08/14/2026
In 1917, France, the battlefields of World War I created an overwhelming need for medical care. Thousands of women volunteered as military nurses, working close to the front lines to treat wounded soldiers suffering from gunshot wounds, artillery injuries, infections, and the effects of chemical warfare.
These nurses served in field hospitals, which were often temporary medical stations built near battle zones. They worked inside large canvas tents or wooden buildings where rows of wounded soldiers lay on simple stretchers and beds. The environment was difficult—muddy ground, limited supplies, poor weather, and the constant sound of artillery made their work extremely challenging.
Women nurses wore recognizable uniforms consisting of long white dresses, aprons, nursing caps or veils, and Red Cross armbands that identified them as medical personnel. Many served through organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and national military nursing services.
Their daily duties included cleaning wounds, changing bandages, administering medicines, assisting surgeons, recording patient information, comforting frightened soldiers, and helping evacuate the most seriously injured men. Many nurses worked long shifts under intense pressure, sometimes caring for hundreds of casualties after major battles.
Field hospitals in 1917 relied on basic medical technology. Nurses used wooden stretchers, metal surgical instruments, glass medicine bottles, kerosene lamps, and hand-written medical records. Electricity was limited in many locations, so lamps and natural light were often essential.
The contribution of these women was a major part of the war effort. Although they did not fight on the front lines with weapons, their courage placed them directly in the dangers of war. Many were exposed to bombardments, disease, exhaustion, and emotional trauma while saving countless lives.
This scene represents the bravery and sacrifice of World War I nurses in France—women who transformed military medicine and became some of the most important humanitarian figures of the early 20th century.