Explore the lesser-known story of amphetamine use during World War II, uncovering how both Allied and Axis forces utilized these drugs to enhance soldier performance and resilience.
James Holland, a historian, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about amphetamine use during World War II. While stories about Hitler and German forces' drug use are widely known, less is understood about the Allied commanders' embrace of these substances. The horrors of modern warfare left a significant impact on Allied soldiers, with one in three incapacitated by combat fatigue and shell shock, a precursor to PTSD.
This widespread psychological distress led Allied commanders to believe that amphetamines, particularly Benzedrine, could be the answer.Holland delves into the history of Pervitin, a methamphetamine developed by a German pharmacologist and manufactured by Temmler Pharmaceutical in the 1930s. Marketed to the public through a campaign similar to Coca-Cola's, Pervitin was initially used by Luftwaffe pilots to stay alert during long flights. Prior to the Battle of France in 1940, German troops were given 35 million Pervitin pills. This resulted in remarkable endurance, allowing them to cover 22 miles daily for 10 days straight, ultimately contributing to the trapping of the British army at Dunkirk.The discovery of Pervitin in a downed German aircraft by the British army in 1940 sparked interest in utilizing the same tactic for their troops. The Allies opted for Benzedrine, an amphetamine similar to Pervitin, which produced similar effects of heightened alertness and euphoria. General Dwight Eisenhower ordered half a million Benzedrine tablets for American soldiers entering ground combat in North Africa in November 1942. Holland's investigations also reveal the use of Benzedrine by British troops under Bernard Montgomery's command during the Battle of El Alamein in 1942. A medical memo from Montgomery's officer, Q.V. Wallace, confirms the issuance of Benzedrine to troops involved in the opening stages of the battle, highlighting the strategic importance of amphetamines in Allied warfare.
World War II Amphetamines Pervitin Benzedrine Military History Drug Use In War
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