Getting Dressed in WW1 - Hospital Blues Uniform

An injured British soldier is helped to dress in a hospital blues uniform by VAD Nurses.
Soldier - Bradley Wall
Nurse - Emma Wighton
Nurse - Natalie Yates
Costume - Pauline Loven / periodwardrobe
Voice-over - Nicole Loven / loven.n
Director - Nicole Loven / loven.n
Narration writer - Pauline Loven / periodwardrobe
Make-up - Oliver Helm / oliver.helm.makeup
Dresser - Amy Magnone
Filmed on location at Normanby Hall, www.normanbyhall.co.uk/
This video, like all Crow’s Eye Productions’ works, is protected by copyright under the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and internationally under the Berne Copyright Convention. It may not be reproduced or adapted, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Crow’s Eye Productions.

[@StephBer1]

My grandfather would have worn this uniform! He was shot through the neck and arm, and paralysed, at the Somme, but after 3 weeks he regained some feeling in his legs. He eventually regained all feeling after 2 months. The doctors felt the best way to get his strength back was to become an orderly, helping in the hospital with the other wounded. He eventually assisted in surgeries. After all that he was sent back to the front as an ambulance driver! Amazingly he survived the war, and despite the doctors only predicting a 10 year life span, he lived until he was 89. Blessings to all the nurses in that war. A nurse on the battlefront also saved him. She sensed someone was alive in No Man's Land and she hunted for him when everyone else gave up.

[@tejaswoman]

Fascinating! Thank you for sharing.

[@louiselill1528]

Thank you for his service and I'm happy he survived for you to tell his story x

[@KateandBree]

His guardian angel was sure working overtime!

[@StephBer1]

@@tejaswoman You're welcome.

[@StephBer1]

@@louiselill1528 So am I! Not just for my life but I think it's a fascinating story.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

The fact that this uniform has a _detachable collar_ is just wild from a modern perspective since that seems like such a luxury item. But I guess it afforded the recovering soldiers some dignity after spending time in bed recovering.

[@lirazel6414]

Detachable collars and cuffs meant that you could get those items dirty and still have a (relatively) clean shirt under your jacket. They saved time and money, especially when everything like starching and ironing was done by hand. Many poorer people wore paper collars and cuffs, and changed shirts once a week!

[@hopenield8234]

At the time, all shirts came without collars. There was nothing in this uniform that was about giving the men dignity. Far from it, as was mentioned it was made distinctive so it was a kind of prison uniform to ensure that the soldiers did not abscond if they were afraid of being sent back to the front as some were.

[@talosheeg]

Yay you guys are back! These nurses did so much important work!

[@spaghettiking7312]

Even the most random outfits looked supremely dapper.

[@gleann_cuilinn]

I see that our suffragette has joined the VAD 😁 I never knew about hospital blues. So much care went into the design

[@fioncam]

My mother's mother was a VAD in one such hospital, the No. 1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital Harefield Park, Middlesex. It was the home of some Aussie expats who offered it as a hospital in 1915. My grandmother, who was english, met her husband, my Australian grandfather, there in about 1917, recovering from war wounds from the Western Front. After the war, she emigrated to Sydney to find and marry him.

[@tejaswoman]

Wow! Talk about a family story to pass down to the grandchildren.

[@staffanlindstrom576]

Beautiful story.

[@tejaswoman]

Can't believe I'm the only one here thinking of Sybil Crawley ... have to imagine all the comments were on the video that was about the nurses getting dressed. Thank you for so many details about the men's outfits. At first I was thinking wool seem like a lot to manage, until I remembered it would protect him from the cold as well. Like everyone else, I love the detail about the blue making him conspicuous, though I also found it interesting hearing that the top was made to be large enough to go over any medical dressings might still need. Initially it seemed a little silly that a guy in the hospital would need to wear a collared shirt, but one of the other commenters pointed out that it might be a point of personal pride and dignity. Thank you also for the reminder that sometimes when they got well they'd be sent back to the front lines.

[@StoriesbyIrish]

You're not the only one thinking about Sybil. She and Branson are my favorite characters (aside from Violet) in the franchise.

[@dawnkindnesscountsmost5991]

Upon seeing the nurses in the thumbnail, my first thought was of Lady Sybil. 💖

[@laurenconrad1799]

When the world needed them most, they were back. ❤ Both nurses and Crowseye Productions. 😉

[@RoSario-vb8ge]

I wonder what these nurses eyes have seen. They certainly haven't been the same after their time of doing their precious work...

[@faithlesshound5621]

I recall hearing a very old lady in hospital, circa 1981, telling a student nurse of her time as a volunteer nurse in France during WW1. She still remembered a young man who had had half of his face blown away.

