In late January 1999, John Lane, one of AMMA’s first three Honorary Life Members, passed away after a short illness. John was widely considered to be the Father of Australian Aviation Medicine and with his passing, an era came to an end.
John Lane was born in Sydney in 1918 and educated at the Scots College. In 1935 he entered the faculty of Science, University of Sydney, later transferring to the Faculty of Medicine.
After graduating in 1941, John spent 1941-42 as an RMO at Sydney Hospital prior to joining the RAAF in 1942. In the RAAF, he was posted as Medical Officer to No. 3 OUT and No 20 Squadron (Catalinas). At the latter posting, he carried out research into crew fatigue in long range flying boat operations and the effects of low dose Benzedrine in combating this. This work led to a posting as the OIC High Altitude Training Units which was followed, in turn, by a period as Flying Personnel Medical Officer with Training Command.
Soon after the end of World War II, John was posted to the position of MA4 (Staff Officer, Aviation Medicine) at RAAF head quarters. In this posting, he was responsible for the post-war distribution of RAAF Aviation Medicine resources. In addition, he was a strong advocate for a continued RAAF involvement in Aviation Medicine research and teaching. In 1946, he wrote to the Director of Medical Services (Air) stressing the importance of the development of a RAAF School of Aviation Medicine, proposing the current location at Point Cook and outlining a scope of responsibility that is reflected in the unit’s present activities.
After leaving the RAAF in 1947, John became the first Director of Aviation Medicine in the Department of Civil Aviation, a position he held until 1982. During this time, he was involved as a Medical Monitor in the US Manned Spaceflight Program. His work with Projects Mercury and Gemini resulted in his recognition by the USAF as a ‘Space Surgeon’.
John was involved in the RAAF Reserve for a number of years and attempted to develop an Australian Diploma of Aviation Medicine centred around the RAAF Institute of Aviation Medicine. Seven Australian Diplomas were awarded prior to the cessation of this diploma due to institutional problems.
Until shortly before his death, John was active as an Associate at the Monash University Accident Research Centre, and an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Social and Preventative Medicine. He was also a member of the team that developed the TVASIS visual approach aid.
John has made a valuable contribution to Military Medicine as a pioneer in the field of Aviation Medicine. The practice of Aviation Medicine today reflects his vision of this discipline 50 years ago. It was a privilege to know him.
