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56
On leaving the Docks the Launch proceeded down the River to Gravesend. During
the journey Lunch was served. The Toast List was as follows:—
THE KING.
Proposed by the Chairman.
The Lord Mayor and Corporation of the City of London.
Proposed by Colonel P. G. Stock, C.B., C.B.E., M.B.
Response by Major J. Lockhart Gow, M.C., C.C.
The Association of Port Sanitary Authorities of the British Isles.
Proposed by the Chairman.
Response by Alderman J. Moore, J.P., President of the Association.
The Ladies.
Proposed by F. Whittingham, Esq., J.P., C.C.
Response by Alderman Mrs. L. M. Foster Welch, J.P.
The Chairman.
Proposed by Alderman H. J. Maggs, J.P.
Response by the Chairman.
At the conclusion of Lunch the Delegates inspected the Authority's Isolation
Hospital at Denton, the Ambulance Launch "Howard Deighton" and the Boarding
Station Hulk "Hygeia."
The return journey was made by Launch and the company disembarked at Tower
Pier. The Delegates all expressed their appreciation of a very interesting and instructive
visit, and their gratitude for the very generous hospitality extended to them by
the Port of London Health Authority.
AMBULANCE SERVICES RENDERED BY M.L. "HOWARD DEIGHTON."
At about 3 a.m. on the 23rd September, 1937, a message was received by the
Medical Officer on duty on the Hulk "Hygeia" to the effect that the Master of the
London County Council Sludge Vessel "G. W. Humphreys" had collapsed while on
duty on the bridge. The vessel had been anchored in Gravesend Reach, and medical
assistance was requested. Owing to thick fog the Medical Officer was unable to
reach the "G. W. Humphreys" until 10 a.m. The patient was found to be suffering
from cerebral hæmorrhage, and was transferred by the Motor Launch "Howard
Deighton" to Gravesend General Hospital.
At noon on the 25th September, 1937, the Ruler of Pilots, Gravesend, informed
the Medical Officer on duty on the Hulk "Hygeia" that he had received a message
from the ss. "Horsted" that the Chief Engineer of that vessel had met Avith an accident
and required medical assistance. The vessel arrived off Gravesend at 12.15 p.m., and
Avas immediately boarded by the Medical Officer on duty. He found the patient
suffering from severe scalding on the forearms, hands and face. First aid was rendered,
and the patient transferred by the Motor Launch "HoAvard Deighton" to Tilbury
Hospital.
On 27th October, 1937, whilst the ss. "Avila Star" was proceeding up River
in the Gravesend Reach, the Pilot collapsed on the bridge. Your Boarding Medical
Officer was informed that the Pilot was dying, but on arrival at the ship he was found
to be dead.
The body was taken off by the "HoAvard Deighton," and subsequently conveyed
to a mortuary, your Boarding Medical Officer duly notifying the Gravesend Coroner.
On the 1st November I received a letter from the Cinque Ports Pilots' Representative
and the Honorary Secretary, expressing the sincere gratitude of the Committee
of the Cinque Ports Pilots for the assistance rendered by your Gravesend Staff.
On 27th October, folloAving a collision betAveen the ss. "Dalmuir" and
m.v. "Jean L.D.," the "Howard Deighton" ran alongside the "Dalmuir" and
offered medical assistance. Subsequently, three of the crew were taken to the
"Hygeia," where they were treated for shock and abrasions, after which they
proceeded to their homes in Gravesend.