This series contains H. Rocke Robertson’s speeches which document his role as the Principal of McGill, 1963 1970 (Container 8, Files 161, 164, 175); his medical experience during WWII and his subsequent surgical and medical expertise, 1945 1971 (Container 8, Files 155, 157), including such speeches as that delivered to the Vancouver Medical Association on the Activities of a F eld Surgical Uni , 1945 (Container 8, File 158); and the Shattuck Lectures delivered in Massachusetts in 1965 (Container 1, File 19), in which Robertson reflects on noteworthy medical cases that he encountered during his career while simultaneously commenting o his failure to develop innovative surgical techniques. Graphic medical photos accompany the speech. Following his retirement, Robertson was frequently called upon to give public addresses such as that delivered at a nurse’s graduation at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, 1971 (Container 4, File 82) and at the Montreal General Hospital Dinner on October 12, 1989 (Container 4, File 113), in which he reflects on his time studying pathology under Dr. Pop Rhea.

Robertson’s interest in the history of medicine is apparent in the speeches he delivered to both the Osler Society, 1947 1958 Container 8, File 156) and the American Osler Society in 1991. The later, entitled “William Osler and the OED”, includes slides and booklets, as well as offering a hypothesis on Osler’s possible medical word contributions to the Oxford English Dictionary, 1991 (Container 8, File 160). The Osler speeches cover such diverse topics as Robertson’s reminiscences on war surgery, including detailed descriptions of the effects of missiles (bullets) passing through the body, the effects of gas gangrene, and Robertson’s feelings on his first experience using the new drug, penicillin (Container 8, File 156). Also included is a speech Robertson delivered about Osler’s trip to British Columbia in 1886 and the development of the practice of medicine in the province, 1947 1958 (Container 8, File 156), which highlights Robertson’s skills as an orator.

Numerous speeches reflect Robertson’s duties as principal of McGill University, including his installation address on April 2, 1963 in which he comments on the achievements of past McGill principals, as well as elucidating his own plans for improving relations between English and French Canada through improved education at McGill (Container 8, File 161). Also included are Robertson’s graduation addresses 1962-1992 (Container 3, File 67) and the bound volumes Addresses and Other Papers: H.
Rocke Robertson, 1963 1970 (Container 19, Files 257-264), which contain Robertson’s speeches during his principalship at McGill.

Correspondence files and speech notes reflect Robertson’s activities as a collector of rare books and English dictionaries, 1960 1991 (Container 8, File 163 . Also preserved is his speech for the reception of his dictionary collection at the University of British Columbia, 1990 (Container, File 40) and a series of pamphlets and newspaper clippings on conferences, where Robertson was a uest speaker 1971 1983, 1972 1973, 1971 1973, 1977 (Container 15, File 233; Container 2, File 32, 35; Container 8, File 162).

This series reflects the diverse contributions, that Robertson made as a physician, surgeon, and hospital administrator, as well as containing files related to Robertson’s medical training immediately following his graduation from McGill. Robertson’s time as an intern in the Pathology Department at the Montreal General Hospital is documented through photos, 1937 1938 (Container 4, File 112). Also included are orthopedic notes from the John Bruce Lectures that Robertson attended as an intern in Edinburgh, 1938-1939 (Container 4, File 92). Robertson’s wartime medical experiences are preserved through newspaper clippings, photos, and notes, in the form of a scrapbook, 1940-1943 (Container 11, File 194), and additional secondary sources, including Robertson’s chapter on wound infections in W. R. Feasby’s The Canadian Medical Services 1939 1945, Vol. II, 1953 and correspondence from the Minister of National Defence, Brooke Claxton (Container 19, Files 265 266).

His medical work in Vancouver following WWII, such as his contributions to the development of the Faculty of Medicine and Department of Surgery at the University of British Columbia and his role as first Professor and Head Surgeon is documented through correspondence files, photos, pamphlets, and ephemera, 1952-1971, 1950-1975 (Container 4, File 97, 100). Also included is information on the launch of his private practice in Vancouver, 1949 (Container 4, File 95) , as well as articles and gifts commemorating his time at Vancouver General Hospital, 1959-1990 (Container 4, File 96). Robertson’s rejection, in 1947, of McGill’s initial offer of the position of Professor of Surgery and Chairman of the Department of Surgery can be found in Container 1, File.

