Lice - WW1 Flashcards
Why did the soldiers develop lice
Because men had to live close together, wearing the same clothes for days on end, naturally lice spread rapidly in these conditions
What could lice cause
Lice could cause a more serious disease called trench fever
What are the symptoms of trench fever
They were similar to the symptoms of flu and typhoid and many soldiers sufferered from its effects
How did they stop the spreading of lice
By having hot baths and a complete change of clothes as often as possible, they attempted to crack the lice with their fingers and also run the seam of their trousers with a lighted candle
What could happen if you caught trench fever
It could stop you fighting for a period of time
Why were lice such a problem for men in the trenches
As they had no way of washing, so everyone was covered. Lice also carried trench fever and if your caught it could stop you fighting for week and they also caused frenzied scratching
What percent did lice account to all the illness in the army
15%
How effective was the method of running a lighted candle down your trousers to get rid of lice
It was fairly effective but the skill of burning the lice without burning your clothes, was only learnt with practice
How effective was the method of baths and delousing machines, in getting rid of lice
It rarely worked as some eggs remained on the clothes and then hatched out within 2 or 3 hours of clothing being put on again (due to body heat)
What marks did lice leave on the body
Blotchy red bite marks
What was lice hunting called
Chatting
What was it usual to receive in parcels from home
A tin of supposedly death-dealing powder, but lice thrived on the stuff
