Ernest Edward Dunlop was born on 12 July, 1907 at Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia, the son of James and Alice Dunlop and younger brother of Alan. Ernest Edward Dunlop, Ernie or Ern as he was called, lived on his father's farm at Sheepwash Creek and was exposed to a culture of privation and extremes from an early age.
Edward Dunlop would listen attentively to the tales of his great grandfather's exploits in India and to those of the four family members who had volunteered to serve King and Country during the First World War (1914-1918).
As a youth
he was excited about the adventure and challenge of his era; he longed
for the bugles of the distant war that was then raging.
Edward Dunlop was a good student and possessed above average intellect
but was quoted as saying 'I only did what was necessary'. His main passion
was engaging in boisterous activities with his brothers, playing red indians
and riding their horses. He had an inquisitive mind, loved to read and
at 16 years of age had completed his studies at Benalla High School. He
accepted an apprenticeship with the local pharmacist Mr. W. M. McCall
Say as well as entering into a correspondence course with the College
of Pharmacy in Melbourne.
In 1927 he travelled to Melbourne where he completed his Pharmacy course
graduating top of his class and receiving the first H.T. Tompsitt Scholarship.
Later that year Edward Dunlop received a letter from the Director of Studies
informing him of additional awards: The Gold Medal of the Pharmaceutical
Society, the Silver Medal for Botany and certificates of Honour in Chemistry
and Materia Medica. By this diligent work Edward Dunlop laid the foundations
for his future success and greatness.
In the same year, he began to study medicine at The University of Melbourne,
excelling in his studies and also in sport, playing with 'The Wallabies',
Australia's national rugby team as well as becoming the University's champion
boxer.
Standing
6 feet 4 inches tall, fearless and strong, Edward Dunlop had all the qualities
that would ensure his sporting and military success.
Graduating
from Melbourne University in 1934 with his medical degree (MB BS), he
was granted a fellowship at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
This not
only gave Edward Dunlop a great sense of achievement, but the opportunity
to become one of Australia's best known surgeons.
Soon after his graduation, Edward Dunlop joined the Coburg/Brunswick Battalion
of the Citizen Military Forces and from there he enrolled in the Royal
Australian Army Medical Corps (R.A.A.M.C.) where he was commissioned as
a Captain as well as being given the nickname 'Weary'.
Edward Dunlop as a youth with his mother Alice.
Edward Dunlop and brother Alan as fierce warriors.
Edward Dunlop as a young apprentice with local pharmacist Mr W.M. McCall Say.