Throughout the latter part of December and the months of January and February there is a continuous flow of men in and out of the organization. Many men are lost to all types of sickness, and as the Company keeps losing strength more and more replacements come up to the line to fill in.
Trench foot and Yellow Jaundice are the most common maladies. Both are quite serious and will keep men off the line a long time if not permanently. Also, men go off the line as a result of combat fatigue due to mental strain and the miserable climatic conditions.
Bill seems to be holding up well despite the considerable hardships he is facing.
Don't forget simple, but serious, non-combat injuries. Moving around in the dark was hazardous with so many new holes in the ground and all the wreckage. Broken bones must have accounted for a good number of casualties. Don't forget automobile accidents. Military service is inherently dangerous.
ReplyDeleteWhat about self-inflicted wounds? The "million dollar wound" was a ticket to come off the line. Although most were no doubt legitimate many were self-inflicted. Would this be considered a battlefield casualty? It would seem to be, whether due to combat fatigue or cowardice. Either way it would necessitate a replacement
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