James Whiteside Bridges

Colonel J.W. Bridges CBE, DSO (15 July 1863 - ) was the 7th Canadian Surgeon General.

World War I

With the outbreak of World War I, Bridges was Taken on Strength in 1914 with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, serving with No. 2 General Hospital. He went overseas shortly thereafter, and upon arriving in England was briefly sent directly to France with the Office of the Director of Medical Services. He returned to England the following year and was posted as Senior Medical Officer for the Billeting Area. Bridges remained in the position until 1916, when newly promoted to Colonel, he was transferred to 3rd Division as Assistant Director of Medical Services(Army).^[1]

In 1916, Bridges was appointed Temporary Inspector of Canadian Hospitals in England, a position he held for a brief period of time before returning to the position of Assistant Deputy of Medical Services (Army) in the areas of Brighton, Witley and Bramshott in 1917 and 1918.^[1]

Later career

Following his return to Canada in 1919, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his service during the war. Bridges also “resumed his duties as [Assistant Director of Medical Services]”^[1] (Army) in Montréal, Québec.

In 1920, Bridges was Struck off Strength and reverted to his permanent forces unit (No. 2 General Hospital)^[1] until 1921; at which time, he was appointed Director General of the Medical Services (Army) (later known as Surgeon General).

References

1. Library and Archives Canada. Forms R.150. James Whiteside Bridges’ Service Record. RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 1058 – 41, Item #: 63645, p.1. Retrieved 19 May 2015