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Experiences of the Great War

Vermin and sanitation

Soldiers at the Front during the First World War experienced many hazards apart from enemy fire.

Rats, lice and refuse were among other elements that also made everyday living an ordeal.

George Ramage describes trench conditions on his fifth day at the front line, 23 April 1915:

'Our surroundings are sordid …clayey fields pitted with water filled shell holes — this dirty green water we are foolhardy enough to use for tea — rats run about a ditch on our right or along the top of our parapet — ruined buildings all around — opened tins everywhere in the clayey mud holes behind us — men not allowed to take off any part of dress or ammunition equipment to look for lice.'

Other experiences