Bathing and the British Army on the Western Front. A Study of Civilian and Military Influences

The dissertation describe s how and why systems of bathing were introduced on the Western Front in November 1914 and their further development during the War. It examines the influence of civilians in the Army, both as providers and users of baths, and also that of families and friends at home. The introduction reviews relevant literature and concludes that although much has been written on various as aspects of wartime medicine and morale, little attention has been paid to the significance of bathing. However, War Diaries of Field Ambulances and Sanitary Sections make it clear that the RAMC spent much time and effort providing bathing facilities for the troops, and private papers of both officers and men refer frequently and positively to their experiences of bathing. Chapter 1 Describe s the recruitment, conditions of service and training of the civilians who by the end of the War would account for 90% of the doctors in the Army. It will examine the different cultures of the regular RAMC medical officers and the civilians and the relationship between them. Chapter 2 Compares the bathing facilities the soldiers were accustomed to at home and those they were provided with on the Western front before November 1914. It will describe the establishment and development of baths and showers and consider who was responsible for them. Chapter 3 Assesses the help given by families and charitable organisations at home, both directly by supplying equipment, and indirectly, by putting pressure on the Army. Chapter 4 Describes the expectations of the soldiers and their reactions to the facilities provided. It will also look at how they used their experiences and needs to form a link with their families.