Swavesey & District History Society
March 2025 Meeting
At least 40 people (members plus new visitors) attended to hear Ian Langworthy from St Ives talk on “Mud, blood and bandages”, a serious but sometimes gory description of 1st World War medical issues. Movement of wounded soldiers from the front, including the use of nurses and doctors on site was already in place before WW1. After giving first aid in the trench the task was to move the injured man by stretcher with regimental band members and conscientious objectors as stretcher bearers. He would be moved, often under fire, about a mile back to the dressing station where he was made comfortable and his condition was assessed. All too often in the early days it was already fairly apparent that he would not live but all wounded men were then transported by ambulance, initially horse-drawn but subsequently based on the Model T Ford, to the casualty clearing station twelve miles back from the font. After receiving expert medical attention those still surviving would be moved to the base hospital on the coast then taken back to England.
In April 1915 the Germans started using chlorine gas at Ypres. The PH helmet was a fabric hood impregnated with chemicals designed to protect soldiers against chlorine gas. This was succeeded by the Small Box Respirator, which offered better protection against phosgene gas. In due course blood transfusion saved many lives at casualty clearing stations and by 1917 there was a blood bank at the front. Advances continued to be made with mobile Xray machines used to find bullets and shrapnel in a soldier’s body. Back in the UK pioneering surgeons developed facial surgery and survival improved throughout the war.
There was a shortage of medical personnel during war time. The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry was formed in 1907 as a group of women who were able to administer first aid on the battlefield before soldiers were moved to the casualty clearing station. They also drove ambulances and set up field canteens. VADs (Voluntary Aid Detachments) were established in 1909 by the British Red Cross and St. John Ambulance, providing vital nursing support. Many ladies were from the upper and middle classes.
Next meeting-
22 April. The Workhouse and Poorhouse – 700 years of old and new Poor Laws. Colin Chapman.