Robertson’s work at the Montreal General Hospital, particularly his time as Surgeon in Chief, is documented through numerous records and correspondence files, 1937-1997 (Container 4, Files 112 118, 1/119-2/119). His membership in different professional organizations, such as the Canadian Association of General Surgeons. 1985-1988 (Container 2, File 31) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, 1960-1980, 1985 (Container 5, File 121) among others, are also included, as are meetings and conferences he attended as a member of the American College of Surgeons 1950-1961 (Container 2, File 29). Of interest are the pamphlets and photos Robertson acquired as a result of his membership as part of the Surgeon’s Travel Club, 1961-1989 (Container 4, File 98). Additional correspondence files, memberships, and certificates document further medical related activities, 1958, 1974, 1962 (Container 4, Files 99, 102; (Container 4, File 36, 50), including his trip to Harvard University as Visiting Surgeon in Chief Pro Tempore, 1955-1956 (Container 4, File 104). Thank you cards and correspondence with former patients demonstrate Robertson’s skills as a physician and surgeon, particularly highlighting his superb bedside manner, 1974-1994 (Container 4, File 103).

Photos, cards, invitations, correspondence files, books, and agendas reflect Robertson’s continual involvement in the professional arena after his retirement from McGill, 1985-1986 (Container 6, File 129). His professional influence is reflected in the number of functions he attended, which included conferences, dinners, installation ceremonies, and fundraising activities, 1962-1973, 1971-1983, 1981 (Container 4, File 109-110; Container 15, File 233; Container 2, File 30). This series also includes his role as the Director of the Bell Telephone Company, 1965-1985, 1992, 1994 (Container 1, File 21) his membership and subsequent role on the Archives and Library Committee of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1955-1999 (Container 1, Files 22 23), and special appointments, such as to the Science Council of Canada (1976-1982), 1973-1979 (Container 1, File 13) and his time as the president of the Traffic Injury Research Foundation of Canada (1967-1973), 1971-1973, 1974 (Container 2, File 35; Container 16, File 234), among other boards. Reports, including the “Report to the Hospital for Sick Children” in Toronto, Ontario, 1975 (Container 4, File 108) highlight Robertson’s role as a much sought after advisor, 1990-1992 (Container 1, File 10). Robertson also sat on several different scholarship committees, 1967-1989, 1986-1991 (Container 2, File 27; Container 4, 107), and he was responsible for the nomination of Dr. Brenda Milner of the Montreal Neurological Institute and McGill professor for the Order of Canada, 1982 2004 (Container 2, File 42).

A record of Robertson’s activities as principal of McGill from 1962 1970 is found in diverse documents such as pamphlets, tickets, booklets, newspaper and magazine clippings, and photos, 1962, 1970, 1980 1944 -1992 (Container 1, File 4; Container 5, Files 122, 124, 128 , as well as in his diaries, 1962-1964; 1964-1969; 1969-1970 (Container 12, Files 201-203; Container 18, Files 247-256; Container 14, Files 214-217). Robertson’s appointment to McGill, his installation as principal (Container 1, File 5), his correspondence during his principalship, 1962 1994, 1965 (Container 1, File 9; Container 8, File 175), his resignation and retirement from McGill and an account of the turbulent times that accompanied his principalship are also contained in this series, 1969-1971 (Container 1, File 8; Container 5, Files 125 127; Container 6, File 130). More specifically, Robertson’s meditations on the continuing feasibility of Gerald Bull’s HARP project can be found in Container 18, File 252.

Of particular interest is Robertson’s correspondence and report for Quebec Premier Robert Bourassa 1970 (Container 1, File 6) which discusses Robertson’s unsuccessful attempts to solicit increased provincial government funding for McGill University, particularly through his analysis of the Quebec government’s unfair funding formula. Robertson even contemplated approaching Prime Minister Trudeau with the concept of McGill as a National University in an effort to secure federal funding, 1969 (Container 14, File 214).

