Any war that has taken place throughout history a large number of soldiers succumb to disease. The nature of trench warfare with an abundance of rats, dead corpses, and contaminated water lent itself to disease. The soldiers of the Great War in Europe did not have the benefit of modern day antibiotics. The influenza epidemic of the war years is believed to have claimed more victims then the great battles of that conflict.
John Prince was one of these soldiers that survived his experiences overseas only to succumb to disease contracted on his way home.
John Prince was born in England the son of Edward and Martha Prince, during the year 1897. As a child the Prince family came to Canada and settled in the Windsor area. John attended local elementary and high school. After completing school John served as an apprentice electrician.
It was during this time that Brother John Prince was initiated into Freemasonry in Ontario Lodge No. 521 at Windsor.
In September of 1918 Brother Prince enlisted and was sent overseas. After the armistice Private Brother John Prince remained in Europe for a short time, ultimately being sent home in March of 1919.
Crossing the North Atlantic in the middle of winter aboard a crowded troop carrier had little comfort for these returning soldiers. It was at this time that Brother John Prince contracted spinal meningitis which led to his demise. His death was recorded in the Windsor Record and reads as follows:
March 20th 1919.
Home a week, Veteran Dies of Meningitis
Pte. John Prince succumbs Wednesday Morning
Disease Contracted on Trip Homeward from Overseas
" After having been home from overseas only one week Pte John Prince aged 22, died Wednesday morning at the family residence, 78 Crawford Avenue, succumbing to spinal meningitis which he contracted while on board ship bound for home.
Deceased enlisted in Windsor last September and was stationed in a training camp in England when the armistice was signed. He was a member of the local Masonic lodge, under whose auspices the funeral will probably be held, although no definite funeral arrangements have been made. It is also very probable that the G. W. V. A. will co-operate in holding a military funeral.
Surviving are his mother four brothers Gerald, Fred, Harry and James, at home: and four sisters, Mrs. Harrison of Detroit, Mrs. Joy of Windsor, Mrs. Preston of Edmonton, Alta. and Miss Sarah Prince at home. "
The following day area Freemasons and the Great War Veterans Association conducted a funeral service for the departed brother. An account of the funeral appeared in the Windsor Record and reads as follows:
March 21st 1919.
"Funeral Today"
"Private John Prince"
" Whose funeral under Masonic auspices took place Friday afternoon. He died at his home here from spinal meningitis contracted on the vessel while homeward bound from overseas.
Pt. Jno. Prince is Buried by Fellow Masons
War Veterans also attend Last Rites
at Graveside of Fallen Comrade
Members of the local Masonic lodges turned out to the funeral of Private John Prince, a returned soldier who died Wednesday morning of spinal meningitis, which was held Friday afternoon from the home, 78 Crawford avenue internment following in Windsor Grove Cemetery.
Friends of the deceased including returned soldiers were present and a large procession of automobiles followed the hearse to the cemetery where the Masons again officiated in the burial of their late brother.
The floral tributes were beautiful and numerous showing the esteem in which the deceased was held. "
Brother John Prince's final resting place was in Windsor Grove Cemetery.
