Trench Illnesses

How did people get ill in the First World War trenches?

Living and fighting in the trenches caused soldiers to suffer from a number of illnesses, mainly just from the awful conditions in the trenches.

Why did the trenches make people ill?

The poor conditions, and persistent stress of living in the trenches, led to a number of physical and psychological illnesses.

What common illnesses during the First World War were caused by life in the trenches?

Life in the trenches caused many illnesses, but 5 of the most important were:

• ❖ Shell shock.
• ❖ Trench foot.
• ❖ Trench fever.
• ❖ Dysentery.
• ❖ Gangrene.