DRIVES FOR OUR WOUNDED SOLDIERS. r TO THE EDITOR Or
THE "SPECTATOR."] Slit,—I am sure if your readers were to realize how keenly the convalescent patients at the King George Hospital, with its sixteen hundred and fifty beds, look forward to their after- noon drives there would be fewer disappointments because the number of conveyances available is often insufficient for the demands of the hospital. At present, it is true, between one hundred and fifty and three hundred men—the figures. of course, fluctuate with the number of conveyances available— are sent out for their drives every afternoon, but at least as many have to return to their wards disappointed. Of these a proportion have special invitations, but it is almost pathetic to see the long rows of wounded men, many of whom have lost a limb in the service of their country, waiting in vain for the car that does not come. I make a special plea for the men from overseas, many of whom have no friends or relatives in London. They especially prize an opportunity to see some- thing of the historic monuments of the capital of the Empire they have left their own homes to defend. But the same plea applies hardly less cogently in the case of Irishmen, Scotsmen, Welshmen, and North Countrymen, whose homes and friends are so far from the Metropolis. I have found that my friends always welcome the men it is my privilege to take to their houses for tea, and enjoy these little entertainments no lees than their guests. Our overseas soldiers appreciate these glimpses of home life in the Motherland very keenly, and Mrs. Lionel Westropp, who is carrying on Lady Wynne's splendid work in organizing these drives for the convalescents at the King George Hospital, tells me that on their return they very rarely fail to express their genuine gratitude for the hospitality they have received. I have found that by arranging with a taxi-driver to take my party for a abort drive, and by spending a couple of hours at the house where we have tea, it is possible to give our wounded a relaxation they thoroughly enjoy at a cost of not more than ten os twelve shillings. I therefore hope that any of your reader* who can place their car once or twice a week at the disposal of the hospital will not forget to do so, while others who do not happen to have private conveyances available can take their part in this useful and interesting work by communi. eating with Mr. Lionel Westropp at the King George Hospital. Stamford Street, S.E., who can always arrange for the hire of a motor-omnibus or char-h-bano at quite short notice, and will be glad to give all particulars of the cost of hire. The hours of the drives are now from 1 to 5.30 p.m.-1 am, Sir,
L. G.
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