From the brutal power of heavy artillery to the horrendous effects of poison gas, the march of technology and science made the First World War a conflict the like of which had never been seen before.

But the dramatic escalation of the brutality of warfare – and the often nightmarish injuries that came with it – drew a heroic response from the medical profession and led to advances in care that are still benefiting injured and sick people today.

The heavy artillery fire obliterated bone and flesh. If soldiers were lucky enough to survive their initial injuries, the looming threat of the dirt of the trenches would be their next enemy.

Armistice 100. Medics pushed boundaries to help injured