| Rank | Private, Corporal, Lieutenant |
| Service # | 541128 |
| Unit # | 24th Kent Regt., Cycle Corps of the CEF, London, Royal Naval Flying Corps |
| 24th Reg. | Yes |
| Resident | Dresden |
Son of Mrs. Catherine McVean of Dresden. A Student. He was an Officer with the 24th Kent Regt. Attestation: 27/01/1916 at London, ON to 4th Div. Cyclist.
Pte. James W. McVean was promoted to Corporal in the Cyclist Corps, and later took out a commission as Lieutenant, having charge of a platoon of Cyclists in London.
Under the Mobilization Camp Orders No. 267, he was granted a short leave from duties. Lt. J.W. McVean of the O.C. Detachment Cycle Corps. from 12 midnight 6-7:10:16 to 12 midnight 9-10:10:16.
He went overseas in May, 1917 and a short time later transferred to the Royal Naval Air Service. About March 1 st, 1918, Lieutenant McVean received injuries when he was involved in an accident. According to the CDP 10/12/18 “ Mr. McVean was overseas with the RAF and fell thousands of feet in a machine, his escape from death at the time being considered one of the most miraculous known.” The paper goes on to say that he suffered head wounds and a “misplaced heart”, after several months in hospital recovered, “but the heart could not be replaced.”
He died of heart related problems at the age of 23 while in Toronto 9/12/1918 and was buried in Kingston. His name is found on the Dresden cenotaph. breaking his chest bone and lacerating his head. He was treated at 4th Northern General Hospital, St Joseph’s Hospital. London. Ont, and St Andrews Hospital at Toronto.
Discharged May 5th 1919.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Cenotaph | Dresden Cenotaph |
| Sources | Chatham Daily Planet (22-06-1916), Chatham Daily Planet (25-02-1918), Chatham Daily Planet (07-03-1918), Chatham Daily Planet (10-12-1918), Chatham Daily Planet (11-12-1918), Stepping Back In Time - Trillium Trail in Dresden - Marie & Jeffrey Carter, RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 7216 - 34 |
| Height | 5'11" |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Age | 20 |
| Complexion | Fair |
| Hair | Fair |
| Race | White |
| Birthplace | 16/12/1897 at Dresden, ON. |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Last Place of Employment | Student |
| Marital Status | Single |
| When Enlisted | January 1916 |
| Where Enlisted | London, Ontario |
| Next of Kin | Mother- Mrs. Osgood McVean, Dresden. |
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