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Collecting sphagnum moss for dressings, Dartmoor, WW1
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Collecting sphagnum moss for dressings, Dartmoor, WW1
Picking up sphagnum moss on the moors on the Royal Duchy of Cornwall estate near Princetown for use in surgical dressings during the First World War. The dried moss was highly effective due to its antiseptic and absorbent properties. Date: 1917
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Media ID 14186530
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Collecting Dartmoor Dressing Dressings Duchy Estate Moors Moss Picking Ponies Pony Princetown Sack Sacks Sphagnum Surgical
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Amidst the rugged beauty of Dartmoor's moors, a group of dedicated workers pick up sacks filled with sphagnum moss during the autumn of 1917. Located on the Royal Duchy of Cornwall estate near Princetown, this humble yet essential task played a significant role in the First World War effort. During this time, the advanced medical knowledge recognized the antiseptic and absorbent properties of dried sphagnum moss, making it an ideal material for surgical dressings. With the demand for these dressings increasing rapidly due to the ongoing conflict, the moors of Dartmoor became an essential source. The workers, often using ponies or horses to transport the heavy sacks, carefully collected the moss, ensuring only the ripest and most effective material was gathered. The moss was then transported to various hospitals and dressing stations at the front lines, where it would be used to help heal the wounds of soldiers. This image captures a moment in history, showcasing the vital role the rural countryside played in the war effort. The scene is a poignant reminder of the resourcefulness and resilience of those who lived through the First World War and the unique ways in which the natural world provided essential solutions during this time.
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