western front

Question 1

Key Features of the Western Front

Answer 1

Trench system: Front line, support, reserve trenches; communication trenches.
• Conditions: Mud, lice, rats, trench foot, frostbite.
• Stalemate: Caused by defensive warfare, barbed wire, machine guns

Question 2

Key Battles

Answer 2

First Battle of Ypres (1914): British held the town, huge casualties.
• Second Battle of Ypres (1915): First use of chlorine gas by Germans.
• Battle of the Somme (1916): High casualties, new technology (tanks, creeping barrage).
• Battle of Arras (1917): Tunnels and underground hospitals.
• Third Battle of Ypres/Passchendaele (1917): Heavy mud, drainage failure.
• Battle of Cambrai (1917): First large-scale use of tanks effectively.

Question 3

First Battle of Ypres (1914):

Answer 3

British held the town, huge casualties

Question 4

Second Battle of Ypres (1915)

Answer 4

First use of chlorine gas by Germans

Question 5

Battle of the Somme (1916)

Answer 5

High casualties, new technology (tanks, creeping barrage).

Question 6

Battle of Arras (1917)

Answer 6

Tunnels and underground hospitals.

Question 7

Third Battle of Ypres/Passchendaele (1917)

Answer 7

Heavy mud, drainage failure.

Question 8

Battle of Cambrai (1917)

Answer 8

First large-scale use of tanks effectively.

Question 9

Medical Problems

Answer 9

Wounds and Injuries:
• Gunshot wounds.
• Shrapnel injuries.
• Head injuries.
• Gas attacks (chlorine, phosgene, mustard gas).
• Infection (from mud, dirty wounds, clothing).

Diseases:
• Trench foot
• Trench fever
• Shell shock (mental trauma)

Question 10

Wounds and Injuries

Answer 10

• Gunshot wounds.
• Shrapnel injuries.
• Head injuries.
• Gas attacks (chlorine, phosgene, mustard gas).
• Infection (from mud, dirty wounds, clothing).

Question 11

Diseases

Answer 11

• Trench foot
• Trench fever
• Shell shock (mental trauma)

Question 12

Medical Treatment and Developments

Answer 12

EvacuationRoute,Stations,SurgicalTechniques, X-rays

Question 13

Evacuation Route:

Answer 13

1. Stretcher bearers
   
   2. Regimental Aid Posts (RAP)
   3. Field Ambulances and Dressing

Question 14

Stations

Answer 14

4. Casualty Clearing Stations (CCS)
   
   5. Base Hospitals

Question 15

Surgical Techniques:

Answer 15

• Thomas splint: Improved survival for leg injuries.
• Wound excision and antiseptics: Prevent infection.
• Blood transfusions: Improved by sodium citrate and portable kits.
• Plastic surgery: Pioneered by Harold Gillies.

Question 16

X-rays

Answer 16

Used to locate bullets and shrapnel; limited by time, portability, and damage to the machine.

Question 17

Medical Personnel and Organisations

Answer 17

RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corps): Organized treatment and evacuation.
FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry): Women providing support, driving ambulances.