Trench fever became a major worry for the Allied High Command during the First World War because of its debilitating effects on troop performance. The causes of the fever were not previously known, but entomological research identified the body louse (pediculus humanus corporis) as the carrier, and the Royal Army Medical Corps developed effective methods of control through disinfestation. These were markedly influenced by the researches of a young entomologist, Alexander David Peacock, which were conducted under campaign conditions. Peacock subsequently occupied a Chair of Zoology at St Andrews University for 30 years.
Keywords Body louse, disease vectors, disinfestation, entomological research, Alexander David Peacock, Royal Army Medical Corps
Declaration of Interests Sir Alan Peacock is the son and William Pearson the grandson of Alexander David Peacock.
