During World War Two, the Army Blood Transfusion Service developed crucial skills that led to significant advancements in life-saving techniques still benefiting us today. The rapid delivery of blood to the injured on the front lines resulted in saving countless lives.
Volunteers generously donated blood, and innovative methods led to significant progress in preserving donated blood. A new book titled “The Lifesavers” by historian Roderick Bailey honors the team behind the success of our Army Blood Transfusion Service (ABTS), which was admired worldwide.
Roderick, aged 51 from Thame, Oxfordshire, describes the ABTS as a remarkable and efficient service that saved thousands of lives. Starting with 5,000 donors in 1939, the ABTS grew to half a million donors by the war’s end, comprising men, women, service personnel, and civilians from diverse backgrounds.
Lionel Whitby, an amputee from World War One, underwent transfusions on the battlefield and later became the commanding officer of ABTS during World War Two. Operating from the blood supply depot at Bristol’s Southmead Hospital, Lionel and his team, including his wife Ethel, implemented innovative techniques such as using plasma instead of pure blood for better efficiency.
Plasma, a clear fluid devoid of red blood cells, was found to last longer and did not require blood-typing, enabling quick administration to wounded soldiers without the risk of adverse reactions. The UK pioneered the freeze-drying of plasma, allowing for easy transportation and storage in sealed containers, which could be reconstituted rapidly on the front lines.
Today, the MOD and NHS have reintroduced these techniques, setting up dried plasma production in Cambridge and utilizing it in conflict zones like Ukraine to aid in treating hard-to-reach casualties.
Under Whitby’s leadership, the ABTS supplied blood and plasma to troops across various war theaters, processing 20-25,000 pints of blood monthly by 1943. The invaluable contributions of Lionel and Ethel Whitby, who played pivotal roles in the success of the ABTS, were recognized through honors and promotions.
Innovative campaigns like ‘Blood for Victory’ and ‘beer for blood’ were launched to encourage blood donations from the public and military personnel, highlighting the importance of community support during wartime.
The ABTS was established in anticipation of the need for blood supply during wartime, with operations commencing in 1938 to ensure prompt blood delivery to the battlefield. Major Gladwin Buttle’s ingenious tactics in North Africa exemplified the service’s adaptability and resourcefulness in challenging circumstances.
The diaries of Hugh Conway provided insights into the effectiveness of transfusions, showcasing how blood transfusions revolutionized medical care on the battlefield, even in prisoner of war camps.
Roderick’s book sheds light on the critical role of the ABTS during World War Two and underscores the importance of preparedness for future conflicts. While facing challenges in blood supply readiness today, the legacy of the ABTS lifesavers serves as a testament to the possibility of overcoming such obstacles in times of crisis.
