biographies

True, Frank Elliot Trenoweth (1892 - 1965)

M.B. (Syd.), M.D. (Melb.)

Born
9 November 1892
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Died
7 November 1965
Occupation
Gynaecologist, Medical Practitioner and Obstetrician

Details

Transcription of item believed to have been written by Dr Colin Macdonald. Published in "The Book of Remembrance", The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, c.1965.


FRANK ELLIOT TRENOWETH TRUE

(1926 - 1951)

Frank Elliot Trenoweth True was born in Melbourne on November 9th, 1892, the son of Frank William and Susan True. He received his secondary education at Sydney High School, and in 1916 graduated M.B. at the University of Sydney. He enlisted straightaway in the A.I.F. and served with the rank of Captain in the 46/48th Battalion and in the 12th Field Ambulance. He was awarded the Military Cross after Passchendale.

On returning to Australia in 1919 Elliott True became a resident medical officer at the Children’s Hospital and later at the Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, after which, in 1922, he gained the M.D. (Melbourne).

It was while he was a resident at the Women’s he met Miss Molly Humphries a medical student, who graduated in 1922; they were married on June 23rd 1926 and had three daughters, Kathleen (who married Dr. W.H. Kitchen), Josephine and Maureen.

Elliot True was appointed to the Honorary Staff of the Women’s Hospital in 1926, and served in both departments of the hospital until his retirement on 28th February 1951; in 1947 he had been appointed an honorary inpatient surgeon.

The minutes of the Hospital Board of Management of 1951 state -

"To the Hospital Dr. True has been a loyal servant whose aims and efforts were devoted to its betterment in the special sphere of its activities".

As well as conducting a large general practice in the eastern suburb of Burwood, he practised as an obstetrician and gynaecologist in Collins Street.

After retirement from the Hospital, Dr. and Mrs. True travelled extensively, much of which was done as a ship’s surgeon.

Elliot True retired from medicine in 1964 and died on November 7th, 1965, aged 73 years.

Archival/Heritage Resources

Royal Women's Hospital Archives

  • Book of Remembrance, 1956 - 1975; Royal Women's Hospital Archives [ Details... ].

Prepared by: Robyn Waymouth

Created: 22 September 2006, Last modified: 26 November 2006