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are on duty and houses where soldiers are billeted, within the Borough of
Poplar, were inspected as to the sanitary conditions existing and weekly
reports were made to the Deputy Director of Medical Services.
Blankets and beds at certain guard rooms had been disinfected ;
every facility of disinfection and bathing was afforded to soldiers billeted
within the Borough. Supplies of electrolytic disinfecting fluid and formalin,
and pamphlets relating to the fly menace were supplied to each of
the six Officers commanding troops within the Borough.
Soldiers reported in connection with infected premises in each case
immediate telephonic or telegraphic communication was made with the
Officer commanding the particular regiment or company, etc., which
was confirmed by letter.
Daily lists of cases of infectious disease were also forwarded to the
Deputy Director of Medical Services and the six Commanding Officers.
Places where Army (War and Canteen) rations are prepared were
nnder constant supervision by the sanitary inspectors.
The following copy letter from the Army Council was transmitted
to the Medical Officer of Health by the Local Government Board, viz. :
" War Office, London, S.W.
25th March, 1915.
" Sib,—I am commanded by the Army Council to infrom you that
they have had under consideration the assistance which local public
health authorities, under the guidance of the Local Government Board,
have rendered since the outbreak of the war to troops stationed in their
administrative areas. They are of opinion that this assistance in the
unexampled circumstances of the last eight months has been invaluable
in safeguarding the health of the forces and in preventing the spread of
infectious disease to an extent which would otherwise have been imppracticable,
and I am to ask that the Local Government Board will
be so good as to convey to the councils of the counties, boroughs, and
sanitary districts concerned the thanks of the Army Council for the work
thus undertaken. I am in particular to refer to the valuable services
which have been given by medical officers of health, sanitary inspectors
and other officials of the local authorities in co-operating with the Army
sanitary service.