DIARY OF MEDICAL DETACHMENT – STATION #167

AUGUST 1943

1 August 1943 – Inspection made this A.M. of messes. Officer Mess & Club: Service court dirty, i.e. broken dishes and tin cans are piled in the corner, as well as scattered about garbage rack. Spillage of vegetable waste, coffee grounds and other garbage has made the area unsightly, latrine in the mess is not clean. Lavatory is encrusted with dirt, and toilet has not been scrubbed in some time. Storage rooms are clean and contents put away. Kitchen and dish washing room are satisfactory. China, glassware and utensils are clean.

Consolidated Mess: The floor throughout the entire kitchen is very sloppy, slightly greasy and slippery. It seems a failing or perhaps a mania to have the kitchen floor awash for the greater part of the time. On the floor near sink for washing pots and pans were two grease and waste filled containers which were extremely sloppy. Material emptied into the sides of the containers was on the floor. Floors on both sides of the eating portions were wet and sloppy to walk in. The food storage rooms were clean and dry and dry stuff put away. The meat preparation area was clean, except for a pool of bloody water in the center  which had drained off the frozen meat and had not been removed.

Combat Crew Mess: This mess is in the process of being moved to the new communal site which is closer to combat crew personnel. This mess is not open today. Officers are fed at the Club and EM at the Consolidated Mess. The present Airmen’s Mess is to be used for a PX and bar for enlisted personnel.

2 August – Airmen’s Mess opened in the new Communal Site this morning. Some difficulty in getting settled down was experienced, but on the whole I think it was accomplished very smoothly. Facilities are a little better in that they are a little better arranged and more convenient. The long distance from the kitchen to the officers’ section has been eliminated.

4 August – There have been no operational missions since 30 July. Combat crews have been able to have leave and rest, and are now organized in training, test flights and ground schools.

Col. Strecter, Wing Surgeon, visited the station, accompanied by Lt Col Ryan, MC, and Major Davis, AC (Wing Inspector). The station hospital was thoroughly gone over by these officials, while the Consolidated Mess was visited next and a very unsatisfactory condition was found.

1. Floor over entire kitchen was wet and slippery.
2. Garbage can was left in the front kitchen.
3. Floor of flour storage in back aspect, two cases of flour on the floor, one of which is probably spoiled, and other kitchen utensils smothered with flour.
4. Improper segregation of wastes, – trash, broken china, metal and paper placed in same container, grease can ¾ full of water.
5. Trench dug near north-west corner of mess hall partially filled with water and breeding mosquitoes.
6. Drain between  west wing and kitchen wing on north side stopped up, and running over leaving a large pool of foul smelling liquid.

The officers then proceeded to the Airmen’s Mess in the new Communal Site, now operating on its third day. Conditions were deemed satisfactory for the short period of operation.

8 August – Inspections were made and the following found: latrine in briefing room is quite odoriferous, and pails poorly cleaned. No toilet paper. Latrine near operations building was also dirty, paper and trash on the floor, toilets and wash basins not washed and no toilet paper.

Combat mess is running much more smoothly and facilities are better that at former location. Dispersal is considerable confusion about service entrance. In general, the mess was clean. Dirty lined was piled in a hamper in one storage room, but overflowed onto the floor and had considerable odors.

Consolidated mess shows a great deal of litter and poor co-ordination. The floor was sloppy and wet, making a great deal of muddy tracks all over the kitchen and supply section. Garbage was poorly separated, particularly metal, paper and glass.

Large shower building in communal site needed policing. Many showers were leaking, and hot water temperature was low. Recommendation has been submitted for use of shower building in new communal site.

Officers mess was in fair condition. Latrine was dirty (I have never seen it clean). Some silverware and china were greasy and dirty. Dish washing room was untidy with lots of rags and utensils laying around.

10 August – Lt Vernon Chadwick visited the station and went over the mess hall for possible cause of the occasional diarrhea. Washing the men wash some kits it appears that there is very little being done towards thoroughly washing the kits. Not enough soap suds are in the water, and it is not of a suitable temperature. The dish washer was operating at 180 degrees, and personnel were introducing cold water for increasing the pressure of the machine. Whether this is a default or a poor operating procedure remains to be seen.

