British Sector of the Western Front (1914 - 1918)

• What new medical challenges did World War One present for the British army?

  New illnesses and wounds needed treatment
• Why did the British army need to defend the route to Calais and Dunkirk?

  To ensure supplies and reinforcements reached troops
• What was the length of the British sector of the Western Front?

  90 miles (150 kilometres)
• What terrain challenges did stretcher bearers face at Ypres?

  Heavy soil, which was easily waterlogged and flooded. Wet and muddy ground made movement difficult
• When was poisonous gas first used in warfare?

  During the Second Battle of Ypres, 1915
• What was significant about the first day of the Battle of the Somme?

  It had the highest casualties in one day
• How many British casualties were there on the first day of the Battle of the Somme?

  60,000
• What was the total number of British casualties during the Battle of the Somme?

  Nearly 400,000
• How did the use of tanks affect the treatment of the wounded at the Somme?

  Created uneven ground, hindering transport
• What was unique about the Battle of Arras in 1917?

  It featured a network of underground tunnels
• What facilities were included in the tunnels at Arras?

  Running water, electricity and an underground hospital
• How many tanks were used by the British in the Battle of Cambrai?

  Over 450 tanks
• What was the outcome of the British attack during the Battle of Cambrai?

  They lost almost all the ground gained
• What problems did constant bombing create for the treatment of soldiers?

  Left craters that hindered movement
• How did bacteria in the soil affect soldiers' wounds?

  Led to many infected wounds
• What challenges did stretcher bearers face during their work?

  Visibility issues and ongoing fighting
• Why were ambulances often ineffective on the Western Front?

  They struggled to move in the mud
• How did high casualty rates affect medical treatment during battles?

  Slowed down the speed of medical treatment
• What was the role of the British Expeditionary Force during World War One?

  Fought alongside allies on the Western Front
• How did the type of ground at key locations affect soldiers?

  It impacted injuries and treatment received
• What strategic importance did Ypres hold for the British army?

  It was crucial for supply routes to troops
• What new medical challenges arose during World War One?

  Illnesses and wounds from trench warfare
• Why were trenches dug quickly in 1914?

  To protect claimed positions and routes
• How did the trench system evolve during World War One?

  It became a more advanced system over time
• How far did the trenches stretch during the war?

  From the English Channel to Switzerland
• What was the purpose of the zigzag pattern in trench design?

  To prevent direct enemy fire along the trench
• What problems did narrow trenches cause during battles?

  Blocked movement and treatment of the wounded
• What are the types of trenches used in World War One?

  • Front line trench: closest to the enemy
  • Communication trench: connects other trenches
  • Support trench: behind front line for retreat
  • Reserve trench: prepares for counter-attack
• What is No Man’s Land?

  The land between Allied and German trenches
• What are dugouts in the context of trenches?

  Protected spaces dug into the sides of trenches
• What was the role of the front line trench?

  To fire across No Man’s Land at the enemy
• What was the function of the communication trench?

  To allow soldiers to move between trenches
• What was the purpose of the support trench?

  To retreat to during an attack
• What was the reserve trench used for?

  To prepare for a counter-attack
• What is a close counter-attack?

  An attack made in response to an enemy attack
• What is the significance of the term "Dugout"?

  It refers to protective spaces in trenches
• What are the key features of the trench system in World War One?

  • Quickly dug for protection
  • Advanced system developed over time
  • Zigzag pattern for defense
  • Types: front line, communication, support, reserve
• What new medical challenges arose for the British army during World War One?

  Illnesses and wounds from trench fighting
• Why did soldiers on the Western Front suffer from illnesses?

  Due to harsh conditions in the trenches
• What were the symptoms of trench fever?

  • Severe headaches
  • Shivering
  • Pain in the joints