A First War Memorial Cross To Private Eva; Canadian Army Dental Corps

George V (522517 Pte. J.J. EVA). Naming is engraved. Mounted to a suspension bar, light contact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: John James Eva was born on March 16, 1895 in Falmouth, England, the son of William John Eva and Emily Eva. The couple later moved to Canada and settled in Kingston, Ontario. Eva signed his Attestation Paper as a Private (522517) with the 14th Regular Guard, Canadian Army Dental Corps, on July 16, 1915, at Barriefield Camp in Kingston, Ontario, at the age of 20, naming his next-of-kin as his father, William John Eva, stating that he had four years' service with the Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment (PWOR), that he was not married and that his trade was that of Plumber. Private Eva embarked Canada on December 18, 1915, arriving in England on the 28th and upon his arrival, was taken on strength at Shorncliffe. He was detailed for duty at the Military Hospital at Shorncliffe on January 3, 1916, followed by his detailing to the Dental Clinic twelve weeks later, on March 30th. By the late Fall, he was posted for duty to the Canadian Army Dental Corps Headquarters in London, on November 23rd, then attached to Overseas Military Forces of Canada Headquarters on January 24, 1917. As Private Eva began to feel ill, experiencing hemorrhaging, he proceeded to the General Base Depot at Shorncliffe on July 9, 1917. He was subsequently admitted to Endell Street Military Hospital with what appeared to be "Bronchitis". A bacteriologist's report indicated that some "T.B.'s" had been found, necessitating his transfer to the Canadian Military Hospital at Hastings on July 9, 1917, where he was officially diagnosed with "Phthisis" (pulmonary tuberculosis or a similar progressive systemic disease) and "T.B. Lung" (Tuberculosis in his lungs). The doctor noted that he had had a bout of "La Grippe" (pneumonia) in 1914, and possibly in 1916, but they were not severe attacks. In a doctor's report, dated July 24, 1917, the physician described Eva's recent medical history: "about a month ago, felt dizzy one night. 2 weeks ago had (a) hemorrhage (9-7-17). Went to Endell St. Hosp. after reporting to W.O.; sputum said to be (illegible word) 12-7-17. No cough and very little expectorant. No night sweats." Tow days later, on July 26th, it was noted that nothing abnormal was found in his chest and that his malady was "probably tuberculosis". Both Eva and the doctor were convinced that the infection occurred in England. Private Evawas discharged from service, as being "No longer fit for war service" and was invalided to Canada for further medical treatment aboard the Hospital Ship Araguaya from Liverpool, England on September 14th, arriving in Canada on the 25th. Upon arrival in Canada, Private Eva was placed under the control of the Military Hospitals Commission of Canada and was admitted to Mowat Sanatorium, at Military District No. 3 at Kingston on October 7, 1918. Later, the attending physician noted that the "Case was an incipient one with mild grade changes in both upper lobes most marked on the right. X-ray showed enlargement (of the) Aorta, also some calcaveous glands with peri-bronchial thickening. There are recent tuberculous areas between (the) 1st and 6th rib on (the) left side. During his sojourn in the Sanatorium he improved steadily." He was briefly transferred to Kingston General Hospital on November 7, 1917, for treatment of a "left varicocele" (an abnormal enlargement of the pampiniform venous plexus in the scrotum), consenting to an operation, which was a success, before returning to the sanatorium. In his Medical History of an Invalid, dated March 11, 1918 at Mowat Sanatorium, the doctor reported on Private Eva's condition, regarding his Pulmonary Tuberculosis and the Suppurative Otitis Media in his right ear (a middle ear inflammation of greater than two weeks that results in episodes of discharge from the ear): "General condition good, has improved steadily during his sojourn at the Sanatorium. Has slight cough without expectoration, is gaining weight, looks and feels well. Pulmonary condition - shows no material change in physical signs, since previous examination. Mild grade changes in both upper lobes. Disease arrested quiescent. Otitis Media causing little or no inconvenience besides the deafness." Both conditions were deemed to be permanent, the medical authorities designating him as Category "E" (unfit for service in Categories A, B, C = General Service, Service Abroad, Home Service) and recommending that he be discharged. He was struck off strength as "Medically Unfit" on March 19, 1918, and was officially discharged from Mowat Sanatorium, on March 26, 1919, still experiencing slight deafness. His condition worsened over the next two and half years. 522517 Private John James Eva, Canadian Army Dental Corps died on September 8, 1920, at the age of 25. He is buried in Kingston (Cataraqui) Cemetery, Kingston, Ontario, North-East quarter of Lot 46. Sec. M. and is commemorated on Page 549 of the First World War Book of Remembrance. For his First War service, he was awarded the British War Medal by itself, as he was not eligible for the 1914-15 Star and the Victory Medal, credited with having served in Canada and England. As he had passed away before the medals were issued, his father, William John Eva, received his medal, along with his Memorial Plaque and Scroll. His mother, Emily Eva, received his Memorial Cross.