xvi
MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITION.
It was a noteworthy fact that the 2nd Ghoorka Regiment, though encamped on the
Exemption of the disease
amongst the men of the 2nd
Ghoorkas.
same ground as the other Regiments, nad a complete immunity
from this disease. This Regiment, from the time of its leaving
Bengal, whilst at sea, and during its entire residence at Malta,
had arranged privately for a bi-weekly issue of meat to the men.
The general health of the men, both Europeans and Natives,. was good ; and, with
General health of men at Malta. the exception of some cases of fever, and ordinary diseases, no
serious outbreaks of sickness occurred.
Orders were received on the 12th July for the departure from Malta of the I. E. Force
Departure of Troops to Cyprus. to Cyprus, and it became necessary to arrange for the care of
the si ck, both European and Nati ve, who were unabl e to accompany the Force. It was ordered that al l the si ck of the nati ve porti on of the Force be taken
to Cyprus, as none could be allowed to remain in Malta ; whilst the Europeans who were
unfit to accom-pany the Force, were accommodated in the station hospital at Valetta.
On the 18th July, the Force re-embarked on board the transport ships for Cyprus,
Re-embarkation of Troops for
Cyprus.
which port was reached about the 22nd instant. 1 Battery of
Artillery, together with the 9th Bengal Cavalry, remained at Malta.
Owing to want of space at Larnaka, the principal port, 1 Battery R. A,, 1st Bombay
Lancers, 26th Bombay N. I. were brigaded at Chiflick Pasha with two British Regiments of
Infantry ; whilst at Larnaka itself; the 9th Bombay N. I. was encamped, the remaining
Native Infantry Regiments, viz. 31st Bengal N. I., 13th Bengal N. I., and 25th Madras N. I.
being located at different ports on the island.
As we arranged at Malta, a large upper storied airy building was selected as a general
hospital for use of H. M.' s British Troops, the lower
portion of which was set apart for the reception of all serious
cases occurring amongst natives.
During the month of August. after a heavy fall of rain, fever of a very severe intermit
Fever at Chiflick Pasha and
Larnaka.
tent type attacked some of the troops on the island. The
European troops at Chiflick Pasha, who were exposed to exces
sive sun beat, under canvas. and the Sappers and Miners, who
had been for a considerable time subjected not only to exposure from heat, but great
bodily exertion in damp places, suffered most. Between the 3rd and 7th August, the
admissions were 33 or 22 .44 per cent. out of a total strength of 147.
To protect the patients as much as possible, the hospital tents were thatched over,
Precaution taken.
and orders issued prohibiting work during the extreme heat of
the day.
Owing to the large increase in the number of cases amongst the F-2 Battery, the
Removal of F-2 Battery.
encamping ground was shifted, and the immediate removal of
all sickly men on board of one of the transport ships lying in
the harbour, recommended. Marked benefit rapidly followed this change, and no case of
fever occurred amongst any of those who had to quit the former encamping ground.
On the 20th of August orders were received for the speedy re-embarkation and return
Return of Troops to India.
of Troops to India, a few only remaining behind for special
duty.
The greater portion sailed on the 22nd instant and arrived at Bombay harbour on 24th
September 1878, after an absence of exactly five months.
Mortality of Troops, European
and Native.
Of Europeans only 5 died—1 from heat apoplexy, 2 from
cholera, 1 from Bright's disease, and 1 from gouty bronchitis.
Amongst Native Troops of both arms, Cavalry and Infantry, 14 casualties occurred.
Mortality of Native Troops
and followers.
Of followers 9 died, 4 deaths occurring whilst on boardship, 4
during residence at Malta, and 1 at Cyprus.
Appended is the scale of sea rations for cooking and non-cooking fighting men and
Scale of sea Rations for the
return voyage, for cooking and
non-cooking Natives.
followers, proposed by a committee assembled. by order of
the Major General Commanding, previous to departure from
1 at Cyprus.
THOS. B. BEATTY,
Deputy Surgeon General, P. D. A.