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SURGEON-GENERAL WILLIAM MUNRO, M.D., C.B., LL.D. The death of this distinguished officer at the age of 73 will be learnt with great regret by a large circle of his military friends of a former generation. His health had been failing for a number of years, and he passed away on October 30th. He was the second son of Inspector-General Munro, of the Army Medical Department, and was educated at Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities, graduating in the latter in 1844. From Glasgow he also received the degree of LL. D. in 1888. He entered the Army Medical Service in 1844, and served as Assistant-Surgeon in the 91st Highlanders during the Kaffir war of 1846-47. During the Crimean war he was Surgeon of the 93rd Highlanders, and formed part of the "thin red line" in the glorious stand made by the regiment at Balaklava. With the same corps he took part in the relief of Lucknow, and in a number of engagements during the mutiny. He was Principal Medical Officer of the Euzufzai and Umbeyla force in 1863. Altogether he took part in no fewer than fifteen battles and engagements during his service, for which he was mentioned in despatches, received a C.B. and numerous medals and orders, and a good service pension of £100 a year. We believe he declined the honour of a K.C.B. in his later years. He was surgeon-General at headquarters under Sir William Muir (1874 to 1881), and would probably have succeeded that officer as Director-General had he not retired through age. He was an admirable representative of the old regimental surgeon, and was a supreme favourite in his regiments. But it fell to his part to largely inaugurate the unification system, which he carried out with great loyalty, notwithstanding old regimental proclivities.
He was unquestionably a most able administrator, and a master of detail. His labour connected with the new system in the medical department, while at headquarters, was enormous, especially in the elaboration of a new code of regulations which then became necessary. Those who worked with him in those days learned to appreciate his high ability and worth, as well as his great kindness and consideration. Dr. Munro was a very accomplished man, an admirable classical scholar, and possessed of high literary ability. He wrote two books connected with his reminiscences in the 93rd Highlanders, and in the service generally, works which will prove of no small value to the military historian of the period. He leaves behind him a widow and grown up family of sons and daughters. British Medical Journal, 7 November 1896.⁶