During the Great War one of the main problems was the spread of disease. Life in trenches was so difficult and dangerous that it was practically impossible for a soldier at the front to spend such a long period without having any physical problems. The cold, lack of shelter, the complete absence of personal hygiene for several weeks, the poorly preserved food that was eaten in absolutely filthy surroundings and the lack of toilet facilities were only just a few causes that contributed to the spread of germs, bacteria and viruses.
Typhoid, cholera and dysentery were among the most common diseases throughout the years of the war. Besides, many became sick with symptoms associated with diseases of the respiratory tract (just imagine a soldier who is soaking wet in the Karst and lashed by icy winds or an alpine soldier at an altitude of 2,000 metres); as a result of the promiscuity that was prevalent during rest periods away from the frontlines; and also as a result of wounds, even trivial ones, that developed into infections. It has been estimated that at least 100,000 Italian men died of disease. Furthermore, as if all this was not enough, in 1918 the terrible pandemic of the “Spanish” flu reached Europe and decimated the entire population (including the civilian population).
No less important were mental illnesses due to long periods spent on the war front. This was a nightmare for many soldiers, young and old, who were constantly threatened by death. Anyone who was deployed on the frontline was aware that, at any time, one could die; bombing by enemy artillery forces was incessant and snipers were at all times vigilant and ready to shoot at targets. Even just one reckless gesture, such as standing up inside a trench, could cost a soldier’s life.
The constant sight of corpses certainly did not help to improve the situation that was rendered even more tragic by the harsh attitude that was adopted by officers. Every battle, as we can read in many diaries of the protagonists, was awaited with an eerie silence. Having no possibility to resist, soldiers emerged from trenches in a resigned mood and sometimes in tears, knowing that anyone who showed any hesitation would be punished.
These years gave rise to the expression “scemo di guerra” (dumb war soldier) which refers to all those men who, during or after the Great War, were affected by mental illness. As this subject at that time was still obscure, as a means of cure doctors started to spread the practice of administering an electric shock to patients, causing more pain and complications to those who came back from the war front.
