This event has finished Took place on: Friday, 26th Oct 2018

Free

Drawing on recently declassified records in British and American files, this talk illuminates a long-hidden feature of wartime medicine: the deliberate modification of bodies for the purposes of disguise.

More specifically, it explores how Britain’s Special Operations Executive employed professional plastic surgeons to alter the appearance of agents assigned to dangerous missions in enemy territory.

Today, records reveal not only the nature of the work done but also the range of reasons for which surgery was recommended. Whilst illustrating the lengths to which Allied agents were prepared to go in order to ensure their survival and contribute to the Allied war effort, the talk will also discuss the ethics of body modification for the purposes of waging war.

Between 1900 and 2000, Chelsea’s Millbank Buildings housed the Royal Army Medical College. This event is presented by Friends of Millbank, who work with Chelsea College of Arts to keep the history of the Millbank site alive.

Talks are free, all welcome.

Contact and Booking Details

This event has finished Took place on: Friday, 26th Oct 2018

Free

Booking details and information at this website.

No need to book tickets - just turn up on the day.

Disclaimer: All information given is correct at the time of compiling the listings. Any questions about the event should be directed to the event organiser. Photos and images used in this listing are supplied by the organiser.

2018-10-26 2018-10-26 Europe/London Special Operations: Plastic Surgery and Disguise in WW2 Drawing on recently declassified records in British and American files, this talk illuminates a long-hidden feature of wartime medicine: the deliberate modification of bodies for the purposes of disguise. https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/calendar/2018/10/26/special-operations-plastic-surgery-and-disguise-in-ww2-184741 Chelsea College of Arts,16 John Islip Street,London,