Medische aspecten van de slag bij Doggersbank

Abstract

The Naval Battle at Doggersbank The outcome of the encounter near Doggersbank (5 August 1781) between 7 Dutch and 7 British heavily armed men-of-war is remembered as a remarkable Dutch victory. Losses however were heavy: 104 dead and 3.39 wounded in the British fleet, 140 dead and 404 wounded in the Dutch. Dutch medical information on this naval battle is very scarce. 24 Amputations were performed at sea; only 4 died from tetanus. The wounded were transported to the municipal hospital at Amsterdam which was brought in readiness hastily. In the Hospital Archives one only finds the names of the victims and the location of their wounds; no details about the treatment. Next to fractures, dislocations and wounds from bullets and flying wood one encounters severe burns: all typical hazards of the war at sea. One sailor with a devastating injury of his upper jaw and face, due to a cannonball, survived for 16 years. His deformed skull is on exhibit in the Leyden Pathological Institute. As a result of the generous financial contributions for the survivors of this naval battle or their next of kin a national foundation was created to stimulate interest for the navy. In 1784 a nautical college was inaugurated which still exists.