London medical students who assisted at Belsen

London Medical Students Who Assisted at Belsen

Group photo of London medical students who went to Belsen

The London medical students who assisted at Belsen were a group of volunteer medical students from London who played a crucial role in providing medical aid and relief to survivors of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp following its liberation in April 1945. These students were part of a larger effort by the British Army and medical personnel to address the dire humanitarian crisis at the camp.

Background

Bergen-Belsen concentration camp was liberated by the British 11th Armoured Division on April 15, 1945. Upon liberation, the soldiers discovered thousands of emaciated and diseased prisoners, many of whom were on the brink of death. The camp was plagued by outbreaks of typhus, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases, exacerbated by severe malnutrition and unsanitary conditions.

The Role of Medical Students

In response to the overwhelming medical needs at Belsen, a call for volunteers was made to medical schools in London. A group of medical students, eager to contribute to the relief efforts, traveled to the camp to assist the British Army Medical Corps. Their primary tasks included providing basic medical care, assisting in the distribution of food and medicine, and helping to improve sanitary conditions.

The Liberation of Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp, June 1945

The students worked under challenging conditions, often dealing with a lack of resources and the emotional toll of witnessing the aftermath of the atrocities committed at the camp. Despite these challenges, their efforts were instrumental in saving lives and alleviating the suffering of many survivors.

Medical and Humanitarian Efforts

The medical students were involved in setting up makeshift hospitals and clinics within the camp. They worked alongside experienced doctors and nurses, learning on the job and applying their medical knowledge in a real-world crisis situation. Their work included treating infectious diseases, managing malnutrition, and providing psychological support to survivors.

Bergen-Belsen after liberation

Impact and Legacy

The contribution of the London medical students at Belsen is remembered as a significant humanitarian effort. Their work not only provided immediate relief to the survivors but also highlighted the importance of medical education and the role of young medical professionals in crisis situations. The experience gained by these students influenced their future careers and underscored the importance of compassion and resilience in the medical profession.

Related Pages

• Bergen-Belsen concentration camp
• 11th Armoured Division (United Kingdom)
• Typhus
• World War II

Medical students at Belsen in converted hospital ward

Gallery

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  Bergen-Belsen Liberation

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  Belsen Concentration Camp