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The cargo would then have to be discharged by stevedores, some of whom would be working in
protective clothing.
It might be desirable to discharge cargo which is considered impossible to save into barges or hoppers
for dumping, otherwise facilities for destruction would have to be provided in or near the docks. The
remaining cargo would be decontaminated by the decontamination parties under the supervision of the
Food Inspector, and released when safe.
It will probably be considered necessary to increase this staff, and perhaps appoint a Medical Officerin-Charge,
with a Gas-detector, at each dock, but the existing organisation should provide a nucleus for
immediate requirements.
The possibility of ships being exposed to gas on the way up river and of cargoes being exposed, either on
the quays or in the warehouses, etc., must not be overlooked. The duty of dealing with such cases would
fall on the above services, and provides an additional reason for increasing the present staff.
Outgoing Ships and Cargoes.
The issue of Gas-free Certificates in the case of outgoing ships and cargoes is required. This would
also be the responsibility of the Inspectorate in the Docks. Whether or not it would be necessary to endorse
this certificate at Gravesend to confirm freedom from the exposure while in passage down the river seems
doubtful, but it would seem to be sufficient if it were left to the master to hoist the signal for medical
assistance at Gravesend if he had been exposed to attack. The ship would then be dealt with as for outgoing
ships.
Organisation.
In the attached list an attempt has been made to frame a skeleton organisation to meet the requirements
described. In the provision of personnel it might be arranged for the existing medical service to recruit the
professional staff required, while the Port of London Authority would be responsible for providing the
stevedores and decontamination parties. Additional boats and ambulances should be requisitioned.
Gravesend—Based on Denton Hospital—
In charge 1 Chief Medical Officer.
1 Chief Gas Detector.
Inspection Staff 3 Medical Officers.
3 Orderlies or Stewards trained in First-aid.
3 Gas Detectors.
3 Inspectors.
Decontamination Parties 36 men (in 6 squads of 6 men each, working in 3 shifts of 12).
Staff on Duty ... Inspection Staff and Decontamination Parties would be accommodated
in " Hygeia."
Transport 3 Inspection Craft.
2 Hospital Boats (capable of carrying 10 stretcher and 40 walking
cases).
Hospital Staff 1 Medical Officer-in-Charge.
1 Assistant Medical Officer.
For First-aid and Cleansing Duties 6 Nurses.
10 Orderlies.
Laundry and Disinfecting Staff.
Transport 2 improvised Ambulances for evacuating cases to other Hospitals.
Pontoon It will be desirable to put a pontoon at Denton Pier so as to ensure
that it can be used at all states of the tide.
At each Dock 1 Medical Officer.
1 Gas Detector.
2 Food Inspectors.
3 Sanitary Inspectors.
Bat Searchers.
Decontamination Personnel—
At each Decontamination Berth - 12 trained Stevedores.
24 Decontamination
with their own foremen.
Decontamination Site or Sheds and Barges.—Provision would have to be made for transport of
cargo to a decontamination shed and for subsequent transfer to a "clean" shed. Barges and hoppers
would also be required for removal of cargo for destruction unless a destructor is available near the berth.