3.8 Shot at dawn

Men who were considered 'cowards', or 'deserters', during the First World War, were shot after a court martial – a kind of military trial. In total, 306 men were ‘shot at dawn’ by the British Army. However, relatively little was understood about how warfare affected mental health, and many soldiers suffering from 'shell shock', for example, were misunderstood. The films on this page show some of the effects of shell shock.

THE TREATMENT OF SHELL SHOCK VICTIMS
15 MINS 4 SECS, SILENT, B/W, 1917, 1918

Contains distressing footage.

This material, shot at Netley Hospital in 1917 and Seale Hayne Military Hospital in 1918, shows the treatment given to men suffering from shell shock as a result of their experiences during the war. Exercise in the grounds and outdoor activities are featured, including a play put on by the patients entitled 'The Battle of Seale Hayne'.

___________________________________________________________________________________

WONDERFUL SHELL SHOCK RECOVERY
2 MINS 16 SECS, SILENT, B/W, 1917, 1918

Contains distressing footage.

A shorter but no less moving film contrasting shell shock victims before and after their treatment. Probably filmed at Netley Hospital in 1917 and / or Seale Hayne Military Hospital in 1918.