Battle-Scarred: Mortality, Medical Care and Military Welfare in the British Civil Wars

The book "Battle-scarred" explores the human costs of the British Civil Wars, including disease, burial, surgery, wounds, medicine, hospitals, trauma, military welfare, widowhood, desertion, imprisonment, and charity, with a higher population loss than the two World Wars. It demonstrates how military history can broaden its perspective and reach out to new audiences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 10 July 2018
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Battle-scarred delves into the profound human toll of the British Civil Wars. Through a series of diverse case studies, it explores the wartime realities of disease, burial practices, surgery, wounds, medicine, hospitals, trauma, military welfare, widowhood, desertion, imprisonment, and charity. The percentage population loss in these conflicts exceeds that of the two World Wars, making the Civil Wars arguably the most unsettling chapter in British history. This volume employs fresh perspectives to examine its themes, showcasing how military history can expand its horizons and engage a wider audience.

Introduction:
The British Civil Wars, spanning from 1642 to 1651, were a pivotal period in British history marked by intense conflict and profound societal upheaval. These wars, fought between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians, resulted in significant loss of life and left a lasting impact on the country. In this essay, we will explore the human costs of the Civil Wars through a series of case studies, examining the experiences of individuals and communities during this tumultuous time.

Case Studies:
1. Disease:
The Civil Wars witnessed a widespread outbreak of diseases, including plague, smallpox, and typhoid. These diseases spread rapidly due to the crowded conditions and poor sanitation of the battlefield, as well as the lack of medical resources and knowledge. The impact of disease on the soldiers was devastating, with high mortality rates and severe physical deformities.
2. Burial Practices:
Burial practices during the Civil Wars were often chaotic and improvised. Due to the large number of casualties, burial sites were often overrun, and bodies were often left unburied or hastily buried in mass graves. This lack of proper burial practices led to the spread of disease and the deterioration of the remains of the deceased.
3. Surgery and Wounds:
The Civil Wars saw the development of new surgical techniques and the use of firearms, which resulted in severe injuries and wounds. Surgeons faced challenges in treating these injuries due to the lack of proper medical equipment and knowledge. The wounds of the Civil Wars were often complex and debilitating, leading to long-term physical and psychological effects.
4. Medicine:
Medicine during the Civil Wars was primitive and limited, with a reliance on traditional remedies and herbal treatments. The lack of proper medical facilities and trained medical personnel made it difficult to provide adequate care to the wounded and sick. The use of amputations, bloodletting, and other crude treatments was common, resulting in further suffering and mortality.
5. Hospitals:
Hospitals during the Civil Wars were few and far between, and their conditions were often appalling. The lack of funding and resources meant that hospitals were overcrowded, understaffed, and lacked proper medical equipment. Patients were subjected to poor sanitation, inadequate food, and inadequate medical care, leading to high mortality rates.
6. Trauma:
The Civil Wars were a time of immense trauma and suffering. The soldiers on both sides experienced horrific battles, witnessing the deaths of their friends and colleagues, and enduring physical and psychological trauma. The long-term effects of trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, were prevalent among the survivors.
7. Military Welfare:
Military welfare during the Civil Wars was inadequate and often neglected. The soldiers were often left to fend for themselves, with little or no support from the government or their commanders. The lack of proper housing, food, and medical care led to high levels of poverty and destitution among the soldiers.
8. Widowhood:
The Civil Wars resulted in significant loss of life, leaving many women widowed and destitute. Women were often left to care for their children and provide for their families alone, with little or no support from the government or their communities. Widowhood during the Civil Wars was a difficult and challenging experience, with women facing social stigma, economic hardship, and social exclusion.
9. Desertion:
Desertion was a common issue during the Civil Wars, with soldiers deserting their units for various reasons, including fear, disillusionment, or personal grievances. Desertion not only disrupted the military operations of the opposing side but also had a significant impact on the morale of the remaining soldiers.
10. Imprisonment:
The Civil Wars saw the imprisonment of thousands of individuals on both sides. The conditions in prisons were often harsh and inhumane, with overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate food. Prisoners were subjected to torture, abuse, and neglect, leading to high mortality rates and long-term physical and psychological effects.
11. Charity:
Charity was a crucial response to the human costs of the Civil Wars. Individuals, communities, and organizations provided support and assistance to the wounded, sick, and destitute. Charitable organizations played a vital role in providing medical care, food, and shelter to those in need, and in advocating for the rights and welfare of the soldiers.

Conclusion:
The human costs of the British Civil Wars were profound and far-reaching. Through a series of case studies, we have explored the experiences of disease, burial practices, surgery, wounds, medicine, hospitals, trauma, military welfare, widowhood, desertion, imprisonment, and charity. The percentage population loss in these conflicts exceeds that of the two World Wars, making the Civil Wars arguably the most unsettling experience the British people have ever undergone. It is important to remember and honor the sacrifices made by those who fought and suffered during this period, and to learn from the lessons of history to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 163 x 239 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526124807