Blighty Thank God
8 Dodging Deadly Diseases
Few vaccines were available to protect Allied troops sent overseas during WW2. After West Africa, where he likely caught malaria, my father was posted to the Middle East where he encountered lice-borne typhus and then rabies, just two of a long list of deadly diseases in the region.
Eminent virologist Professor Geoffrey Smith helped me understand what protection - or lack of it - was available to those serving at the time.
Episode support materials.
Diary entries read by grandson Phil.
Episode photo: A roadside sign warning troops in Italy against typhus.
I'd welcome any messages, especially if you enjoyed the episode stories.
To find maps, photographs and other material associated with each episode as well as the complete diary and context notes visit the podcast website – www.blightythankgod.co.uk.
Few vaccines were available to protect Allied troops sent overseas during WW2. After West Africa, where he likely caught malaria, my father was posted to the Middle East where he encountered lice-borne typhus and then rabies, just two of a long list of deadly diseases in the region.
Eminent virologist Professor Geoffrey Smith helped me understand what protection - or lack of it - was available to those serving at the time.
Episode support materials.
Diary entries read by grandson Phil.
Episode photo: A roadside sign warning troops in Italy against typhus.
I'd welcome any messages, especially if you enjoyed the episode stories.
To find maps, photographs and other material associated with each episode as well as the complete diary and context notes visit the podcast website – www.blightythankgod.co.uk.