Copyright 2006 T. Sheil & A. Sheil All Rights Reserved
The medic has been a popular part of the military miniature world. Stretcher bearers and medics with their medical bags are favored by some collectors.
Wonder of wonders, then, when we turned up this set of photographs from US government sources. These are photographs of a field hospital of the Japanese Army in the Russo japanese War, 1904 - 1905. They were likely taken in China, judging by the structures in the background. Though primitive by today's standards, this hospital would have been considered very modern in 1905. So modern, in fact, that the Japanese probably invited photographers so as to tout the excellent medical care they gave their people. They give us a glimpse into a unique aspect of military life.
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Japanese nurses in white gowns, high cap and traditional footwear.  |
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Wounded soldiers on futons  |
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Nurses carry soldier on stretcher. Men in back are probably army doctors.  |
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Japanese army doctor and nurse check wounded soldier  |
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Nurses work on wounded patient  |
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Operating room, doctors with nurses in attendance. Nurse to far right is Western, probably a volunteer.  |