11 August – A few officers eating in the Combat Mess developed diarrhea this morning about 04.30 hrs. The evening meal in the Combat Mess was blamed (as usual). The meal consisted of meat and vegetable stew, a canned preparation shipped from the States, potatoes, creamed peas, jam, bread and butter, and cooked desserts. The meat dish was prepared during the afternoon and served at the 18.oo hrs meal. I am unable to find any item of the diet to which a cause might be assigned. So far as I am able to ascertain, no other eating or drinking factors are involved. Thorough inspection of the mess does not bring anything revealing. It is possible the dishwasher is being operated at a temperature inconsistent with proper sterilization. A temperature of 100 degrees minimum is recommended. The Combat Mess itself was in good shape.

The Consolidated Mess has improved since yesterday. The floor is a little sloppy making a poor appearance. Store rooms were clean, but some mess personnel were dirty; dirty clothing and fingernails. One man, who was cooking meat was wearing an apron approaching a black shadow.

The Officers mess was untidy due to the installation of an additional sink. Several latrines was untidy in general with shower heads leaking.

During the later afternoon and evening of the 10th, the water was unusually cloudy having a brownish color. The men thought that this was the source of the diarrhea, particularly in light of  the numbers of probably 25 to 30 from all four squadrons were affected.

12 August – The diarrhea outbreak hit around 75 officers and men all told, and they reported on sick call, while other combat crew men were in serious difficulty on today’s mission.

The water which was cloudy had cleared considerably. Additional samples were sent for analysis from No 2 and No 6 Sites and the Communal Site.

This group participated in a raid over Germany this morning, involving the Ruhr Valley industries. Returning ships reported heavy flak, but weak fighter attack and extremely cold weather. Temperatures of –38 degrees indicated at briefing was said to have been reached, and 16 crew members have frost bite of the fingers and/or toes; from 1st to 2nd degree. No severe or necessarily partial froze the right side of one man’s neck, sustaining 2nd degree burns. No other injuries were reported.

Three ships failed to return:

MIA 532nd T/42-5847

MIA 534th D/42-29954

MIA 535th N/42-29950

13 August – The Wing Surgeon was called and advised of particulars regarding the diarrhea, which was causing so much trouble with combat crews. Explanation of efforts made and findings were reported. Requests for any suggestions brought promises of help.

Capt Sutton, Eighth AF Medical Inspector and Maj R.R. Cleland, 60HQ, S.O.S., Chief Surgeons office, arrived about 15.00 hrs. After talking over the entire situation, and inspection was made of the Consolidated and Combat Messes. It was of the opinion of the consultants that several factors were involved.

Firstly, the problem is one of food. This involves the use of leftovers, a questionable condition, uncleanliness of mess personnel, dirty clothes, improper disposal of wastes, and improper washing of dishes and utensils. Secondly, the water is not above suspicion but not believed to be the prime factor.

The following recommendations are being made:-

1. Installation of filtration and chlorination systems.
2. Opening of additional rooms to relieve congestion of the Consolidated Mess.
3. Screening of storage rooms in all messes.
4. Delivery of meat to base six times a week.
5. Placing of a water softener in Consolidated Mess in operation. Use of soda crystals and soap powder in washing dishes and utensils.
6. Ample, clean clothing for mess personnel.
7. Maintenance of high standard of personal cleanliness of mess personnel.
8. Proper use and/or disposal of wastes.
9. Feces exams for all food handlers.

14 August – About 14.00 hrs Capt Sutton and Major Cleland called per ‘phone, stating they had reports of our last water sample which was `Bad’ but no comparison of previous reports was given. As an emergency measure chlorination by addition of bleaching powder to the water was recommended. This was to be done by adding about 3 pounds per day on basis of 60,000 gallon tank, to be added in three operations throughout the day, one pound in each side at 06.00 hrs, 12.00 hrs and 20.00 hrs. One pound was placed in each side of the tank at 16.15 hrs.

15 August – A chlorine testing set is not available at this station, hence no estimate of the chlorine content can be made. Several times during the day samples of water were taken at various sites, and the odor of chlorine was present. The quantity was not sufficient to produce noticeable alteration of taste.

The group participated in an air raid this afternoon late, over an aircraft works just outside Brussels, Belgium. 23 planes took off, two aborted, and 21 returned. Bombs were not dropped, due to poor visibility.

