Returns of Sickness from Ships of the Royal Navy (1945-46); A Contribution to Medical Climatology *

A new short-term summary sickness return was instituted in the Royal Navy in July, 1945. The Admiralty Fleet Order calling for the new return is appended and explains its purpose and mechanism (Appendix). It was limited to ships carrying a medical officer and did not apply to shore establish ments or hospital ships. The primary purpose was the collection of statistics that would have a bearing on questions of habitability. For the first time the attempt was made to utilize minor sickness, and so the return called for counts of those on the Attending List as well as those on the Sick List and those discharged to hospital. It was anticipated that Attending List figures might perhaps prove a better index of living conditions than more serious illness necessitating absence from duty. Ships offer special advantages for this type of study. They bear a self-contained community with a relatively stable population. Changes in person nel are relatively small and gradual over considerable periods. The numbers at risk can be stated with accuracy. Such factors as changes in climatic conditions and differences in ship design can be readily studied in regard to their influence on fitness.