A Pitiful Tale of a Refugee

The armistice that ended the war in Western Europe on November 11, 1918, did not change conditions in the areas devastated by the war. The doctors of AWH believed that the end of war did not mean the end of their services. People who had experienced the deprivations and devastation of war continued to suffer from its effects long after the fighting had ended: local violence, hunger, injuries, communicable diseases, forced migration, and inadequate housing. Villagers faced a difficult decision in leaving their homes, and although many chose to do so, they still dealt with the after-effects of warfare. Dr. Hurrell's reports to the AWH describe illness and epidemics compounded by lack of food, fuel and clothing, as well as unsanitary conditions. However, the work of the AWH and its support networks helped each area recover.

After the armistice was signed, living conditions were slow to improve in areas devastated by the fighting. It is likely that many families from the war-torn regions experienced similar events as those described by Dr. Hurrell. The story of the basket weaver and his family depicts the numerous difficulties civilians faced long after the fighting had ended.