'To walk quietly into a hail of lead to bandage and carry away a wounded man, that is worth talking about'.- The Physical and Psycho-Social Demands Made on Stretcher Bearers in WW1

Background The First World War created a gendered cultural construction of ‘tough men and tender women’. Masculinity was constructed as a willingness to fight as a test of manhood. This was affirmed by a complimentary... [ view full abstract ]

Background
The First World War created a gendered cultural construction of ‘tough men and tender women’. Masculinity was constructed as a willingness to fight as a test of manhood. This was affirmed by a complimentary construction of womanhood emphasising motherhood, self-sacrifice, love and caring for others. However, there were a group of men who transcended these constructions. These men were the stretcher bearers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). The stretcher bearer in World War One transitioned the boundary between a 'warrior' based masculinity and feminine based ideal of care.
Aim and objectives
This study aims to explore the psycho-social and physical demands made upon stretcher bearers in the RAMC during World War One. It also aims to explore the issues they faced on return to civilian life after the conflict ended when that conflict had constructed a socially legitimated masculinity based upon participation in the War as ‘warrior’.
Method
Individual case study narrative analysis of published diaries and memoirs of stretcher bearers
Findings
Men joined the RAMC for a variety of reasons, though religious belief was often central. Training was forward thinking for the time though it did not prepare the stretcher bearer psychologically for the experience of combat conditions. In this regard, stretcher bearers were often exposed to dangers and sights that the regular front line soldier was not. Stretcher bearers' motivations for enlistment were often viewed with suspicion and contempt both by soldiers and wider society. They experienced social difficulties transitioning into civilian life and, in particular, were bitter that their role in the war went unrecognised by the authorities.
Conclusion
The stretcher bearer challenged post-war constructions of war masculinity through their acts of caring, their medical training (which was ahead of its time) and their bravery through non-combat participation in the War. As a consequence, their pivotal role in combat care went largely unrecognised. Post war they were socially isolated and received neither societal support nor understanding in dealing with the psychological traumas with which they were left as a consequence of their unique combat experiences when compared with other WWI soldiers.