Following national service in the navy, during which he was mentioned in dispatches, David Gerald Milton-Thompson went as a medical missionary to central China, where he met and married his wife, Beatrice (“Bea”). Soon afterwards, because of the communist takeover, they were compelled to leave, undertaking a long and hazardous journey to the coast. David then began a 30 year commitment to Kaloleni Mission Hospital, Kenya, in the course of which he was awarded the OBE and was also ordained as an Anglican clergyman. On returning to England, he became an honorary curate in Essex. In 1985 he was invited to be medical superintendent of Mengo, an erstwhile mission hospital in Kampala, Uganda, at a particularly difficult time following the overthrow of Idi Amin. A forthright humorous and winsome Christian, he spent his last years in Sevenoaks, assisting in the work of its parish church. Throughout their long, varied, and fruitful lives he and Bea earned the deep respect and affection of the many people whom they met and ministered to.
His wife, Bea, predeceased him. He is survived by two sons and five grandchildren.
Former medical missionary China, Kenya, and Uganda (b 1917; q Cambridge/The London 1942; OBE), died from peritonitis on 7 January 2008.