Now all roads lead to France and heavy is the tread
Of the living; but the dead returning lightly dance.
Edward Thomas, Roads

Saturday, November 23, 2024

"Casualties" at the World War I National Museum Superbly Captures the Reality of War


A new display at the National Museum gives visitors an authentic look into the workings of a field hospital and the realities and innovations of battlefield medicine during WWI. The feature includes accounts from the war's doctors, medics and nurses, and some interactive experiences. It's the visual presentation, however, that grabbed my attention. Below, I've paired some official photos from the war with photos of the new displays. I think you'll see what I mean.


Churches Became Field Hospitals





Triage Station





Gas Victims




Note:  The final photo above, of British soldiers wounded in Flanders in 1918, is believed to have inspired John Singer Sargent’s famous painting Gassed.  The museum's description states their display was inspired by the painting.


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