What was shell shock in the trenches?
The term “shell shock” was coined by the soldiers themselves. Symptoms included fatigue, tremor, confusion, nightmares and impaired sight and hearing. It was often diagnosed when a soldier was unable to function and no obvious cause could be identified.
How did soldiers get shell shock?
In the early years of World War One, shell shock was believed to be the result of a physical injury to the nerves and being exposed to heavy bombardment. Shell shock victims often couldn’t eat or sleep, whilst others continued to suffer physical symptoms.
Did trenches protect from shells?
Trenches provided protection from bullets and shells, but they did carry their own risks. Trench foot, trench fever, dysentery, and cholera could inflict casualties as readily as any enemy. Rats, flies, and lice were also commonplace.
Is shell shock PTSD?
Shell shock is a term coined in World War I by British psychologist Charles Samuel Myers to describe the type of post traumatic stress disorder many soldiers were afflicted with during the war (before PTSD was termed)….
| Shell shock | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Psychiatry |
How many shells were fired in WW1?
Shell fire. During the first two weeks of the Battle of Passchendaele the British, Australian and Canadian guns fired 4,283,550 shells at the German defences. It is estimated that throughout the First World War the Allies used 5,000,000 tons of artillery shells against enemy positions.
How were trenches built in WW1?
Trenches were dug by hand, or, for the luckier soldiers, using shovels, WWI trenches. were usually built at night, before the enemy encroached upon the area. There. were three main types of trench construction during WWI; Entrenching, Sapping. and Sand-bagging.
How many shells were fired in the Battle of Passchendaele?
During the first two weeks of the Battle of Passchendaele the British, Australian and Canadian guns fired 4,283,550 shells at the German defences. It is estimated that throughout the First World War the Allies used 5,000,000 tons of artillery shells against enemy positions.
What were the effects of shellfire in WW1?
Shellfire in the First World War. Soldiers subjected to continual exposure to shell-fire were in danger of developing shell-shock. Early symptoms included tiredness, irritability, giddiness, lack of concentration and headaches. Eventually the men suffered mental breakdowns making it impossible for them to remain in the front-line.