We are working alongside Birmingham Children’s Hospital to
establish a memorial which tells the story of this pioneering doctor. To mark the centenary
of his death we are working with the Birmingham Civic Society to reinstate his blue plaque
in a ceremony later this year. This project will help to highlight the incredible work done by
him and that this came at significant personal sacrifice. Here is some information about Dr
Hall-Edwards: –
Born in Birmingham in 1858 in King’s Norton and went to King Edward’s Grammar School.
Studied medicine at Queens College Medical School in Birmingham

• Very keen photographer and surgeon. President of the Midland Photographic Club from
  1891 to 1893. He observed Wilhelm Roentgen’s discovery of X-rays on November 8th
  1895,
• On 11 th January 1896 made the first X-ray in the World under clinical conditions. It was
  an X-ray of the hand to reveal a sterilised needle under the surface.On 14 th February 1896
  took the first X-ray to direct a surgical operation. Also took the first X-ray of the human
  spine.
• Gave one of the earliest demonstrations of X-rays in the UK on 4 th March 1896 on Hodge
  Hill Common
• In 1899 made the first surgeon radiographer at Birmingham General Hospital(and serving
  the outlying hospitals). Developed the field of radiography and radiology.
• In 1900 joined the Warwickshire Regiment and went to South Africa for the Boer War,
  becoming the first military radiographer.
• For over 20 years SMO in charge of the X-ray department at Birmingham General
  Hospital(now Birmingham Children’s Hospital). Likely the 1 st radiologist in the World.
• Dr Hall-Edwards developed X-ray dermatitis of his left arm and this became advanced.
  Left arm amputated at the elbow in 1908. Four fingers on his right arm soon after, leaving
  only a thumb.
• He lectured on the dangers of X-rays as a result. Also on the treatment of cancer
  potentially with radiation.
• Died in Edgbaston on 15 th August 1926