Geoffrey Doyne

Geoffrey Doyne was the son of Robert Doyne, a distinguished ophthalmic surgeon and top-class fencer. Geoffrey followed in his father’s footsteps in both profession, and choice of sport.

Geoffrey was educated at Winchester College, before going to Trinity College, Oxford, and then finishing his education at St. Thomas’s Hospital, London. Doyne served with the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) in World War I and spent three years in Mesopotamia before becoming the Army eye specialist in Baghdad.

On his return to England, he settled into practice in London before obtaining the position of consulting ophthalmic surgeon to St. Thomas’s, Moorfields Eye Hospital, and the Hospital for Sick Children, now known as the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

At both Winchester and Trinity, Doyne did a lot to develop interest in the foil. He won a fencing Blue in 1906, when he also competed in the National Foil Championship. He went on to win the title in two occasions, in 1912 and 1920. Doyne also competed in the National Épée Championship.

At the age of 47, Doyne was selected to fence for England against Scotland a Edinburgh and his longevity in the sport continued beyond the age of 60 when he fenced regularly at the London Fencing Club. He was also much sought-after as a judge and adviser.

As a youngster, Doyne was an all-round sportsman and at university rowed for Trinity. He maintained his interest in rowing throughout his life and spent many hours at his mother’s house on the Thames near Henley, watching crews regularly practice. Doyne’s only child Elizabeth, married Emrys Lloyd, the former British foil champion and four-time Olympian.