whose death occurred on May 7th. at the age of 70, was the second surviving son of Dr. Andrew wynter, Editor of the British Medical Journal from 1855 to 1800. Like his father, his interest in medicine was seriously rivalled by a wider outlook on life. After a distinguished career at Epsom College and St. Bartholomew's Hospital, at both of which he obtained scholarships, showing the best of his nature by interest in collateral activities, he practised for about five years at Beckenham. The routine and limitations were, however, distasteful, and when the South African war broke out he joined the expedition and served through the greater part, being present at Modder River. before being invalided home in the summer of 1900. Once imbued with the fascination of travel, he visited by turns all the British Dominions, developing a passionate enthusiasm for the Empire, which dominated his after life. When the war between the U.S.A. and Spain occurred he joined the American Forces as surgeon, and served in Cuba. There were more medical than surgical casualties, and he was himself invalided with what was called " typho- malaria," which entailed three months' hospital treatment. The subsequent years were occupied in further travelling, including an expedition in Central Africa at the time that country was being opened up to British occupation. In 1914, being over age for active service, he employed himself in recruiting, and, later, served on board merchant ships, running the gauntlet of submarines during their intensive activity.
For the last twelve years Dr. Wynter took an active part in social work, subscribing regularly to the many institutions in aid of the youth of the present generation --dockland settlements, orphanages, and emigration movements—besides numerous public institutions, such as the Colonial Institute, English Speaking Union, and Freemasonry. His ideals were socialistic, but of the kind that gives rather than takes living frugally on a small income, he devoted two-thirds to public service. Such men are rare, widely appreciated, and can ill be spared.
From BMJ May 1932