British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1989) 27, 88 0 1989 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 026&4356X/89/0027-00088/$10.00

OBITUARY

John Herbert Hovell, T.D., F.R.C.S., F.D.S.R.C.S.(Eng), F.F.D.R.C.S.(I),

D.Orth.

John Hovel1 died in hospital on 19 August 1988, aged 78 years. In the years following World War II he gained international fame as an oral surgeon, not only for his work as a surgeon, but as a lecturer and teacher. An active and inventive mind enabled him to use his knowledge of orthodontics to become one of the front runners in re-constructive surgery of the facial skeleton. His past registrars, many of them now consultants, always speak of him with affection and praise the continued interest and loyalty he showed them. John Hovel1 qualified in dentistry at The Royal Dental Hospital in 1931 and in medicine at the Charing Cross Hospital in 1934. He joined the Territorial Army and served in the Royal Army Dental Corps as a maxillofacial specialist from 1939 to 1945.

On returning from the war and by now a part time consultant dental surgeon to the Royal Dental and St Thomas’s Hospitals, his interest in bone growth of the facial skeleton enabled him to carry out surgical procedures on a sound scientific basis. In this work he always gave considerable credit to his great friend Clifford Ballard. John’s interest in orthodontics continued throughout his life and he was an active member of several orthodontic societies.

When the Fellowship in Dental Surgery of The Royal College of Surgeons of England was introduced in 1948 he was one of the first to be elected and similarly when the Diploma in Orthodontics of the same Royal College was introduced he was awarded that diploma in 1955.

His work at The Royal College of Surgeons of England is well known and he was elected to the Board of Faculty of Dental Surgery in 1962, becoming Vice-Dean in 1969 to 1970 and Dean 1974 to 1977. In recognition of his services he was elected FRCS. He was examiner for the Faculty, the Irish College and University of London and Hunterian Professor in 1960 and Tomes Lecturer in 1964.

Prior to the formation of the British Association of Oral Surgeons, as it then was, John had served on the Steering Committee and was an original member of Council. He was the Journal’s first Editor and became President of the Association in 1971. He was awarded the Down Surgical Prize in 1979.

John was a member of the Oral Surgery Club of Great Britain, the first oral surgery association formed in Britain in 1935 which largely consists of provincial members. He was a great supporter of its home and overseas meetings. During his time as Dean of the Faculty his duties prevented him from regular attendance and he had looked forward on the completion of his term of office and retirement to continue his active interest in the club and to the annual dinner which was always followed by convivial conversation at the bar. Sadly this was not to be, his failing health caused him more and more embarrassment to such an extent he shut himself away from his friends becoming almost a recluse.

We must remember him as he was, an eccentric; Edwardian in outlook and a bon viveur who worked hard and played hard. I have heard him say that for a man to reach the top of any profession he should gain national recognition in his field and socially be a clubable fellow. John Hovel1 was just this. Let it be his epitaph.

D.D.

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