OUR LIMBLESS SAILORS AND SOLDIERS. (To on Emma or on
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Sco,—Having recently, through the courtesy of the Press, been able to make known the urgent need of convalescent hospitals for those who have lost their limbs in the war, we beg to inform your readers that Roehampton House (near London) has been acquired and will shortly be opened for this purpose, and that Mr. I. Pierpont Morgan has generously offered Dover House (almost adjoining) for the use of officers. These houses together are capable of accommodating about three hundred cases. Her Majesty Queen Mary has graciously consented to the hospitals
being named "Queen Mary's Convalescent Auxiliary Hospitals," and has given a donation of £200. Her Majesty Queen Alexandra has graciously extended her patronage to the scheme, and, in sending a donation of £100, writes " I am delighted to see you are taking up a subject which I have very much at heart—oar disabled sailors and soldiers to be kept in chosen Convalescent Auxiliary Hospitals until well enough to earn their own living, officers included." The First Lord of the Admiralty and Field- Marshal the Secretary of State for War have signified their approval by becoming Presidents. The following Committee has been formed: The Viscountess Falmouth, Mrs. Lewis Harcourt, Lady Lloyd, Lady Hamilton, Lady Henderson, Mrs. Gwynn. Helfer& the Duke of Portland, K.G., the Right Hon. Lord St. David; Admiral Sir James Bruce, K.C.M.G., Surgeon-General Sir Arthur Wm. May, DA., C.B., Major-General Sir Charles Crutchley, K.C.V.O., Major-General Sir Francis Lloyd, K.C.13., Surgeon-General M. W. Russell, A.M.S., and Colonel J. Magill, C.D., representing the British Red Cross Society.
It is distressing to see the condition of those limbless men, many of them mere lads—with all their life before them—sad with an outlook on their future more than sad. But hope and confidence return when they are enured that practical steps are being taken for their welfare. At these convalescent hospitals our brave men will be cared for until they have recovered their strength and nerve ; and having learned to use their artificial limbs, they will again be capable of taking up employment in the form best suited to each individual. Working in conjunction with other societies, every effort will be made to fit the men to earn their own living in the future.
To enable this urgent work to proceed without delay, grants have been made by the National Relief Fund and the Red Cross Society. But we need a large sum in addition for the equipment, rent, and maintenance of the hospitals. It is for these gallant men—sons of our Empire—that we earnestly appeal for funds to
carry out the work efficiently. Fifty pounds will maintain for a year a bed to be named after the donor, and it is hoped that donations of this amount will be forthcoming from many quarters —inoluding industrial firms—to secure the provision of county beds, beds for naval, military, and aircraft unite, and also for men from our overseas Dominions.
Communications and donations should' be addressed to C. H. Henderdine, Esq. (marked " Auxiliary Hospital"), at St. Stephen's Howe, Westminster, who will be pleased to answer all inquiries.
22 Wilton Street, S.W.
M. E. GRYNNE HOLTORD.
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