Historical Analysis of the Geneva and Hague Conventions and Their Protection of Military Medical Personnel, Facilities, and Transport During World War

This study explores the Geneva Convention of 1906 and the Hague Convention of 1907 and their effectiveness in protecting military medical personnel, facilities, and transport during World War I. The analysis focuses on violations against American, British, and French protected medical forces on the Western Front and violations against military hospital ships and medical personnel at sea. Following a description of the origins of the conferences, the conditions that medical personnel faced on the battlefield, and the layout of military medical services during World War I, the investigator analyzed violations that were committed on land and at sea, categorizing the violations by frequency and intent. Additionally, the investigator presented available examples of protections that the conventions appear to have afforded to protected military medical personnel, facilities, and transport. Based upon the analysis, the investigator concluded that the German military frequently and intentionally violated the provisions of the Geneva and Hague Conventions, both on land and at sea. The study also finds that American, British, and French protected military medical forces were impartially attacked by the German military. Further study of violations in subsequent wars is recommended to identify trends and ways that military commanders can better protect their medical assets.