The Newcastle Evening Chronicle on 21 November 1918 stated that the influenza was still retaining its grip on Newcastle, with 71 deaths. It was reported that between 40-50 Policemen in the city were off duty due to attacks of the epidemic. We mustn’t forget that this was the second bout of the epidemic; there was one earlier in July. On 2 July it was reported that here were a considerable number of cases in Newcastle. The Post Office had been badly hit; although for some reason the girl telegram messengers were hit worse than the boys. Yesterday, a number of young women collapsed in the streets with two having to be taken to the infirmary.
On 6 July it was reported that 2000 children and 20 teachers were absent with the flu in Gateshead Schools. However, Sunderland seemed to be badly hit by the epidemic as on 30 November 1918 the Chronicle reported:
At the present time 200 bodies lie waiting to be buried. Some of the deaths had occurred some 10 days ago. The grave diggers have been overwhelmed at the amount of work and now soldiers had been brought in to assist.
The authorities had also appealed to the military to release undertaker’s assistants from service. In the meantime the Army had offered the council a number of joiners, but their services so far had not been accepted. The tramway committee had offered the use of their shed which was fitted with necessary machines which could be used to cut wood for making coffins.
In November 1918 the Medical Office of Health for the city reported that there were 8000 cases of Influenza.
Old Newcastle Post Office building
1 thought on “Spanish Flu – Part 4”