Canadian War Veterans Memorial Project
Commemorating those that served

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Nursing Sister Jean Elizabeth Sword

Survivor of WW1

General Links Ranks Awards Print

General Information

Conflict:
WW1
Regimental No.:
NA
Cause of Death (in war):
Survived
Branch:
Army
Regiment:
Canadian Army Medical Corps
Battalion:
No. 12 Canadian General Hospital
Company:
Date of Birth :
Place of Birth:
Owen Sound, Ontario
Date of Enlistment:
Age at Enlistment:
20 years 9 months
Date of Discharge:
Age at Discharge:
Date of Death:
Age at Death:
Country Born:
Canada
Trade or Calling:
Nurse
Next of Kin:
Father; William Sword, 1131-2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ontario
Address at Enlistment:
1131-2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ontario
Religion:
Methodist
Place of Enlistment:
Quebec City, Quebec
Was a Prisoner of War:
No
Height:
5 ft 7.0 in / 170 cm
Weight:
Chest:
Expansion:
Marital Status:
Single
Prior Military Experience:
Yes
Saw Service in:
Europe
Place of Discharge:
Discharge Type:
Discharge Notes:
Battle Died/Wounded:
Length of Service:
Buried at:
Library and Archives Canada Service Record
Canadian Great War Project

Ranks

Conflict Rank Regiment Branch Unit Company Date From Date To
WW1 Nursing Sister Canadian Army Medical Corps Army No. 12 Canadian General Hospital
<p>On April 22, 1918 she acted as a blood donor for a transfusion.&nbsp; due to general weakness and an irregular heart beat, she was hospitalized following the transfusion, until April 26.&nbsp; She was then granted sick furlough until May 06.</p><p>Awarded the Royal Red Cross, Second Class on June 21, (reference London Gazette 30758).</p><p>She was granted leave from July 03 to July 25.&nbsp; While on leave, she married Major JP Girvan, second in Command of the 15th Battalion.&nbsp; On July 1
WW1 Nursing Sister Canadian Army Medical Corps Army No. 11 Canadian General Hospital
WW1 Nursing Sister Canadian Army Medical Corps Army No. 5 Canadian General Hospital
WW1 Nursing Sister Canadian Army Medical Corps Army No. 9 Canadian Stationary Hospital
WW1 Nursing Sister Canadian Army Medical Corps Army No. 2 Canadian General Hospital
<p>She mobilized with the CAMC Nursing Service at Quebec City, Quebec on September 19, 1914.</p><p>Sailed with the Nursing Sisters Draft of the First Contingent aboard SS Franconia from Quebec city to Devonport, October 03-14, 1914.&nbsp; (Note that the nursing sisters contingent sailed separately from their units)&nbsp; The 2nd General Hospital was assigned to West Down, Salisbury Plain on arrival in england.</p><p>She was admitted to Bulford Manor Hospital with Appendicitis from December 29, 1

Awards

Conflict Award Action Date of Award Date of Citation Source
WW1 Royal Red Cross 2nd Class not stated London Gazette 30758

Notes

Resigned her appointment on July 25, 1918 at Bramshott Camp.
Wife of John Pollands Girvan, Major. She and Major Girvan both went overseas as part of the First Canadian Contingent. Although not married at that time, a husband and wife who were both part of the First Contingent must make them a very unique couple.

Version: 1 Last modified: 2026-04-05 16:57:11 by: Marc