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those which might be associated with air raids, was
noticeable in the majority while not only was the opportunity
for work restricted but the ability to do so was diminished
through mental fatigue. Inability to concentrate and to
some extent a diminished sense of proportion wore evident
especially in those who were permitted or permitted themselves
only very limited holidays or periods for relaxation.
Gradually, however, the majority adapted themselves
in varying degrees to the new conditions. A fatalistic
attitude became common, day raiding was less intense and gave
comparative respite, while a steady succession of moderate
nightly attacks proved less disturbing than intermittent ones.
The reaction of the children was to all appearances remarkably
good. Those most affected appeared to be the middle aged
and those advancing to old age. The really aged appeared to
accept the situation as well as the young but at all ages there
was considerable variation between individuals.
Apart from the spread of Scarlet Fever among the children
in the shelters at Reedham Orphanage, there was no evidence in
this District of ill health resulting from the actual
congregation of people in all sorts of air raid shelter nightly.
At the end of the year the shelter habit commenced to diminish.
I am again indebted to the Sanitary Inspector and Senior
Health Visitor for their assistance in preparing the sections
of this Report dealing with their work, as also to the Medical
Officer for Reedham Orphanage, Dr. Lindsay, and the Medical
Superintendents of the two Mental Hospitals for information
on the outbreaks they experienced.
May I finally express my gratitude not only to my staff
in the Public Health Department, who have always responded
loyally and accepted extra duties wholeheartedly, but to the
very many members of the First Aid Service, to which Service the
majority of my time was devoted during 1940. As is to be
expected a constant change of a percentage of the First Aid
personnel has occurred, but the majority, who form the backbone
of the Service, undertook their training zealously and in the
latter half of 19-10 when called upon to do actual air raid
duties gave of their best. This service has been publicly
acknowledged. May I extend my thanks for the very many
unadvertised forms of service they have willingly rendered the
public, including the daily delivery of babies' and invalids'
gas masks, manning the Hospital Out-Patient Department and
Civil Ambulances, assisting in immunisation work, in conveying
the midwives to their cases, in the reception of refugees, in
furniture removal, etc. It is healthy, though not always
officially acceptable, for the First Aid and Public Health
Services to be so linked in service to the community, and it
is particularly gratifying to be able to undertake jointly
positive and creative work amidst so much destructive effort,
the anomaly of which latter is thereby emphasised.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. R. EDBROOKE.
Medical Officer of Health.
September, 1941.