Harry Russell Lillie, Naval surgeon and anti-whaling activist

Death certificate; Certificate of cremation; Typescript copy of Lillie’s Last Will and Testament.

Dr Harry Russell Lillie was a surgeon and medical officer aboard British whaling ships in the Antarctic during the 1940s. Originally from Dundee, Lillie received his MB ChB from the University of St Andrews in 1939, previously graduating with a BSc Engineering in 1926.

He began his career at sea during the whaling season of 1946-1947. In addition to exercising his medical and surgical skills, Lillie was able to observe the conditions and methods of whaling in the Antarctic. He felt strongly that these practices were inhumane, and began campaigning for changes to whaling laws. His book, “The Path through Penguin City” was published in 1955 and remains one of the most influential books in whaling conservation.

Access to some items may be restricted. Please contact Heritage staff at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Descriptive list available at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

None expected.

RCPSG Museum collection: 2016.3 – Medical bag belonging to Harry Russell Lillie;

RCPSG Library collection: Basement AA.2.5.13 – “The path through penguin city” by Harry R. Lillie (London: Ernest Bennn, 1955) (author’s own copy);

RCPSG Library collection: Basement AA.2.5.14 – “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling (London: Macmillan, 1915) (signed by the author and owned by Lillie).