Stretcher Bearers (Western Front)

Question 1

What was their job?

Answer 1

Recovered the dead and wounded, sometimes during breaks in fighting, but most likely under fire… soldiers were constantly shot and knocked down and the stretcher bearers rescued them from no man’s land - carried them on stretchers.

Question 2

Equipped?

Answer 2

Carried basic medical equipment in first-aid satchel such as bandages or morphine.

Question 3

How many?

Answer 3

16 bearers per 1000 men, so often never enough stretcher bearers - treatment and transported of the wounded was delayed due to the lack of men.

Question 4

How many carried the men?

Answer 4

4-8 men carried a single stretcher, depending on the terrain.

Question 5

Difficulties and Limitations?

Answer 5

• Difficult terrain meant that in some places only stretcher bearers or horse wagons could be used.
• Constant shelling and artillery meant that bearers would sometimes get wounded.