Para 1

• Para 1 - Part 1

  During World War One, trench foot was a major issue on the Western Front due to inadequate drainage, causing feet to swell, blister, and turn blue. Tight boots and wet socks worsened the problem, leading to gangrene and amputation in severe cases. By 1915, many soldiers required treatment for trench foot, reducing active troop numbers and lowering morale. Preventative measures included changing socks twice a day, using whale oil on feet, and implementing mechanical pumps to reduce flooding in trenches.
• Para 1 - Part 2

  This is important because trench foot caused many soldiers to be removed from the front lines for treatment or amputation, weakening the army's strength, which increases the strain on remaining troops, and lowering morale. Sergeant Harry Roberts witnessed the pain and amputations caused by trench foot, saying, "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.”   
• Para 1 - Part 3

  Although trench foot affected 74,000 British soldiers, it was less immediately life-threatening than shell shock, which highlighted the war's psychological toll and led to greater recognition of mental health issues.