Numerous newspaper clippings and case files relate to the Stanley Gray Dismissal Hearings (Container 1, File 7). This information is supplemented by the more personal reflections contained in Robertson’s correspondence with his brother, Bruce, a lawyer from British Columbia. Robertson’s uncertainty regarding his actions caused him to legally clarify his position with his brother and almost led to his decision to retire in 1967, 1939-1969 (Container 8, File 165). Further indications of the atmosphere at McGill include the “Save the Trees Riot” which took place near the construction site of McGill’s Burnside Hall, and the greenhouse bomb incident, both of which are discussed in some detail in Robertson’ Diaries, 1969-1979 (Container 14, Files 214 223).

Also included in the series are McGill University Convocation Brochures, 1963-1970 (Container 16, Files 1/241 3/241) and ephemera related to McGill Programs and Social events, 1956-1988, 1964-1966 (Container 3, Files 1/79 3/79; Container 15, File 230) reflecting the diverse nature of Robertson’s duties as a principal, as well as the administrative changes he made to McGill. These changes included increasing the number of vice-principals, students, and staff, as well as Robertson’s efforts to give students more of a voice by increasing student representation on both the senate and committees of the senate, 1970 (Container 19, File 264). A construction helmet, often worn by Robertson in photos, signifies the building boom that accompanied Robertson’s time as principal of McGill (Container 10, File 191).

This series of diaries, arranged chronologically and spanning the years 1934 1995, contain Robertson’s matter of fact overview and some of his measured reflections his personal life, including his private interests and his family life, as well as his professional activities, as a surgeon, as principal of McGill University, and as an advisor and a board member following his retirement from McGill in 1970. Also included in the series are photos, correspondence files, ephemera, and newspaper and magazine clippings attached to entries in his diaries 1922 1981 (Container 15, File 224).

In particular the years 1934 1961 Container 12, Files 195 200/ Note: There are no diaries for 1959 1960), recount his final student years at McGill, his courtship of Rolly Arnold, his completion of his medical fellowship in Scotland and England, his war experiences in both Great Britain and Italy, his medical years in Vancouver, and his return to the Montreal General Hospital. Of note is the bustling social life that Robertson maintained during his final years as a medical student at McGill. He, his friends, and Rolly frequently went to cocktails parties, to the theatre, and played sports, including doubles tennis and golf. Also of interest are his comments about headmasters that he encountered at St. Michael’s School and Brentwood College in Victoria, British Columbia 1940 1941 (Container 12, File 197) and his anecdote about Sir Arthur Currie, a former McGill Principal, 1940 1941 (Container 12, File 197) which was later incorporated into one of his speeches, 1972 (Container 8, File 153).

The diaries dating from 1962 1969 document the events that transpired during Robertson’s tenure at McGill Container 12, Files 201 203; Container 18, Files 247 256), including his reflections on his ultimate decision to retire. These diaries, in particular, are more introspective and personal as they reveal Robertson’s attempts to assimilate the societal change of the 1960s as well as discussing his own feelings of stress and sense of confoundedness at the student unrest at McGill. The diaries dating from 1969 1979 Container 14, Files 214 223), commence with the announcement of his retirement, his decision to ultimately leave Quebec, due to the political turmoil and violence of the times, and the initial years of his retirement. They also treat his reactions to the Stanley Gray affair. His diary entries include his relief over Gray’s dismissal, which Robertson felt was crucial in allowing him to maintain a semblance of control during his final year as McGill’s principal Container 14, File 214).

The aforementioned diaries, coupled with the set from 1980 1995 (Container 13, Files 205 213), focus on the retirement years of H. Rocke Robertson They are increasingly dedicated to reflections on the weather (which are an aspect of all of his diaries), as well as his activities as a gentleman farmer at “Struan” in Mountain, Ontario. Activities include gardening, caring for his dog, Blaze, and working on his dictionary manuscript. Most revealing are his reflections on the purpose of his book and his attempt to convey how each dictionary and his collection, in its entirety, illustrate the development of English dictionaries 1969 (Container 14, File 214). His retirement diaries also document his efforts to keep active in the professional milieu, such as through his duties as an honorary librarian and archivist for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Also included is a Diary Index, compiled in 1988, spanning January 1961 February 1971 (Container 13, Files 212), which reveal his attempt to make key life events, particularly during his time as principal of McGill, readily accessible to researchers.

