First World War British Silver War Badge - Private James Henry Cusens, Tank Corps
Silver War Badge - B85911
Private James Henry Cusens, service number 305875, served with the Tank Corps during the First World War. Born in 1895, he enlisted in July 1915 and would later serve overseas with the Tank Corps during the final phase of the war.
In 1918 Cusens’ health deteriorated seriously. Medical records show that on 2 June 1918, he was admitted to the 18th General Hospital suffering from severe valvular disease of the heart. His condition was bad enough that he was transferred by No. 38 Ambulance Train and moved between several military hospitals, including No. 12 Stationary Hospital, and later Catterick Military Hospital for continuing treatment. This was a chronic and debilitating illness, not the result of wounds or injury, but it left him unfit for any further military duty.
Cusens was finally discharged from the Army on 9 January 1919, his physical condition recorded as “V.D.H.” (valvular disease of the heart) and his disability assessed as attributable to service. A pension was awarded from 10 January 1919. His address at the time of discharge was “Siesta”, Kirkley Avenue, Bentley Road, Doncaster, where he returned to civilian life to continue treatment.
A young Tank Corps soldier whose health broke down under wartime conditions, leading to discharge and early death shortly after the war.
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AJMS Medals