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8
strictions in diet, and the perils of day-to-day existence, the
individual and public health continued at a most satisfactory
level. During the whole period there was no serious outbreak of
infectious or epidemic disease, so dreaded in time of war.
It will be generally acknowledged that in the organisation
of the Casualty, First Aid, and Hospital Services, all sections of
the staff of this department—medical, nursing and lay—played an
indispensable part in providing facilities for the succour of the
shocked, sick and wounded, and for the care of those residents
who made nightly excursion to the public shelters. It is impossible
to express adequately the deep appreciation one feels is
owing to all those men and women associated with the Casualties
Services as a whole, who gave so magnanimously of their time
and effort, with complete abnegation of self, in the darkest days
when this borough was in the area which bore the brunt of the
enemy's air assault.
I desire to express my gratitude to the Chairman and Members
of the Public Health Committee, and to the Chairman and
Members of other Committees, for their assistance and support
throughout the year; also to my staff and colleagues who have
contributed so much to the efficiency of the department.
I have the honour to be, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your Obedient Servant,
Malcolm Barker,
Medical Officer of Health.