Convalesce

To convalesce is to recover one's health and strength gradually from injury and illness over a period of time. From late 15th Century Latin convalescere, meaning to "thrive, regain health." It refers to the later stage of an infectious disease or illness when the patient recovers and returns to normal. Troops that suffered injuries or illness usually went through a period of convalescence, but how long and where was their convalescing took place was dependent on many different factors. If serious enough, they would have been sent home to Blighty until a time their health had recovered enough to ensure a return to the front.