Manchester University Press
1 ‘These frightful sights would work havoc with one’s brain’
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Abstract
This chapter considers how nurses and doctors on the Western Front during the First World War negotiated and represented their experiences in terms of what they constantly define as ‘strain’. It discusses way these men and women articulate the psychological stresses of their situation with a range of responses, from the heightened language of sacrifice and duty and the desire to endure, to utter despair at the apparent futility of the war manifested in the thousands of dead and wounded that pass through their aid posts, casualty clearing stations, ambulances and hospitals. The discussion shows that the conditions themselves can have contradictory effects in that they may lead to breakdown on the one hand, but on the other can reinforce the need for endurance.
Abstract
This chapter considers how nurses and doctors on the Western Front during the First World War negotiated and represented their experiences in terms of what they constantly define as ‘strain’. It discusses way these men and women articulate the psychological stresses of their situation with a range of responses, from the heightened language of sacrifice and duty and the desire to endure, to utter despair at the apparent futility of the war manifested in the thousands of dead and wounded that pass through their aid posts, casualty clearing stations, ambulances and hospitals. The discussion shows that the conditions themselves can have contradictory effects in that they may lead to breakdown on the one hand, but on the other can reinforce the need for endurance.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vi
- Acknowledgements vii
- List of abbreviations ix
- Introduction 1
- 1 ‘These frightful sights would work havoc with one’s brain’ 31
- 2 ‘Over there’ 55
- 3 ‘You damn well just got on with your job’ 79
- 4 ‘It was a tough life and I did all I could to lighten the men’s burden’ 116
- 5 Claiming trauma 147
- 6 Crying silently 178
- 7 Fatal injury 210
- Conclusion 241
- Bibliography 250
- Index 262
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vi
- Acknowledgements vii
- List of abbreviations ix
- Introduction 1
- 1 ‘These frightful sights would work havoc with one’s brain’ 31
- 2 ‘Over there’ 55
- 3 ‘You damn well just got on with your job’ 79
- 4 ‘It was a tough life and I did all I could to lighten the men’s burden’ 116
- 5 Claiming trauma 147
- 6 Crying silently 178
- 7 Fatal injury 210
- Conclusion 241
- Bibliography 250
- Index 262
