The Horrors and Heroes of Hiroshima

Hiroshima ceramic bowls and spoon, circa 1945, Warner Wells Collection Artifacts, approximately 1940s, History of Medicine artifacts collection, 1550-1980s.

Throughout Hiroshima Diary, there are references to the devastation caused by the initial atomic bombing and the fires afterward. There was a lack of medical supplies as well as basic necessities that the hospital relied on, such as electricity, working bathrooms, and friends and family to aid in the care of patients. In Japan, while hospital staff cared for medical needs, friends and family provided food, comfort, and basic care. Dr. Hachiya requested supplies for the hospital and received them on August 24^th from the Engineering Corps. The supplies included shoes, axes, and the most popular, cooking utensils. Dr. Hachiya chose a dish and rice bowl, similar to the ones here. White dishes decorated with the blue star were made for the Japanese army.