[@wargey3431]

@@faithlesshound5621my mum started nursing at the same time and said even the junior doctors would hide from the matrons and some of the older ward sisters because they scared them so much

[@raraavis7782]

I do remember the video about the nurses uniforms very well! Glad, you made a follow up on the 'patient uniforms'. Are you also going to cover the doctors and other permanent staff? It's very interesting 👍

[@kellybryson7754]

Absolutely LOVE the part about bright blue so they can't sneak out to the pub!

[@kaveverythingnerd324]

Love these videos so much! And so important to highlight these important women from WWI

[@emmajo4880]

The quality of your videos is astonishing- so much care and effort so artfully put into them. I feel like I am watching a movie with each one of them, while getting incredible historical information as well. Terrific everyone!

[@brendawhitehead7575]

I enjoy these videos immensely! Clothing tells us so much about the history of the time they were worn. ❤

[@HarbindBrar]

Glad to see your back making videos! Love that this is about the soldier's uniform outside of normal duties, which is something you don't see or hear about. This is certainly the first time I'm hearing about "Hospital Blues." I would love to see more about various uniforms of this era in history from different countries.

[@eLeoLychen]

its always a good day when y'all put out a video. a moment of humble rememberance and learning.

[@lunalimited]

It is always a delightful treat when you upload!

[@KateandBree]

What a wonderful video from another perspective. I can't imagine how important and relieving this uniform was to soldiers. In the US, we have never had such an equivalent as far as I know.

[@alberttetley]

It's good to see you are back. Incredible video as always. It's lovely to see that all the hard work these women did has not been forgotten.

[@NestorPerez12]

Yes finally we get a video y'all don't know how long I've been waiting to see another one of your masterpieces

[@paulbennett4415]

The psychological effect on a wounded soldier must have been exhilarating. Straight from the trenches to clean sheets, a spotless ward, glazed windows, slim, compassionate young women in starched uniforms who were dedicated to their work. And above all, the peace, quiet and safety. All these factors would have revitalised the serviceman and given him the will to live again. Thank you so much for your video!

[@Bunnidove]

Not all slim, my friend. There are chubby, strong women too. Usually a bit older.

[@gggallagher2656]

How I've missed these! I was just talking about this channel the other day, I'm so glad you're back!

[@elizathemermaid]

This is wonderful! I'm always so excited when you upload!

[@arollou9331]

Thank you for sharing this important history with us!❤

[@clairewonderfullife8819]

You guys are finally back !!!! Love, love, love this masterpiece, everything is just perfect

[@ConyMoya.]

Well, time to rewatch the whole getting dressed series again

[@tayanahemphill7110]

Yea. New video! I was watching all the other videos so much that I was starting ro get sick of it

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

The beginning choked me up, I wasn't expecting this to start on such a hard note. What a contrast. Thank you for this beautiful and amazing production.

[@rustyshadeofred]

all of your videos are so cinematic and beautiful!

[@mparis130]

You're back! What an interesting variation on your getting dressed video series. It was truly moving.

[@zhisu2665]

these nurses would be drooling if they saw modern scrubs with sneakers, they'd get their work done faster and comfortably.

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

Haha. . . with no central heating in England they would have been very uncomfortable and slow. . .

[@stevenh1195]

Oh, thank goodness! another CEP video that just made my day.

[@akaneh1989]

Great video! Nice to see the blend in comfortable and well-turned-out look this provided, and it's interesting COs wore something different, though probably also marked out for the pub reasons given here.

[@staffanlindstrom576]

Beautiful VAD uniforms. They must have made the patients feel better.

[@lnspotts1]

I appreciate y'all's attention to detail in the history y'all present. Thank you.

[@ConstanzeWeber]

You always do something amazing with these videos.. so worth the wait! Thank you!!

[@misssmith7225]

These are always done with such sensitivity and warmth. Thank you.

[@hasannaomir.3037]

Thank you for the great tip. The seamed kitchener stitch for knitting socks to avoid chafing.

[@CharmEng89]

This was a video about what was worn - and I got emotional just thinking about the cost of war, and what these nurses had to see and go through. It is still important to remember even these details, so we never forget what we must never do again.

[@Merylstreep1949]

Oh thank you❤❤❤❤ l missed your awesome and beautiful videos and all the awesome actors....especially the stunning women actors 🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤thank you 😂

[@sapphos_roommates]

This is so cool! I'm trying to make a tudor gown at the moment, your videos are such an inspiration for me!

