7. Diseases and Infestations
Of the estimated 210,000 Allied causalities, around half of them were caused by diseases and infestations. The overcrowded territory, stench of dead bodies, human feces, lack of water and food led to dysentery, lice infestation and the swarm of flies affected most of the soldiers. It took away their strength and motivation and resulted in the evacuation of thousands. Unable to recover the bodies from no man’s land due to the risk of being shot or bury those left in the trenches, they filled the air with stench and provided a place for flies and diseases to spread.
The high mortality rate meant that rotting corpses were a common sight. Lice was hard to get rid of, dysentery was prevalent due to a shortage of water and food, and many were unable to keep themselves and their clothes clean. These unhygienic conditions would prove to be as deadly as the enemy’s bullets. Also, as the battle was getting bloody and costly, the Allied forces’ medical facilities were completely overwhelmed by the casualties. Considering these conditions, Lieutenant-General Birdwood asked Hamilton for permission to withdraw his troops, but Hamilton refused.