wound classification query

[trbl_tommy]

Hi GWF,

Can anyone help me with the correct identification of this wound please from a casualty listed on 31 Amb Train 09/11/18 Rouen-Le Havre?

 

I have assumed it reads 'bullet wound knee (left)', or does BW stand for 'bayonet, bomb, blast' ?

Thanks,

[David26]

I've seen GSW a lot, which is the abbreviation for Gun Shot Wound (which is often also used for shrapnel injuries given the type of projectile from a shrapnel shell), but can't recall seeing BW, I'm afraid. 

 

David.

[adrian 1008]

I think Bw is most likely Bullet wound, the other consideration is Bw could be "below waist" but there doesn't appear any other descriptors 

 

 I  d favour bullet wound....... However David makes a very good point, could you publish the whole page to see if there are other instances of Bw used

Edited 20 May , 2021 by adrian 1008
further info

[trbl_tommy]

thanks for your replies, David26 and adrian 1008,

I have checked the whole page and a few other casualty listings either side on FMP and seen lots of instances of GSWs to various limbs/hands, but infrequent use of BW.

Interestingly I have found separate examples of 'BW forearm (L)' and 'GSW knee (L) + ankle'.

I would agree that GSW appears more often and that BW is most likely Bullet wound and just used interchangeably.

 

trbl_tommy

 

[Promenade]

Like you I believe this to be bullet wound left knee - this is the usual interpretation

 

Promenade

[David26]

Thanks. That's useful to know.

 

David.

[Barwinmol]

This topic caught my attention.

My grandfather's records state 'Shell Wd Head (sev). I think the written word at the end is 'sev', do you think this is severe or several.

He was a gunner in the RFA and wounded by counter battery fire as he fuzed 4.5in shells.

 

[Promenade]

This normally means severe.