First field dressing

First field dressings were carried by soldiers in the field during the First World War (1914-19). They could be quickly applied to injuries such as bullet wounds. They were interim measures for serious injuries until a stretcher-bearer arrived.

Millions of field dressings were made by various manufacturers across the world. Throughout the course of the war, New Zealand soldiers could have carried British, Australian or New Zealand-made dressings.

This particular dressing consists of a bandage and gauze pad. It was made by an English manufacturer for the British War Office in March 1915, and was carried by Wilfred Clegg, who served as a British soldier in both World Wars.