Name/Title
1917 BEF/CEF Large Shell DressingEntry/Object ID
2023.3.4Description
1917 BEF/CEF Large Shell Dressing. The 1917 large shell dressing is made of cloth, and written instructions are on the exterior. The exterior safeguarded the dressing and kept it clean. The dressing itself was absorptive and connected to a lengthy bandage.
During the Great War, Canadian soldiers carried the shell dressing and were situated in their trousers. When soldiers were wounded, the bandages were unrolled and wrapped around arms, legs, head, or body, depending on the wound. After, the bandages were secured with a pin. The bandages prevented bleeding and soaked up blood to prevent infection. Stretcher-bearers, medically trained personnel, also carried the large shell dressings and applied them to wounded soldiers.