Which overseas stations were the best and worst postings for British personnel?
Short answerBoth extremes could be found in the Far East: some stations were highly lucrative, while others carried an almost certain risk of death from fever.
NotesAn overseas posting could offer either opportunity or a severe health hazard. Some Far Eastern stations allowed British personnel to make substantial fortunes, while fever made other postings exceptionally dangerous. The discussion connects the familiar gin and tonic to this environment, describing tonic water's quinine as a defence against malaria or its worst symptoms. Disease risk and everyday medical practice shaped the lived experience of imperial service.