The Louse Problem at the Western Front

Abstract

TT is rather important to obtain definite information as to tlle condition known as "lousiness" for tile following reasons:1. At the time of writing the writer is unaware of any exact statements on wlhat really constitutes lousiness of the soldier.2. There is a necessity for establishing a standard by wlich to judge the condition of men or a unit.3. To ascertain wlhat general improvement is manifest in a unit after tile operation of methods of instruction and combating.

The Peacock versus the louse (pediculus humanus corporis): one soldier’s contribution to combating trench fever in the First World War

“…11 Peacock's first investigations into trench fever are known to have been nearing completion about the time of Churchill's posting to the RSF, and were first published in July 1916. 12 These were issued as a Crown Pamphlet, which was distributed throughout the BEF. It is therefore highly unlikely that his practical proposals would have reached Churchill's ears before this posting.…”

“…5 The results of his six months of experimental work under campaign conditions were published as 'The Louse Problem at the Western Front' in The Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps in July 1916. 12 As already mentioned, the article was reprinted as a Crown Pamphlet. It was deliberately written in as non-technical a form as possible.…”

“…Its conclusion reads: 'The louse… is a parasite that is utterly dependent upon a man's blood for sustenance and man's body and clothing for prolonged, prosperous longevity and reproduction.' 12 The conclusion became recognised as an advance in knowledge. Space prevents a description of the habitat, alimentation, life history and vitality, which were examined in detail.…”

“…Crucial to the understanding of the louse was that 'the insect accumulates where there is plenty of warmth, plenty of humidity and plenty of shelter'. 12 Furthermore, 'they are expert at digging in among the seams of clothing to which lice strongly adhere by hooked claws. Favoured sites are creases at the back of shirts and seams at the fork of breeches.'…”

“…Favoured sites are creases at the back of shirts and seams at the fork of breeches.' 12 The second part of this section reveals the true extent of the courage and skill necessary to arrive at concrete results. Detecting where the lice were located, the influence of location on their prevalence, whether the nature of the various duties of soldiers influenced their presence -these were some of the factors that would determine what Peacock labelled 'the degree of lousiness' and would have a pronounced bearing on attempts made to control the incidence and severity of discomfort and disease.…”