WWI Wounded Soldiers at Base Hospital, France, 1918

This photograph captures a moment in history at Base Hospital No. 6 in Talence, France, during the height of World War I, specifically around 1917 or 1918. The image shows Ward 10, a place where wounded American soldiers received medical care after enduring injuries in the brutal trenches of Lorraine. The presence of nurses attending to the soldiers highlights the crucial role of medical personnel in treating the devastating wounds that came from the front lines.

During World War I, the United States established a network of base hospitals to support the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). Base Hospital No. 6 was one of these establishments, and it played a vital role in providing medical assistance to thousands of soldiers. The American Red Cross and other organizations also contributed to the efforts to care for the injured, showcasing a collective commitment to support the troops during the war. This photograph reflects that commitment and serves as a testament to the sacrifices made by both soldiers and medical staff in the face of conflict.

This image was later distributed by the Bain News Service and is documented in both the Catalogue of Photographs and the official A.E.F. photograph catalogue from 1919. It stands as an important historical artifact, illustrating the realities of war and the urgent need for medical care during one of the most significant conflicts in modern history.