First World War Diary of Edward (Ted) PERRY, RAMC

In the First World War the Royal Army Medical Corps was responsible for maintaining the health of soldiers and the ‘strength’ of the units in battle along with treating the wounded and organising evacuations of the worst cases. Common issues such as soldiers affected by gas, gas gangrene, trench foot and lice were dealt with at Regimental First Aid Posts behind the Front Lines. More serious cases such as wounds were transported by stretcher bearers and Field Ambulances to Advanced Dressing Stations but medical care there was limited. The next step was Casualty Clearing Stations with a variety of medical staff and specialised surgical teams. Those who needed further treatment were sent to a Stationary Hospital or a General Hospital which was close to a railway line or port. Those requiring convalescence were sent on hospital ships to the United Kingdom before being returned to their units or being discharged.