Part of this series consists of notes and a partial draft of his autobiography (Container 4, File 82; Container 12, File 197 as well as the original manuscript and a transcribed version of Robertson’s War Diaries 1940 1943 (Container 11, Files 192 -93 Container 4, File 88). His reflections on the war reveal his restlessness during his time in England, where it became evident that Prime Minister Mackenzie King did not want Canadians to see active combat. Despite this, Robertson did experience one of the first significant London bombings and he assisted in the treatment of patients who had been injured at Coventry. His diaries also reveal that he learned about hospital organization and administration, particularly during his time at Marston Green, on the outskirts of Birmingham; this knowledge was to become crucial for his subsequent professional activities. His time in Sicily and Italy, known as Operation Husky, includes descriptions of surgical techniques, of individuals he performed surgery on, as well as few instances of being under mortar fire, particularly at the Battle of Ortona, 1943. This information is supplemented by photos, as well as a scrapbook of newspaper clippings and notes, all related to Robertson’s activities during WWII, 1940 1943, 1940 Container 11, File 194; Container 16, File 238).

This series consists of H. Rocke Robertson’s numerous degrees, 1936 1971 (Container 4, File 87), 1932, 1936 (Container 20, File 269 270) and medical certificates, 1936 1976 (Container 20 Files 272-275, 277 278, 280-283 , 287-288), honorary degrees, 1964-1968, 1967-1971 (Container 2, File 33; Container 6, File 131; Container 20, Files 276, 279, 284, 289), awards, including the Montreal General Hospital Award of Merit, 1992-1993 (Container 1, File 1), the Brotherhood of Temple Eman-El Award, which includes an soundtape, 1970 (Container 2, File 28), and the Lister Centenary Prize, Doctor of Laws, the University of Glasgow, 1965 (Container 4, File 105). Robertson also received recognition and awards for his athletic abilities, such as the McGill Sports Certificate, 1936 (Container 20, File 268). Also included in the series are medals, such as the Order of St. John and the Order of Canada, 1969-1985 (Container 1, Files 25 26), military medals, 1939-1945, 1940 (Container 7, Files 139 141, 143; Container 20, File 271), and other honours, 1930 1974, 1962 (Container 7, Files 132 138, 142, 144).

Scholarships and chairs in his name reflect Robertson’s contributions to the fields of surgery and medicine, 1962-1996 (Container 1, File 11), such as the H. Rocke Robertson Chair in Surgery at the University of British Columbia, 1987 (Container 1, File 12), the H. Rocke Robertson Award for Clinical Teaching at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine, 1950 2005 (Container 4, Files 100 101), and the H. Rocke Robertson Chair in Surgery at McGill University, 1987 (Container 1, File 12), which was first awarded to David S. Mulder.

This series documents Robertson’s contributions to the medical field through articles and reports on such diverse topics as wounds and infection and surgical techniques, 1953, 1958, 1963 1964, 1974, 1981 Container 2, File 47, 49, 51, 56 Container 2, File 59 ), trauma care, including one VHS cassette 1962 1996 (Container 1, File 11), the state ofthe Canadian Health Care System, 1972 1973 (Container 2, Files 52 53), and the effects on human health of lead in the environment, 1974 (Container 2, File 54; Container 5, File
123 . In particular, Robertson made significant contributions towards the efficiency of hospital operating systems, to the treatment of wounds, and to gastrointestinal surgery, especially duodenal ulcers and to vascular surgery, with an emphasis on venous thromboembolism and arterial replacement, 1954, 1957, 1962, 1960 1962 Container 2, Files 46, 48, 50; Container 4, File 106). Robertson’s publications include: The Emergency Care Project Books I and II, 1973 1974 (Container 16, Files 236 237), Health Care in Canada: A Commentary, 1973 (Container 5, File 120; Container 16, File 239) and Health Care in Canada: Supplementary Papers, 1973 (Container 16, File 240). This series also contains the article, entitled “Ten Years After”, published in the McGill Journal of Education, which reflect on Robertson’s principalship at McGill, 1978 1980, 1980 Container 2, File 57; Container 5, File 122 .

