No laughing matter

‘Big Nims’ (full name and rank not listed) of the 3rd Battalion, 366th Infantry, 92nd Division. This photo was taken on the 8th of August, 1918 in Vosges, France. ‘Big Nims’ is apparently laughing at his friends trying on their gas masks for the first time. It is unknown whether he survived the conflict. The armistice was signed on the 11th of November 1918. so I think his chances were likely above average.

“I wish those people who talk about going on with this war whatever it costs could see the soldiers suffering from mustard gas poisoning. Great mustard-coloured blisters, blind eyes, all sticky and stuck together, always fighting for breath, with voices a mere whisper, saying that their throats are closing and they know they will choke.”

Vera Brittain, British nurse