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Notes on Detail Camps, Dar-es-Salaam
Imperial Detail Camp
Site – The site is unsatisfactory owing to the prevalence of malaria carrying mosquitoes (vide report by Dr Aders). From reports it would appear that many cases of malaria are being contracted in the camp. The site is in a coconut plantation, small trees and undergrowth providing shelter from the wind for mosquitoes. If it is necessary to continue the use of this site, all such trees and undergrowth should be removed and the ground thoroughly cleared. This should have been done in the first instance.
Housing – The present accommodation is mainly in 80 lb tents and double-fly bell tents. Many of these tents are old and not rain-proof. The use of these tents in a standing camp, when better accommodation can be provided is undesirable. If a permanent Imperial Detail Camp is required, a better site should, if possible, be found, and the best housing conditions provided, in order to minimise the excessive amount of sickness which is at present taking place.
Indian Detail Camp
This camp is situated on the edge of a stream. Large numbers of anopheles breed in this water. This stream should be cleaned and straightened, and petroleum drip cans erected to prevent the mosquitoes breeding here. I arranged verbally with Dr Spurrier to send one of his trained natives to the camp to instruct some of the camp staff in mosquito eradication.
Many of the tents in this camp are old and not weather and sun proof. Proper protection against sun and wet is essential to the maintenance of health in this climate, and should receive constant attention by Officers in charge of camps. This camp was clean and free from undergrowth. A large amount of sickness is occurring amongst the men in this camp.
Main Detail Camp
This camp has been mainly occupied by South African troops and is at present almost empty. The remarks re tentage in previous paragraph apply equally to this camp. Practically all tents are badly pitched and consequently do not give the men the protection that they would otherwise get. The drainage channel from the washing-places requires attention, and grass and bushes between the camp and the mangrove swamp should be cleared, and the ground kept free from undergrowth.
I am informed that it is now proposed to move the Imperial Detail Camp and Indian Detail Camp to the site of the Main Detail Camp.
Recommendations
1. That sufficient EP Tents, Bandas, or other form of efficient shelter be erected, for the use by day of all men in standing details camps, in Dar-es-Salaam. That small tents, eg 80 lb and circular, be used for sleeping purposes only and that the beds be cut down sufficiently to allow of mosquito nets being properly used. Raised beds, with poles for mosquito nets, should, I think, be provided in these camps. Such beds should be so constructed that a mosquito net can be properly used.
Note – if Bandas are erected a sufficiently thick roof must be provided to that proper shelter from the sun is obtained.
2. That mosquito eradication gangs be attached to each camp, with a trained native or Head-boy.
3. That sufficient labour be provided to keep the camp free from all undergrowth and to see that drains, etc, do not become blocked and form breeding places for mosquitoes.
4. The Camp Staff should see that new arrivals to this country are instructed in the proper methods of using mosquito nets, and the danger of exposure to sun, and so forth. Prophylactic use of quinine should be enforced.
5. That new drafts be kept in Dar-es-Salaam for as short a time as possible, and a detail camp for drafts awaiting allotment to their units be formed in a more healthy district.
(sgd) GD Maynard, Major
SAMC, DADMS (San)
7 April 1917