William Welply

Dr. William Welply was educated at Doon House Preparatory School in Kent, before going to Uppingham School until 1930, when he became a medical student at the London Hospital Medical College. A keen sportsman, he played Fives at the London Hospital and, as an avid sailor, was a member of the United Hospitals’ Sailing Club, and of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club. At the 1936 Olympics, Welply partnered Keith Grogono in the 2-man Star Class. They were lying third after four races but ended up just outside a medal place in fourth.

Welply qualified in 1935, and held various in-house posts at the London until 1945 when he obtained his Fellowship and spent three years as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in Northern China. His next move took him to Canada where he joined the staff of the Manitoba Clinic in 1950. He became head of the orthopaedic department of the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg and was later a university lecturer. At the time of his death he was a professor.

Welply continued sailing after moving to Canada, and was a member of the committee of the Manitoba Sailing Association, and a judge at the 1967 Pan American Games at Winnipeg. Welply left Canada early in 1970 to attend the Combined Orthopaedic Association meeting in Australia, but during a stop-over in London, he was taken ill and admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital for Officers where an examination revealed he had pancreatic cancer. Sadly he died shortly afterwards without returning to Canada.