16 August – The group participated in a raid over enemy territory, bombing an aircraft installation near Paris. 20 planes took off, none aborted and all returned. Crew members reported a good pattern over the target area.

17 August – The group took part in a raid over enemy territory, in this case going to Schweinfurt, the deepest raid over German territory so far. Flak was reported as light but fighter opposition extremely heavy; 26 planes took off, one aborted and 11 failed to return. One ship ditched in the North Sea and the crew subsequently rescued.  Moral was particularly low this evening on return, particularly as soon as stories were compared and total losses realized.

MIA 532nd BS -/42-29731

MIA 532nd V/42-30140

MIA 533rd BS T/42-3092

MIA 533rd X/42-29983

MIA 534th F/42-29978   

MIA 534th H/42-30028

MIA 534th G/42-3227

MIA 534th L/42-30245

MIA 535th V/42-3225

MIA 535th M/42-3220

Personnel in the ditched crew were uninjured, and picked up after about one hour, 15 minutes, their aircraft,  532nd  -/42-29735, having sunk. They were: F/O George Darrow; 2nd Lt John Howcroft; 2nd Lt Ralph Waldman; 2nd Lt Philip Rofosa; S/Sgt Carl Hartnett; T/Sgt Jack Kaufman; S/Sgt Clarence Jones; S/Sgt James Baker; S/Sgt Richard Morrison; S/Sgt Paul Howard.

18 August – F/O Darrow and crew returned to this station after being rescued from their ditching. All appeared to be in good shape and were certainly being plied with questions from every side.

Capt Dosier, MC, epidemiologist from Surgeons Office, S.O.S., arrived at this station during the morning. He was conducted through the Consolidated mess by Lt. Col. Read, and arrived at the hospital just before noon. His appearance, it seems, was due to request from the Chief Surgeons Office, S.O.S., for help with our diarrhea outbreak.

The entire past history, i.e., outbreaks, food and water problems, mess halls, food handlers, etc., was re-hashed. The water tank and well area was inspected. The Combat Mess was done over, and the following difficulties noted: (a) wiping silverware with dishcloths; (b) Handling food with hands when unnecessary, (c) Dirty tables in kitchen and in meat room.

The Consolidated Mess was done over thoroughly and thought to be lacking in several aspects. Deficiencies noted: (a) Dirty floors; (b) Dirty tables in kitchen, mess halls and meat room; (c) washing of mess tables with chlorine solution instead of hot, soapy water; (d) Cooks without shaves; (e) Dirty and long fingernails in food handling in more than half those present; (f) Delay in emptying of waste, causing flies to congregate; (g) Dirty clothes on mess personnel.

Capt Dosier feels the problem is not one of water, but of mess hall trouble in which the features mentioned  in the preceding paragraph are involved. He does not explain, however, the discrepancy between the reports from the 1st Medical Laboratory which shows Coli-Acrogenes, and those from 121st Station Hospital which show none.

No operational mission today as most crews are on pass.

19 August – The group participated in a raid over enemy territory late this afternoon presumably over Holland. Seven ships were sent out, one aborted, and one, with a mixed crew, failed to return. There no  other injuries. 

The loss of this latest ship seems to have the surprising effect on the combat crewmen, presumably because it was supposed to be an easy one. The line of reasoning, I presume is to the effect that if losses can be sustained on the simple ones, what chances has anyone on the others.

MIA 533rd /42-3010

+ 535th BS

H2H powder was increased ¾% in each side of the tank three times a day on August 18. No testing set is available and it could not be tested as scheduled in samples. The additional supply produced the desired results.

20 August – The mission scheduled for today was scrubbed.  Part of the group are on pass, red.,  relatively inactive  as far as duty is concerned. The commander of one aircraft was present when his navigator was mortally injured, since then I have  learned that insinuations have been made that had he been on the ball, the man’s life might have been saved.  I personally re-assured the man the day following the accident that such was not the case, but apparently is has been a factor. The whole crew is leaving on a 48 hr pass and interview will be made on their return.

The men of the combat crews are as a whole depressed over the events of the past few days, as are the rest of us. Colonel Nazarro gave them a talk this morning in which he stressed the aims of the Air Force, together with the situation of the men existent at this time, and the necessity of pursuing the effort. In addition considerable information of informative and military statistical value more given to the crew members more clearly appreciate the entire picture.

