western front

• When did Britain declare war on Germany during World War I?

  4 August 1914
• What was the Western Front?

  A line of trenches stretching from the English Channel to Switzerland
• What was the outcome of the First Battle of Ypres?

  The British held on to Ypres but the Germans gained ground
• Why was Ypres considered vital during the First Battle of Ypres?

  It maintained access and control of the freight Channel ports
• What significant event occurred during the Second Battle of Ypres?

  It was the first battle where gas was used
• What was the condition of the ground during the Third Battle of Ypres?

  The ground was waterlogged and muddy
• What new strategies were notable during the Battle of the Somme?

  Both sides used new strategies and the British used tanks
• What was the purpose of the creeping barrage in battles?

  To provide cover for advancing troops
• What was the significance of the Battle of Cambrai?

  It was the first battle to use tanks effectively
• What were the main components of the trench system?

  • Frontline trench: where attacks were launched
  • Support trench: where troops retreated to
  • Reserve trench: for counter-attacks
  • Communication trenches: linked all trenches
  • Dugouts: for cover
• How were the first trenches constructed?

  They were hurriedly dug by troops using existing ditches or banks
• What were the conditions like in the trenches?

  They were muddy, crowded, and often waterlogged
• What were the risks British soldiers faced on the Western Front?

  Death and injury from rifles, machine guns, explosives, and disease
• What were the effects of gas attacks on soldiers?

  Temporary blindness, coughing, and skin burns
• What protective equipment was issued to soldiers by late 1915?

  Gas masks with cotton pads
• What change was made to military headgear by late 1915?

  Brodie helmets replaced soft caps
• What is shell shock?

  A condition causing a wide range of symptoms, including mental breakdown
• What caused trench foot?

  Wet and cold conditions in the trenches
• What measures were taken to prevent trench foot?

  Soldiers wore thick socks and raised their boots and socks, rubbed whale oil into their feet
• What was a major problem with wound infections on the Western Front?

  Soil contained tetanus and gas gangrene bacteria
• What was the role of the RAMC and FANY during the war?

  They provided the majority of medical aid
• What was the underground hospital at Arras known for?

  It had space for 700 beds and included an operating theatre also had a mortuary, running water and electricity
• What were the stages of the chain of evacuation for injured soldiers?

  1. Regimental Aid Post: first aid near the front line
  2. Field Ambulance: mobile unit for dressing stations
  3. Casualty Clearing Stations: larger, prioritizing life-threatening injuries
  4. Base hospitals: near ports on the coast for specialized treatment
• What were the transport problems faced during the war?

  Difficult terrain, destroyed roads, and constant shelling
• Who discovered X-rays and when?

  Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895
• What were the uses of X-rays in medicine?

  To examine fractures, bone problems, and early cancers
• What was a major problem with early X-ray machines?

  They released high doses of radiation
• What was the significance of blood transfusions in the 19th century?

  They were often unsuccessful and people rarely survived
• Who performed the first human-to-human blood transfusions?

  James Blundell between 1818 and 1825
• What discovery did Karl Landsteiner make in 1901?

  He discovered three blood groups
• What were the advancements in aseptic surgery by 1900?

  • Antiseptic surgery was well established
  • Operating theatres were thoroughly cleaned
  • Surgeons wore washed clothing and sterile masks
  • Surgical instruments were sterilized
• What was the Thomas Splint used for?

  To reduce the death rate from broken legs
• How did mobile X-ray units improve medical treatment during the war?

  They located bullets and shrapnel closer to the front line, were also found at casualty clearing stations
• What was the impact of the war on surgical techniques?

  It led to the development of new surgical techniques
• What were the new techniques developed for treating infections during the war?

  • Blood transfusions were improved for storage
  • Sodium citrate was added to prevent clotting
  • Citrate glucose was used for longer storage
  • The first 'blood depot' was established
• What is the role of stretcher bearers in evacuation of the wounded?

  They collect soldiers from no-man's land.
• Where is the regimental aid post located?

  It is located behind the frontline. used for basic first aid gave soldiers painkillers(morphine) and bandages
• What is the purpose of advanced dressing stations?

  They provide more advanced aid in a dugout such as bandaging and dressing wounds also 400 meters behind the regimental aid posts.
• What happens at casualty clearing stations?

  Men are given emergency surgery in tents.
• What is the function of base hospitals?

  Soldiers are treated before being sent back to the frontline.