Newspaper articles, correspondence files, published and unpublished publications, and descriptions of visits to libraries worldwide demonstrate Robertson’s diverse personal interests, particularly his passion for rare English dictionaries 1963 1992 1946 1993, 1966 1986 (Container 6, Files 176 188; Container 8, Files 145 147, 149 152, 172) as well as his interest in literature and rare books, which includes a book of hand written literary quotes 1967 1991 (Container 15, Files 1/225 2/225), as well as efforts to imitate
the literary style of Lyttleton Hart Davis in a letter to his brother, Bruce Robertson, 1989 1994 (Container 4, File 82). This file also includes two of Robertson’s creative writing endeavours, entitled “Silly Boy” and “The Paymaster, or the Artful Dodger”. This series also contains Robertson’s and his grandson’s A Collection of Dictionaries and Related Works, Volumes 1 and 2, 1987 (Container 16, Files 1/235 2/235).

Robertson’s interest in the history of medicine is documented, in particular, through his correspondence with Joyce He slow, ormer Professor of English at McGill University, in which she discusses the Fanny Burney Papers, 1963 1976 (Container 8, File 169) as well as through additional correspondence and articles, 1993 1997, 1976 1984 (Container 8 , Files 170 171). Burney’s first person account of undergoing surgery without anesthesia is later incorporated into one of Robertson’s article on the history of medicine entitled, “Without Benefit of Anesthesia” (Container 8, File 146) which also addresses George Wilson’s anaesthetized amputation during the nineteenth century Further indications of this interest include Robertson’s annotation of the Archibald and Archibald McCrae Correspondence for the Osler Library 1976 (Container 8, Files 154, 159

This series consists of H. Rocke Robertson’s private life, documented in a series of correspondence with his father, Harold Bruce Robertson, Justice of Appeal, British Columbia; his Uncle, Dr. Edward M. Eberts, known as Uncle Ted; his brothers, Alexander Bruce Robertson, known as Bruce and Alan McGregor Robertson; and his sister, Ethel Marian Robertson, known as Marian, 1915 1926, 1962-1979 (Container 4, Files 85, 89; Container 3, Files 60, 63), as well as personal papers which include Robertson’s birth certificate, expired passports, and CVs 1912 1978, 1996 (Container 4, Files 83 84; Container 19, File 267 . Files pertaining to Robertson’s father’s role on the Court of Appeal of British Columbia are also included, 1943 (Container 20, File 285-286) as are documents recognizing Robertson’s acts of kindness in his personal life including one such incident where he exchanged his first class seat on Trans Canada Airlines for the coach seat of a sick child, 1963 (Container 1, File 24).

Of particular interest are the correspondence files photos, and news clippings in the form of a scrapbook, which circulated between Robertson’s father, his Uncle Ted Eberts, and Robertson discussing strategic plans for his career path, marriage, and financial situation, 1935-1936 (Container 4, File 91). Robertson also maintained a regular correspondence with his brother, Bruce, a lawyer in British Columbia, from whom he sought advice on such matters as the McGill Daily Affair and the Stanley Gray Dismissal, among more personal subject matters, 1939-1969, 1939-1989 (Container 8, File 165; (Container 11, File 194 ). Other personal correspondence consists of birthday cards, congratulatory cards for his many achievements, and letters from Family members and friends, 1953, 1955-1986, 1994-1997 (Container 4, File 94; Container 3, Files 61-62, 64-66, 68, 70; Container 8, File 173). Also of note is a letter from his neighbour James or “Jasper” Cross, in which Cross thanks Robertson for greeting him on his return from captivity during the FLQ crisis while congratulating Robertson on his wise decision to move to Ontario due to the perceived dangers to prominent Anglophones in Quebec (Container 3,
File 66).

