Gassed

[jay dubaya]

Hi folks, when a soldier has suffered the effects of gas, how would his death be recorded? Died of Wounds or Died, presumably some were also KiA, any help in clarifying this would be much appreciated,

cheers, Jon

[truthergw]

Hi Jon. From previous discussions on the forum, it would appear that there was no standard method of recording death which would reliably indicate gassing as the cause. The consensus seems, to me at least, to be that died of wounds would indicate actual wounding by gunshot or artillery fire. Bodies being recorded after an attack in which gas had been used as an auxiliary weapon, might well be listed as KIA. A lot would depend on where death occurred and how long it was before the body was recovered. Succumbing to the effects of gas after days or even weeks in hospital, as many did, would likely be listed as died.

[jay dubaya]

Many thanks for that truthergw, it's pretty much what I thought, just needed another opinion,

cheers, Jon

[Terry Denham]

CWGC records some men as 'Died of wounds (gas)' in the old registers. However, this info came from the NoK and may not be accurate.

[jay dubaya]

Thanks for the input Terry, much appreciated,

cheers, Jon