Laurence O`Shaughnessy: Dunkirk 1940

Laurence Frederick O’Shaughnessy is no doubt mentioned several times in most cardiothoracic and general surgical procedures on a daily basis throughout the world. The name is recognised instantly by all surgical personnel, with the stainless steel curved tip artery forceps with serrated jaws that bears his name. O’Shaughnessy was an exceptionally gifted thoracic surgeon with an interest in cardiac surgery that has produced a legacy still active today.

May 27th 2020 marks the 80th anniversary since O`Shaughnessy tragic early death. He died of mortal wounds sustained in an air raid whilst on active service during the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk, France in 1940. There has been much conjecture regarding the final hours of Laurence O’Shaughnessy’s life. This has led to the circulation of almost mythical reports of occurrences both before and after the event.

We will look at O’Shaughnessy’s work in the field of thoracic surgery and his endeavours in the 1930s to establish cardiac surgery procedures. There will also be a narrative around the care given by O’Shaughnessy to his brother in law George Orwell following his return from the Civil war in Spain. Having researched the military records and diary entries of comrades it is possible to now give a definitive account of the events on that fateful day in Dunkirk.