Background: Sir Benjamin Rank and William Manchester significantly contributed to the field of Plastic Surgery in Australia and New Zealand. Rank, after training under the 'big four' in London, applied innovative techniques during World War II and later established the first dedicated Plastic Surgery unit in Australia. Manchester, trained similarly, went on to become a pioneer in cleft lip and palate surgery. Methods: Rank's methods, influenced by his London mentors, deviated from conventional war surgery treatments, utilising early skin grafting and topical agents. Post-war, he laid the foundation for Plastic Surgery practices in Australia, emphasising primary repair to minimise fibrosis and contracture. Manchester's approach, following his training and service in World War II, led to the establishment of Plastic Surgery units in New Zealand, with a focus on cleft surgery. Results: Rank's leadership in the new unit led to the successful management of complex facial reconstructions and the development of industrial safety regulations. He also initiated the first formal Plastic Surgery training program in Australia. Manchester's work in cleft surgery garnered him an international reputation, culminating in his appointment as the first Professor of Plastic Surgery in the Antipodes. Conclusions: The pioneering efforts of Rank and Manchester in establishing and developing Plastic Surgery units laid the groundwork for current practices. Their innovative surgical methods, educational initiatives, and dedication to advancing the specialty have left an enduring legacy in the Australasian region. Ref: Brown E, Klaassen MF. War, facial surgery and itinerant kiwis: the New Zealand plastic surgery story. Australas. J. Plast Surg. 2018; 1: 51–3.