Russian Steam Bath
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by
josiepegg
Pioneers erected a Russian steam bath in the transport lines - I imagine this was some sort of sauna. Presumably quite a novelty in 1918 for men from England
Posted
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Josie, Erik posted a question re this a year ago. See link for my Steam Baths comment, also other comments on this link:
i.e A Russian vapour bath is being fitted up into the Rest Station. I believe they are steam baths.
https://talk.operationwardiary.org/#/boards/BWD0000009/discussions/DWD0001eg2
In another article there is mention of Steam sterilizers:
Steam sterilizers were horse drawn, of small capacity, and of minimal utility. A device called the “Russian Pit” hot air delouser came along late in the war and had a capacity much greater than available steam sterilizers. The British also developed a combination of naphthalene, creosote, and iodoform made into a paste which could be applied to the seams of uniforms with a good result of eliminating lice in just a few hours.
Also Article re Communal baths (Re Typical life of soldiers).
https://www.bl.uk/world-war-one/articles/the-daily-life-of-soldiersTime spent out of the line at least offered the opportunity for the front line soldier to get clean. Communal baths would be set up and lice-infested clothing steam-cleaned.
Photo: US troops having their clothing deloused by steam, during World War I
Link: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Steam+baths+ww1&rlz=1C1CHBF_enGB796GB796&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=IOY_LURxwcmbcM%3A%2CF85mDp56rZFDKM%2C_&usg=AI4_-kQmREBMT6RQZgadcXBpa7A_OqnicQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiEtcK3uqzeAhVIDsAKHa1TBp0Q9QEwEnoECAEQBA#imgrc=IOY_LURxwcmbcM:Posted