This book from my library is by the preeminent WW1 historian Lyn MacDonald. I have all of Lyn's books which in my opinion are among the very best WW1 histories. Generally all her books cover one particular year of the war. This one alone is subject based. I believe that reflects the huge amount of data Lyn collected from women who served in the medical system during the war. As is well known Lyn spent several years interviewing survivors of the war and amassed a huge collection of voice recordings. All her books are based on those recordings.
The book details how women came to play a massive roll in the medical system despite great reluctance from that system, and the military medical department in particular, to accept the employment of women especially unqualified women, which although it eased as the war progressed, never quite went away.
This book is exceptionally well written, full of personal recollections and quite atmospheric in transporting the reader back in time. The enormous level of casualties is really brought home as are the day to day trials and sufferings of the vast number of both professional and amateur nurses employed on all fronts of the war as well as at home.
Like all of Lyn MacDonald's books, highly recommended.
As you say, like all of Lyn Macdonald's WW1 books, well worth reading. Very glad that she interviewed all those people at the time.
ReplyDeleteYes Mark she did historians a great service. I believe all the recordings are to go to the IWM in due course. My favorite book is 1914. She captures the change from peace to war brilliantly. Regards.
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