Figure. Harrison graduated from the University of Toronto Medical School in 1907. Photo by: Annadale National Historic Site

A serial bigamist, front-line physician in 7 wars, and humanitarian revered in China, Canada’s own Dr. Tillson Lever Harrison is a study in contradictions.

In 1917, Harrison joined the Canadian Army, abandoned Eva, and served in France as a physician to the Chinese Labour Corps, which carried stretchers, dug trenches and delivered ammunition. Harrison learned their language and customs, while treating such ailments as catarrh, emphysema and trachoma. He deplored the way they were treated, including the shearing of pigtails, the forced wearing of riveted identification bracelets and racial taunts. Michael Summerskill, in China on the Western Front, mentions Harrison’s reducing “sick parade” numbers from over 30 to less than 5 during the winter of 1917–1918, gaining him great “face” among the Chinese.

Dr. Tillson Lever Harrison’s full story can be read here.

Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal