Canada. A Pair to Bandsman Robert Veitch Naples, 93rd Infantry Battalion

Canada; British War Medal (195176 A. SJT. R. NAPLES. 93-CAN.INF.); and Volunteer Long Service Medal, Edward VII (5507 Pte R. NAPLES. 6/V.B. RL: SCOTS). Naming is officially impressed. Un-mounted, replacement ribbons, light contact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: Robert Veitch Naples was born on August 7, 1877 in Lasswood, Midlothian, Scotland, the son of John Naples and Mary Naples, later of Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Scotland. He was married to Margaret Naples, the couple having one child, a boy, John Naples, age 19, as of April 1917. Naples signed his Attestation Paper as a Bandsman (195176) with the 93rd Infantry Battalion "Peterborough Battalion", on September 10, 1915 in Peterborough, Ontario, at the age of 38, naming his next-of-kin as his wife, Margaret Naples of Peterborough, stating that he had no previous military service, that he was Married, that his religion was Presbyterian and that his trade was that of Punch-press Operator. Although he stated he had no previous military service, he had been previously awarded the Volunteer Long Service Medal while with the 6th Volunteer Battalion Royal Scots in Scotland, before immigrating to Canada. The 93rd Infantry Battalion was raised in Peterborough County, Ontario with mobilization headquarters at Peterborough under the authority of G.O. 151, December 22, 1915. The Battalion sailed July 15, 1916 aboard the S.S. Empress of Britain under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel T.J. Johnston with a strength of 36 officers and 868 other ranks, arriving in England on the 25th. Upon arrival in England, he was named Acting Bandsman Sergeant, the Battalion being absorbed into the 39th Infantry Battalion at West Sandling. Six weeks after arriving in England, he was transferred to the Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre as a "local casualty" and placed on command at Otterpool on September 4, 1916. In a Medical Board Examination held at Shorncliffe on September 13, 1916, Naples was diagnosed with a "large varicocele" (a varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the pampiniform venous plexus in the scrotum. This plexus of veins drains the testicles.

 

The testicular blood vessels originate in the abdomen and course down through the inguinal canal as part of the spermatic cord on their way to the testis. Upward flow of blood in the veins is ensured by small one-way valves that prevent backflow. Defective valves, or compression of the vein by a nearby structure, can cause dilatation of the testicular veins near the testis, leading to the formation of a varicocele. Varicocele is known as one of the main causes for male infertility and can be treated by a surgery or non-surgical treatments). It was also noted that he had a "severe hernia", the doctor describing his condition and recommending a temporary method of treatment: "Complains he cannot carry on with (the) band. Recommend a truss." In a Proceedings of a Medical Board Report, dated the next day, September 14th, the doctor noted that Naples "Refuses operation. Will not be able to carry on ordinary duties as soldier." One month later, he proceeded on command to the Reinforcing Depot at Shoreham on October 17, 1916, where he would remain until November 11th, before being posted to the Canadian Convalescent Depot, where he was declared "Fit for free duty" on November 16th. Sergeant (Bandsman) Napleswas struck off strength on proceeding to Canada at West Sandling, on December 8, 1916. Upon arrival in Canada, he was posted to Military District No. 3 in Kingston, Ontario, transferred from the 93rd Infantry Battalion to the 247th Infantry Battalion "Victoria and Haliburton Battalion/Die Hards", on December 26, 1916. The following Spring, he was posted to No. 3 Army Medical Corps Training Depot on April 7, 1917, followed by a transfer ten weeks later to No. 3 Special Service Company on June 13th. In his Medical History of an Invalid Report, dated December 6, 1917 at Fort Henry, the doctor conducting the examination noted that in addition to his large left side varicocele, Naples was slightly deaf in both ears, had trouble standing and complained of pain in his shoulders, legs and knees in wet weather. The Board declared that he had a "permanent disability" in regards to the varicocele and designated him to be Category "C" (Home Service in Canada only). Sergeant (Bandsman) Robert Veitch Naples was struck off strength of No. 3 Special Service Company and discharged as Medically Unfit" at Fort Henry, Military District No. 3 in Kingston, on January 21, 1918, his conduct noted as "Very Good". He was paid a War Service Gratuity in the amount of $140.40. In his Will, dated April 13, 1917, he stated that "I bequeath all my real estate and my personal estate to my wife, Mrs. Robert V. (Margaret) Naples of Peterborough" but of course, the Will was never executed. For his First World War service, he was awarded the British War Medal.