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MEDICAL REPORT ON THE 
CAUSE OF DEATH OF THE HONORABLE
PAUL KNABENSHUE

A brief medical report of the physician in charge follows: "Mr. Knabenshue was operated on for hammer toe of the left foot at the Royal Hospital on January 19 following a two day preparation at his home.  local aneasthetic [[anesthetic]] was administered. He returned to his home three hours and a half after the operation, and was confined to his bed until his death, with the exception of a brief period on January 25. A mild reaction was evident the evening of January 21 when Mr. Knabenshue's temperature rose, and his left foot began to swell slightly. These symptoms had subsided, however, by January 22.

"Anti-tetanus serum was administered January 27 when his doctor and two consulting physicians suspected tetanus, following a complaint by Mr. Knabenshue that he experienced difficulty in opening his mouth and in swallowing. The diagnosis was confirmed January 28, trismus was evident, and further serum was administered. Constant day and night attendance was maintained from that day onward by four British Army nurses. Two eminent British military surgeons and civilian experts were consulted and avertin was administered.

"Local jaw spasms began the twenty-ninth of January, necessitating serum administrations and two more injections of avertin. Although a slight improvement was evident early on the thirtieth, the spasms became severe in the afternoon and by the thirty-first were affecting the diaphragm and chest. Artificial respiration was resorted to in order to effect recovery from three severe spasms. These effects were successful, but indications of circulation failure were manifest that evening. Mr. Knabenshue suffered another chest and diaphragm spasm and died at 5:30 A.M. February 1 without regaining consciousness.2"

On February 4, 1942, a full medical report was submitted with dispatch No.1828.