This series also contains documents pertaining to Robertson’s properties, for example, photos of his numerous private residences, 1956 1971, 2001 (Container 4, Files 93, 111); information on the sale of “Struan”, his retirement home; as well as information on his investments and donations, including the division of his estate and chattels amongst family members, 1948-1998 (Container 3, Files 71-77). Personal letters received during his principalship discuss topics such as his mother’s declining health as well as letters from his nieces and nephews that recount such events as the loss of Toni Robertson’s baby teeth, 1962-1966 (Container 3, Files 60, 69). These letters reflect the space that Robertson reserved for his family, even during times of professional stress and turbulence.

His interest in his lineage is evident through files that document his family’s genealogy, including a detailed family tree, 1984-1994 (Container 4, Files 82, 86). This series contains documents in diverse formats, such as photos, travel brochures, and postcards from a family trip to Europe in 1958 (Container 4, Files 81, 89), as well as other vacations with friends and family (Container 15, Files 226 228, 232). Additional correspondence files, newspaper clippings, in the form of wedding announcements, and photographs pertain to family related events such as Robertson’s courtship and marriage to Beatrice Rosyln, 1935-1936 (Container 4, File 91), and to the celebration of the Robertsons’ Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary 1987 Container 2, File 43). Robertson’s courtship was largely documented through letters that circulated between his Uncle Ted, his father, and Thomas Arnold, Rolly’s father.

Several files, including health notes and medical charts on Robertson and his wife that were compiled by caregivers, 1997-1998 (Container 2, File 44), condolence letters and cards on the death of H. Rocke Robertson, 1998 (Container 2, File 45; Container 8, File 174), H. Rocke Robertson’s obituary, 1998 (Container 3, File 78), and memorial service, 1998 (Container 1, File 14) were added to the archives by Stuart Robertson following H. Rocke Robertson’s death.

Robertson’s interest in rare English dictionaries and his penchant for collecting are reflected in his personal library of dictionaries, numbering almost 500, which he donated to the University of British Columbia, 1986-1994 (Container 2, Files 38-40). Numerous articles and correspondence files reinforce his interest in this subject, 1976-1989, 1981, 1969-1991 (Container 2, Files 41, 58; Container 8, File 168). In particular, letters to his friend, Geoffrey Keynes, a William Blake Scholar and collector, suggest that Keynes may have been the stimulus for Robertson’ interest in collecting, 1989-1994 (Container 4, File 82). His membership in the Osler Society and the H. Rocke Robertson Rare Book Room in McGill’s Osler Library which houses Robertson’s rare book donation to McGill, coupled with conferences he attended on the history of medicine signify his interest in this topic, 1970-1998, 1927-2005, 1979 (Container 1, Files 15-18, 20; Container 3, Files 1/80 3/80; (Container 8, File 159). Robertson’s interest in the creative arts is reflected through the plethora of theatre and opera brochures and pamphlets that he preserved 1965-1983 (Container 15, File 231).

This series consists of correspondence with Robertson’s family, addressed to his father and family, dealing with daily school activities and athletic accomplishments; as well, several letters, postcards, artifacts, and photos document Robertson’s educational and travel experiences in Switzerland, 1925-1926 (Container 4, File 89). Also included are Rhodes scholarship nomination letters, written by Brentwood College and St. Michael’s School teachers, praising Robertson’s academic ability, athletic prowess, and natural leadership skills. Although he applied, he did not receive this scholarship. Robertson’s early leadership potential manifested itself in his appointment as head prefect at St. Michael’s School and as head boy during his time at Brentwood College. This series also includes photos of tennis and rugby sports teams, medals, and school crests, 1929-1931 (Container 4, File 90).

During his last two years at McGill, H. Rocke Robertson received the distinction of being the top medical student, which is documented through newspaper clippings, 1935-1936 (Container 1, File 2). Also included in the series are mock menus reflecting the comedic efforts of medical students, 1935-1936 (Container 1, File 2). Several artifacts, including McGill crests and tennis crests, 1930-1935 (Container 7, File 144) reflect Robertson’s scholarly and athletic achievements at McGill.