No Man's Land: The Trailblazing Women Who Ran Britain’s Most Extraordinary Military Hospital During World War I Hardcover – Illustrated, April 28, 2020

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Why? It is a story of heroism against all odds. WWI was a disaster for England. Thousands of soldiers were being killed and wounded almost every day for four years. Hospitals were totally overwhelmed and there were not enough doctors and nurses to care for the wounded. The whole system had broken down with soldiers at first not even getting to a hospital for days (assuming they survived that long which many did not). Women doctors were few and far between and were seen as incompetent and especially hopeless in the realm of surgery. Men thought only men should be doctors. (Women then did not even have the right to vote). The men were wrong. In desperation the army turned to women doctors (who were small in number) to help out They ended up starting and running probably the best London hospital for wounded, and was staffed only by women doctors. They saved many thousands. They worked incredible hours and were brilliantly talented (and drew other women doctors from allied countries to help). The soldiers loved them and for good reason.

Wendy Moore's thoroughly researched and documented NO MAN'S LAND provides the history of women's increased opportunities in Britain in the field of medicine during WWI. The use of women doctors and their assistants in an all-female run hospital in London is an important piece of women's history; that said, what makes the book interesting reading are the details that Moore has been able to assemble to develop these colorful heroines of medicine, Louisa Garrett Anderson and Flora Murray, both suffragettes fighting for women's rights in England--and who stepped aside from that battle to create military hospitals for the treatment of WWI's fallen soldiers, two in France and one major facility in London. Overcoming all obstacles, they proved that women could treat sick and wounded men as well as male physicians--and stand up under the stress of serious surgical procedures. It's quite a story, one to admire, and I appreciated having the opportunity to experience it.

The author makes this dramatic WWII history story fit the context of the dreadful times and horrible combat of WWI. The female Physicians were not allowed, at the time in England, to treat male patients, their practices limited to women and children. Two courageous, suffragette women physicians and surgeons found a Military Hospital, first in Paris near the front, then near the seaport on the Channel before opening a full fledged Army Hospital in London. They recruited female physicians from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.The facility became recognized as the best Military Hospital in London. The remarkable healing spirit of the female staff brought them great acclaim and forever appreciation from their patients. Many were severely wounded and equally suffered from infection and Gangrene. In the midst of it all, they participated in research and clinical trials of a Mercury based infection control treatment, still used to this day, to save patients before the invention of Antibiotics. I have gifted this book to my female medical providers and my favorite Medical Student. It is a MUST read for everyone, particularly parents of young ladies.

Great insight onto the obstacles faced by women doctors of the era and how hard they had to work to prove themselves. Then to have their work forgotten after the war. Great personal stories of those who made Endel Street the epitome of an Army war hospital.

Incredible book and even better reading during our shut in quarantine. The delivery time was excellent.

As my Grandmother was a surgeon back in the 30s (yeah I'm old) I remember the stories She told of the hospital that She and my Grandfather (also a surgeon) ran in WW2. This book takes place during WW1 where 2 women shake up England's view on the ability for women to run a hospital for injured men.

⚕️ Medical History👩🏻‍⚕️ Women in STEM🚑 World War 1🧡 SapphicThis book took forever for me to read, but only because I've been too busy. It's honestly an easy introduction to female physicians in England during World War I. It follows the women working at Endell Street Hospital as they fight to save soldier's lives and for their own rights.

Excellent book. Very well written. Makes one want to keep turning the pages. Characters are nicely fleshed out. Clearly defines the heroism of the people and the times. Does not gloss over the awfulness of the times or the disgusting behavior of so many of the people. Yet it also highlights those who allowed evidence and experience to lead them to more honorable actions. A good choice for students of history, medicine, the suffragette era or just a good humanistic book.

A well informed and researched book which proved very interesting of WW1.It is is not a book to read quickly, full of info it is something that takes a week or two to read.

I thought I had read everything about World War 1. This was interesting on several fronts - political, military and medical. One point of clarification: Canadian Nursing Sisters were commissioned officers. Nurses were Lieutenants, Matrons were Captains and Matron's in Chief had the rank of Major.Excellent read.

Fascinating story. We should learn from it. And evolve...