Making sphagnum moss dressings, Dartmoor, WW1

A group of cutters and machinists at Princetown on Dartmoor making cases for sphagnum moss which would become surgical dressings during the First World War. The moss grew wild on Dartmoor and its antiseptic and absorbent properties made it ideal for such a use. The female workers were all voluntary and their expenses were paid by the Duchy of Cornwall

Absorbent Antiseptic Cases Cutters Dartmoor Dressings Duchy Filling Machinists Sphagnum Surgical Voluntary Volunteers

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