AIR BLITZ NERVES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 November 1941, Page 2

AIR BLITZ NERVES

BEST ANTIDOTE FOUND IN ACTION. Discussing the effects of the air “blitz” on civilian nerves, the medical correspondent of the “Spectator” says there is a mass of evidence supporting, the view that activity in civil defence services is the most effective antidote to the fear capable of producing hysteria and bomb-shock in an air raid. A remarkable example is provided by the case of the young London dental mechanic who was rejected by the Army on the ground that he would break down under any strain. Justification for the rejection seemed to be proved by the neurotic symptoms he revealed in the next twelve months. During that time he was a member of a rescue souad belonging to a first-aid post. Then’the raids began, and almost automatically, it seemed, the neurotic symptoms disappeared. As soon as it became his nightly job to rush to bombed buildings and help in rescuing the trapped he was able to do so again and again with complete disregard for his own personal safety. He became a real war hero.