Jean Elizabeth Sword was born November 23, 1893, in Owen Sound, Ontario. She was raised in the city and went on to serve as a decorated nurse in the First World War. Mrs. Sword survived the war and went on to be a loving wife, and mother of two children.
Jean Sword grew up in Owen Sound, Ontario with her parents William and Allison Sword, as well as 5 siblings. After attending school at the Owen Sound Collegiate Institute, she trained to be a nurse. Jean volunteered her service right away during the outbreak of the First World War. She enlisted with the Canadian Army Medical Corps in September of 1914, at the age of 21. Jean began a month’s long training soon after in England and was eventually assigned to No. 12 Canadian General Hospital in Bramshott, England. While nursing, Jean suffered from appendicitis, as well as general debility (a state of weakness, exhaustion, and sometimes pain).
In April of 1918 Jean acted as a donor for a blood transfusion, causing her to be hospitalized for about a week due to weakness and heart problems. On June 21, 1918, during Jean’s sick leave, she was granted the Royal Red Cross, Second Class award due to her exceptional nursing services.
Jean Sword took leave once again in July to marry Major John Pollands Girvan, then second-in command of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, in London, England. She officially resigned her services on July 25, 1918. Later in life, Jean moved to Halton Hills, Ontario. Her husband passed away on May 29, 1961, at the age of 73.
Jean Elizabeth Sword passed away on July 24, 1962, one year after her husband. Jean was an exceptional and brave nurse who was willing to give her services for her country.