Appendix 4
Extract from a letter from Sanitary Adviser to Forces to Deputy Director of Medical Services, dated 11-2-1915
Headquarter Camp, Nairobi
‘In the event of any considerable increase to the number of troops at present quartered in Nairobi, I desire to emphasize the objections that have already been advanced to the retention of the existing camp. It was originally intended for temporary occupation, and has practically now become a permanent camp. The facts that the area lies within the Township boundary, and is surrounded by inhabited dwellings, that the ground is “black cotton” soil, and therefore unsuitable and easily fouled are factors that undoubtedly militate against its extended use. During the rains which are now imminent, I entertain grave doubts if it will be within the bounds of possibility to maintain it in a condition that will not exert a prejudicial effect on the health of the troops.
The existence of suitable ground towards the NW of the Township comprising a series of elevations composed of soil lying parallel to the Uganda Railway and alongside it, where the main water supply to the town is laid on, supplies an area where none of the objections obtaining on the present site are to be found; and though it may now be considered to be undesirable to abandon the present site in its entirety, it’s further extension, in my opinion, calls for careful consideration.’
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[App 4 2]
Headquarter Camp, Nairobi
No 45/44/492 Memorandum, 20 February 1915
On the evening of yesterday in consequence of orders
Brigadier General Stewart, ADC, CB
Colonel Johnstone, DDMS
Colonel Collins, CRE
Major Radford, SAF
Me at the Headquarter Camp and proceeded to inspect a proposed site for a new camp near Nairobi. The ground being parallel to the Railway line between the level crossing on the NW of the town and the Scott Sanatorium was visited.
It was agreed that the site was an excellent one, water being available on the spot, the Railway line running through the site, soil and general position satisfactory. Also that a new military road and railway siding was necessary; these the CRE said could be constructed
It was intimated that the Loyal North Lancs should remain in their present camp as permanent quarters were being erected for them; but it was agreed that the Transport and Battery mules and all Indian units be removed to another site, preferably Kajiado or Kiu.
Sgd William Radford
Major, EAMS
Sanitary Adviser to the Forces [SAF]
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[App 4 3]
Extract from the letter of Principal Sanitation Officer to the Honourable Acting General Manager, Uganda Railway. No 45/44/492, dated 10-3-1915
5. I am fully alive to the desirability of placing Military cantonments by themselves outside the limits of townships, and very definite efforts have been made to achieve this end. But the exigencies of the military situation (I am informed) demand their retention on their present sites, and as the military occupation of this country is, I am led to believe, now an accomplished fact I would emphasize on both the military and civil populations the imperative necessity that exists for carrying into effect all sanitary precautions.
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[App 4 4]
Medical Department, Headquarter Offices, PO Box No 140, Nairobi,
1 May 1915
No 45/44/492
To the DADMS (Sanitation)
From The Sanitary Adviser to the Forces
Your attention is directed to the insanitary condition that is being produced near the KAR Lines, Rifle Range, and Golf Links, by the deposit on the surface of the ground of excrement and other noxious material obtained from the Headquarters Camp, Nairobi.
This matter is not trenched or burned, but is thrown over the surface of the ground, thereby causing a nuisance to the KAR and persons using the Golf Links.
The methods of disposal of such material are within the jurisdiction of the Military authorities (DDMS NO 412 M22 (?) December 1914) and I request that immediate steps be taken to trench the material already deposited in the area now being used; and that the recurrence of this nuisance be prevented.
I was given to understand that this question had been dealt with by the Brigade Office a week ago, but now ascertained that remedial measures have not been carried into effect.
I request that if it be in fact impossible to incinerate all such material at the Camp, that a site be selected where trenching or burning can be carried into effect in such a manner that no nuisance is created; and that constant supervision be exercised.
Sgd William Radford
Major EAMS
Sanitary Adviser to the Forces
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[App 4 5]
Medical Department, Headquarter Offices, PO Box No 140, Nairobi
7 June 1915
No 45/44/492
To: The Deputy Director of Medical Services (Sanitation)
From: Sanitary Adviser to the Forces
Headquarter Camp, Nairobi
My attention has been called to the fact that mosquitoes are breeding in the drains at the Headquarters Camp, particularly in those where the overflow from the camp water stand pipes are situated.
Special attention should be directed to prevent this, as not only the health of the Military but that of the civil population must be safeguarded.
Anopheles Mauritianus Grp, a known malaria carrier, have been found within the area recently.
Sgd William Radford
Major EAMS
Sanitary Adviser to the Forces