The British Army in India had a serious and enduring problem with venereal disease. At any given point across the nineteenth century, roughly 25% of its European troops were in hospital, with some form of what were known as 'vice'-related illnesses, the most frequently diagnosed of which was syphilis. 1868 the Contagious Diseases Act was introduced which aimed at the control of prostitutes and brothels. After the issuance of this GENERAL ORDER by COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF in INDIA on 14th July 1897, there were strict measures taken amongst the British Military and 1899 onward until the outbreak of the Great War there' was a very rapid, decrease in the incidence of venereal diseases. During this time much greater interest was taken in the welfare of the soldiers.