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A mobile, military washing machine being guarded by troops
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A mobile, military washing machine being guarded by troops
Horse-drawn machine was designed to rid a soldiers bedding from lice and infectious diseases. Steam is used to clean the bedding and uniforms. Straw-filled mattresses can be seen in the foreground. Date: 1916
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Media ID 20159405
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Bubblepunk
Bedding Clean Cleaning Diseases Drawn Filled Guarded Infectious Lice Mattresses Mobile Straw Uniforms Washing Designed
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the harsh realities of life on the Western Front during World War I. In the foreground, soldiers stand guard next to a horse-drawn mobile washing machine, its steamy exhaust indicating the hard work underway within. Designed to rid soldiers of lice and infectious diseases, this essential piece of military equipment was a vital component of maintaining the health and morale of the troops. The straw-filled mattresses in the foreground offer a stark reminder of the basic living conditions endured by soldiers during this period. The mobile washing machine, which used steam to clean both bedding and uniforms, was a crucial innovation in the fight against disease and discomfort. The year was 1916, and the First World War was in full swing. The British Expeditionary Force, along with their allies, were engaged in a brutal stalemate against the German army. The harsh conditions of trench warfare took a heavy toll on the soldiers, and the importance of keeping their bedding and uniforms clean cannot be overstated. This image offers a glimpse into the daily life of the soldiers on the front lines, and the lengths to which they went to maintain their health and hygiene. The soldiers' stoic expressions and the steam rising from the washing machine create a poignant and powerful image, one that speaks to the resilience and determination of the men and women who served during this time.
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