Transport

What was transport like for wounded soldiers in the First World War?

It was important to move casualties away from the front line as quickly as possible but due to the nature of the fighting new methods were developed during the war.

How were the injured transported in the First World War?

There were 5 main forms of transport used for moving casualties.

• ❖ Stretcher bearers carried injured soldiers away from the front line. This was dangerous and difficult work.
• ❖ Initially, horse drawn carriages were used to move casualties. These were uncomfortable and could make injuries worse.
• ❖ Motor ambulances could move casualties to clearing stations. However, they often got stuck in the mud.
• ❖ Once away from the front, casualties would be taken, by train or canal, to Base Hospitals on the coast.
• ❖ If necessary, casualties were placed on ships to be taken back to Britain.

Why was the transport of wounded soldiers from the battlefield difficult?

Removing casualties from the battlefield was difficult because roads had been destroyed, there were many shell holes, and the terrain was often very wet and muddy.