Trench medicine: Illnesses, injuries and their treatment

Explore artefacts and sources on the causes and treatment of injuries and illnesses on the Western Front during the First World War, and assess the impact of these innovations.
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School students getting to grips with the handling collection

Explore artefacts and sources on the causes and treatment of injuries and illnesses on the Western Front during the First World War, and assess the impact of these innovations.

How were injuries and illnesses treated in the First World War?

Learners will investigate the changing nature of injuries and illnesses typical in the trenches, from their causes and the mechanisation of warfare, to the different roles of the people helping and the innovations in medicine. Using our extensive handling collection of artefacts, learners can understand the impact of warfare on the Western Front on soldiers' welfare.

This session is 60 minutes long and includes:

  • Handling objects (including weaponry)
  • Archival materials
  • Historic images
  • Group working and presentation
  • Peer-to-peer learning
  • Gallery visit and related trails (optional)

Curriculum areas:

  • History

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