"Everything You Didn’t Think You Wanted to Know About Chemical Warfare and the First World War"

"Everything You Didn’t Think You Wanted to Know About Chemical Warfare and the First World War" with Shelley Castle

Summary:

Today, the First World War and chemical warfare remain strongly associated, appearing in poetry, GCSE exams, films like Wonder Woman, and TV series like
Downton Abbey and Only Fools and Horses, maintaining many of the myths surrounding it. But how many of these stories and associations are true? Did soldiers really urinate into handkerchiefs to protect themselves? Were wartime respirators completely protective? Were gas attacks really like the writings of Wilfred Owen? Were gas-related injuries really horrific? Did it really cause blindness and coughs which never left its victims? Did these men ever healthy again? Why was gas used so much if it did not kill anyone and we could protect against it? How were gas-related injuries treated? This talk intends to explore the reality of these myths and present the reality of a weapon that is still subject to horror and fear, and is widely considered a political red line by many governments. In doing so, this talk will tell you everything that you did not think you ever wanted to know about chemical weapons.

Bio:

Shelley is a graduate of the Universities of Hertfordshire and Birmingham with degrees in history and First World War studies. She has recently submitted a DPhil thesis on the immediate long-term effects of Chemcial warfare during the First World War, to the University of Oxford sub-division of the History of Science, Medicine and Technology culminating 10 years of research into the subject.

Venue:

BOX, Picadilly

Unit B Ground & Basement 21, 

23 Shaftesbury Ave, Piccadilly Circus, London W1D 7EF

For 20% off food before and after the talk email Saskia.Keatman@arcinspirations.com to book a table. 

Event Running Time:
Doors 12pm
Introduction 12:45pm
Lecture 12:50pm
Q&A 13:30pm
Finish 13:45pm

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

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At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

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