[@wcfheadshots240]

Wow! How lucky the gent who had two maids to help him dress with no visible wounds! 😮

[@dandeliondreamer3365]

So interesting! I love your channel! So happy to see you back! One of my favorite channels! Educational and beautiful ❤

[@spaghettiking7312]

Truly an era where every occasion had a uniform.

[@asugirlgonenerdy]

Oh my god I’ve been waiting for a new one!!!

[@sheep1ewe]

Awesome You guys are back again! Thank You so much for making the videos!!

[@nekokun354]

I'm so happy you guys are back. What a wonderful video!

[@LycanVisuals]

"Look who's back, back again." 😁

[@laurateixeira4182]

So cool you’re back!! Love your videos ❤

[@devon6236]

Oh man I've missed these! So glad to see another one of your informative videos!

[@swedishfarmboy]

Bloody outstanding good job! Thank you.

[@buffersandbananas]

So glad you guys are back!!!

[@debcarroll8192]

So happy to see another of your videos! This was very interesting.

[@spaghettiking7312]

Wow, this production is way too good.

[@lara_xy]

It is evident how much effort you put into your videos! This was so interesting! I am really glad to have discovered your channel as I am especially interested in victorian fashion since I read a lot of books based on that period. But truthfully, a video about any time period before me is very interesting to me

[@Creative_B]

Yay! I missed you!! Welcome back!😄

[@TheNinjaInConverse]

These are beautiful:)

[@user-oj5bw7sl8p]

I am glad to see, that the amount of followers of this excellent channel is growing.

[@malinhessedahl]

I miss your videos here on youtube. Welcome back to KZbin❤❤❤

[@filmandrewaya6684]

I am so happy you are back

[@barcyorky]

Another wonderfully informative film, heavens I’ve missed you guys! Just grateful my Husband has never be so ill that I have to put his socks on for him!

[@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319]

I've missed your uploads 😻

[@BonnieBennettStan]

I’ve been waiting for ages!

[@rebeccawayman4219]

Yes…another video. I loved it.

[@Zombiecane]

So glad you’re back! Would really love to see a video of working women or men around the turn of the 20th century and up to WW1 someday!

[@melbonthuys7573]

Yay! I love the getting dressed series❤

[@marafiasche1542]

Such an iinteresting and informative video. Thank you Love the narator

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

What a lovely video!

[@victorianidetch]

Nicely done!

[@DoomCabbit]

damn though that uniform looks comfy!

[@AzzureSky]

New video! Great!

[@Richardsonprincess00]

🎉 welcome back

[@spencivetaste]

Please do one for 15th century nobility in England. Like wars of the roses era! Head dresses and all

[@declanm6887]

Brilliant video, will you be doing any more World War 1 or World War 2 themed videos in the near future. (i.e. RAF fighter pilots during World War 2 or paratroopers). Also would be interesting to see videos themed around other professions throughout history such as: 1. Coal miners (19th century) 2.Chimeny sweeps or orphans 3.Sailors or naval officers (18th, 19th or early 20th century) All these are just some suggestions, Great video.

[@johannashiffler2412]

Thank you for this amazing video! I’m very interested in the First World War so this really helps. ❤❤

[@purpurina5663]

Wonderful video and stories in the comments to go with it. There seems to be a lot of thought (and thoughtfulness) behind this uniform. I'd love to know how it came about.

[@admiralcrustyeraser]

Oh yeah

[@ledzep215]

Could we maybe get a video on byzantine clothing? Maybe getting dressed as an Eastern Roman Emperor or Empress?

[@lukethomas658]

I feel like WWI doesn't get as much educational attention in the US. One of the things I bought home from Europe was a greater sense of its trauma and impact.

[@jwhite1707]

Exemplary! 👏

[@cameliabelkouche5128]

Please could you do a video of getting dressed of a queen in 17th century ?

[@karolinawroblewska1984]

Would American or other ally soldiers wear the same uniforms when recuperating in these hospitals? My American great great uncle was wounded and sent to a British hospital. He ended up sneaking out and they found him in France. Would he have been wearing the blue uniform?

[@MissJess0004]

this is so off topic but is the nurse on the right not the actress from that viral tick tok of a bride and bridesmaid fighting about the bridesmaid dress lol

[@phlarrdboi]

02:50 who did the buttons up?

[@LucieCornelia]

Early!!!

[@TheHolyFurryEmpire]

I wish you did more men's clothing from the 1700s

[@wazi0crak75]

Plis empress sisi dress up

[@rain-gx1lj]

these are incredible videos, preserving histoty- but imagine being sent BACK to the front after nearly dying. fuuuuuuuuuck that

[@Taracinablue]

interesting and a little sad

[@sigbauer9782]

Nice, but she took way too long to make that bed. Can you imagine how long it would take her to make you a sammich? LOL