Western Front c1914-1918 Flashcards
When and where was World War 1 declared?
Britain declared war on Germany in August 1914, troops were sent to Belgium to stop the advance of German troops.
Where was the fighting restricted to?
Fighting was restricted to a line of tranches that stretched through Flanders, France and all the way down to Switzerland (known as the Western Front).
Were the trenches well dug out?
No - The trenches were hurriedly dug by troops.
How were the trenches structured?
The trenches were in rows. There were dugouts where troops could take cover, artillery was often positioned behind the trenches.
What were the injuries and illnesses in World War 1?
Common illnesses and injuries:
1) Gas attacks would cause temporary blindness, coughing and burns – gas masks were distributed, before this they used cotton pads soaked with urine,
2) Head injuries were common and often caused by shrapnel - in late 1915, the soft caps were replaced by metal helmets,
3) Shell shock caused a range of symptoms including mental breakdown, some sufferers were accused of cowardice,
4) Trench fever was flu-like symptoms which could last for months – it was caused by lice and in 1918, troops were deloused which reduced cases,
5) Trench foot was caused by standing in water-logged trenches, it led to gangrene and amputation – soldiers were given whale oil and spare socks to protect their feet – they used duck boards and pumps to try and keep soldiers’ feet above water,
6) Bullets, high explosive shells and shrapnel were responsible for most deaths/injuries,
7) wound infection was major problem- soil on the Western Front contained tetanus and gas gangrene bacteria – from late 1914 tetanus injections were given but there was no prevention for gas gangrene.
What were the stages of treatment (The chain of evacuation)?
The ‘Chain of Evacuation’:
1) Regimental Aid Post was close to the front line offering first aid,
2) Field Ambulance was a mobile unit of the RAMC which set up dressing stations, these were about a mile from the front line
3) Casualty Clearing Stations were larger and better equipped, staffed with doctors and nurses, the most serious cases were sent here,
4) Base hospitals were situated near ports on the coast and patients could stay some time before going back to the front line.
What was the RAMC?
The Royal Army Medical Core
What was the FANY?
First Aid Nursing Yeomanry
What did the RAMC and FANY do?
Provided the majority of medical care
What was the underground hospital (Thompsons’ cave) like?
close to the frontline; it had 700 beds, an operating theatre and a mortuary.
What were the transport problems at this time?
Muddy terrain, roads and railway lines were destroyed, not enough horses/ambulance to cope.
What were the three most important medical advancements at the start of the 20th century?
X-rays, blood transfusion and aseptic surgery
Who created the X-ray and how did it help?
In 1895 Wilhelm Rontgen discovered the first x-ray image – it allowed doctors to see bone problems or embedded objects (shrapnel/bullets)
What was the drawback of X-rays?
High doses of radiation were released causing patients to suffer burns or hair loss. The large machines were too heavy to transport
Who discovered blood transfusions and how did they help?
In 1901, Karl Landsteiner discovered blood groups and realised that transfusions only work between people of the same blood group.
When was aseptic surgery discovered and how did it help?
It was in use by 1900. Operating theatres were thoroughly cleaned, doctors/nurses wore sterilised clothing, gloves and masks, and instruments were also sterilised.
What were new techniques for fighting off infections?
Carrell-Dakin method was used, it rinsed the wound with a salt solution. If that didn’t work, infected tissue could be removed or limbs amputated
What new method was discovered for blood transfusion?
In 1915, they discovered that adding sodium citrate to blood stopped it clotting, which meant they could store it for longer. In 1916, they added citrate glucose, which meant blood lasted even longer. Another development was the splint for broken limbs. Before 1915, about 80% of soldiers with broken legs died
How did the Thomas Splint method help medical advancements?
Thomas Splint discovered that if the leg was kept rigid, it reduced blood loss.
How was plastic surgery improved and who by?
Plastic surgery was improved during the war by Archibald McIndoe and Harold Gillies making breakthroughs with skin grafts.
How were mobile X-rays helpful?
Mobile X-ray units were also developed, these could be used close to the front line. Although the images were less clear, they still prevented many deaths.
Why were brian injuries fatal?
- Issue of infection
- Difficulty moving men with brain injuries
- Few doctors had experience with neurosurgery
What is neurosurgery?
Surgery carried out on the nervous system, especially the brain and spine
Who was Harvey Cushing and what did he do?
He was an american neurosurgeon who:
- Developed new techniques in brain surgery
- Experimented with the use of a magnet to remove metal fragments
- Had an operation survival rate of 71%
