Para 1

• Para 1 - part 1

  Trench foot was one of the worst conditions soldiers faced on the western front during World War One, the trenches had inadequate drainage systems, causing water to collect at the bottom and taking a long time to drain away. The symptoms of trench feet resulted from prolonged exposure to waterlogged trenches, causing the feet to swell, blister, and sometimes turn blue. Many soldiers wore tight boots and were unable to change their wet socks.
• Para 1 - part 2

  This increased the number of soldiers dealing with trench foot. In the most severe cases, trench foot could lead to gangrene. As a result, amputation of the affected feet was sometimes necessary. By 1915, a significant number of soldiers required treatment for trench foot and were thus unable to continue fighting.
• Para 1 - part 3

  To prevent this, several measures were implemented in 1915 such as, soldiers were instructed to change their socks twice a day, though this was not always feasible. They were also advised to rub whale oil on their feet, as it helped keep them cool and remained liquid even in freezing temperatures, and mechanical pumps were sent to the front lines to help reduce flooding in the trenches.
• Para 1 - part 4

  This is an important reason because trench feet caused many soldiers to be removed from the front lines for treatment or amputation, reducing the number of active soldiers. This weakened the army's strength, increased strain on remaining troops, and lowered morale.
• Para 1 - part 5

  Seargeant Harry Roberts, who lived in a flooded trench for six days. Said ‘I have heard men cry and scream with the pain and many have had to have their feet and legs amputated. I was one of the lucky ones, but one more day in that trench and it may have been too late.’ (Britain & The Great War by Greg Hetherton, published in 1993). However, trench foot is not the most extreme trench condition, as it can typically be treated with rest and medical care, and while severe cases may require amputation, it does not have the immediate, life-threatening impact of other conditions.
• Para 1 - part 6

  Overall, Trench Foot had a widespread impact, disabling many soldiers. In the winter of 1914-1915, the British Army reported 20,000 cases, and by the end of the war, an estimated 74,000 British soldiers were affected (National WW1 Museum and Memorial website).
• Para 1 - part 7

  While all armies suffered, it was particularly damaging on the Western Front, including British, French, American, and German troops. This condition severely disrupted military operations, forcing armies to divert resources to care for and replace affected soldiers. Shell shock was the most significant trench condition because it emphasised the devastating psychological impact of fighting on soldiers, leading to widespread recognition of mental health issues.