An Exploration of the British Army Female Nursing Service during World War I

Abstract

After the outbreak of World War I, the British War Office decided to dispatch female nursing personnel to the front lines due to the severe casualties among soldiers, the underdeveloped military medical services of the allied forces, and the maturity of the British Army female nursing service. Despite the harsh working conditions and the complexities of nurse-patient relationships under wartime restrictions, the female nursing staff also experienced moments of leisure that allowed them to relax and recuperate. The wartime British Army Female Nursing Service had a positive effect in reducing casualties and promoting the development of the official nurse registration movement.