In addition it was pointed out their association, now in the hands of the enemy, would certainly not appreciate our inactivity, in as much as each effort, though small, shortens their restriction. This produced a line of thought not heretofore encountered  and started new thinking and rationalization. It is my belief that with this new thought and necessity for continuing the push, we will have little trouble. Unquestionably, any loss will be a costly one to the group at this time. If, however, it is a means to an end, I believe they will feel duty bound to do whatever they are called on to do.

21 August – No mission scheduled today as weather is unfavorable.  The mess halls have been inspected daily, three times at meal times by a medical officer assigned to that mess hall. In them all the situation has improved. There is still a great difficulty in properly operating the dishwater, that in maintenance of high temperature, sufficient soap and inspection, the rejection of dirty plates. Garbage is still not hauled away promptly  in all cases and maggots were found in one can today. It appears to be a process of constant cleaning and re-checked.

Water samples sent to 1st Medical Lab., collected 9 August  and four days in transit was reported bacteriologically potable. No new outbreaks of diarrhea have occurred since the seventh. A few sporadic cases, three I believe, have occurred and each one was thought due to dietary indiscretion.

24 August – A raid over enemy occupied territory conducted this date in which the group furnished seven ships. One aborted and five returned. The sixth ran short of gas, landed on the south coast, re-gassed and came home. No injuries. The target was and airfield and repair installation at Villacoublay.

There has been an improvement in the morale this evening after all ships returned. Many of the men show evidence of being quite tired, although still eager. A definite lessening of enthusiasm is noticed. Arrangements were completed to have a pilot, who ditched in the Channel, sent to 5th General Hospital for Marconi’s Therapy. He has been increasingly nervous  with loss of sleep since the experience. He was flown down during the afternoon. Three officers were to leave for Bournemouth, Hampshire, the R.R.C.’s, (Rest & Recuperation Center) Officers Club, for a few days rest, tomorrow.

Lt Col T.I. Badger, MC.,  Chief of Medical Section, 5th General Hospital, visited the station presumably to meet Colonel Tracy. He was conducted over the base, saw a few patients and seemed to enjoy the visit.

25 August – No missions have been scheduled today. Five new crews who have recently arrived are being flown locally.

Col R.J. Tracy, M.O.,  Surgeon, Eighth Bomber Command,  was a guest of the station today. He was accompanied by Dr Bronx,  a technical advisor on Gen Grant’s staff, for flying equipment problems. The Colonel and the Doctor were conducted over the station and inspected the  W.A.A.F. Site Infirmary and Station Hospital.

Lt Vernon Chadwick, VC,  inspected the consolidated and airmen’s messes this morning just before noon. In the consolidated mess the dishes were extremely dirty and had the appearance of being washed in water  not sufficiently hot and an inadequate quantity of soap.

The garbage cans at the airmen’s mess  were clean, but three had a considerable quantity of bread that was perfectly edible. This waste was called to the attention of  the mess sergeant who explained it by stating that unless the K.Ps, were watched closely, they would throw bread away.

26 August – The raid scheduled for this morning was scrubbed  after the planes were off the ground  and headed for the Initial Point. All returned OK to base.

Colonel White, D.C., ETO Dental Surgeon and Major Rueter, D.C., Eighth Air Force Dental Surgeon visited the station. The hospital was looked over and dental clinic inspected and photographed under Col White’s direction. These officers were impressed with the improved set up necessitated by lack of equipment.

29 August – Raid scheduled over north eastern France this afternoon for a 17.00 hrs take off. Ten planes were sent out, none aborted and ten returned. Light fighters and flak attack were reported. Morale was high upon return. I believe the morale is increasing gradually now and new crews are keeping this too. I am convinced that operational fatigue was to have been a problem for some time to come, were it not for the intensive loss. Up to that point I am sure there was no higher morale and spirit in the Air Force. The Schweinfurt raid was so ghastly from the severity of the fighter attack, most personnel surviving feel they are living on borrowed time.

It is impossible for them to see how many heavy aircraft could possible get through such a dense fighter attack. As time goes on and the tension eased through  comparatively easy missions, the situation is noticeably better. If the group could be built up to strength in men and ships, I am sure the most rapid recovery would be produced. A half-empty dining room is a rather sinister reminder.

31 August – In a raid over Northern France the group sent a small number of planes. All returned from the mission, and there were no injuries.