A view of shirtless men in a queue for an X-ray at a naval base

Date:: 4 Mar 1941

Reference:: MED01/01/1597

Type:: Photograph (Print)

Not what you're looking for? Try a new search

Description

The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.

The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: “Mass radiography. Picture shows sailors lined up aiting (sic) their turn to go to the X-ray apparatus. They have filled in and are carrying their cards.”

A mass radiography system scheme for the early detection of active tuberculosis was put in place in the 1940s. First used by the navy, the scheme was later adopted by the Royal Air Force and the army. 200 X-ray photographs per hour could be produced on a “miniature cinematograph film”, which could then be projected onto a full-size screen for examination. If abnormalities in a patient’s chest were detected, they would be referred for a full-scale X-ray and treatment. It was later suggested that the scheme should be expanded to include schoolchildren and immigrants. The location of the naval base shown in this photograph is not known. See also MED01/01/1595-1596 and MED01/01/1598-1614. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.

Content

This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection

Rights

Source: Historic England Archive

People & Organisations

Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited

Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley

Keywords

Royal Naval Base, Health And Welfare