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LADY FRENCH’S APPEAL

11 September 1914

SIR,—WILL YOU ALLOW me, through the medium of your columns, to convey my gratitude to those who have responded so generously to my appeal for socks and other comforts for the troops? I have received many contributions of money, which I am spending on wool, flannel, &c., and also on employing some women (who are out of employment in consequence of the war) to knit and to make garments. Some ladies who are very kindly helping me have collected a small fund for providing a substantial mid-day dinner and tea for these workers, which in many cases is their chief or only meal; and Messrs. Harrods have most kindly placed a room at my disposal for the women to work in. I shall still be most grateful for any further help.

Yours faithfully,

ELEONORA FRENCH

GREATCOATS FOR SOLDIERS

19 September 1914

SIR,—I HAVE BEEN told on most excellent authority that 200,000 of our newly-raised Army are without greatcoats. It will take some time to make them, and cold weather is coming on.

May I suggest a temporary substitute? In the Civil War in America in 1861-65 thousands of the Confederate soldiers wore blankets altered as follows:—A slit was cut in the centre just large enough to put the head through. The slit was then hemstitched to prevent its getting larger. A flat button was then sewn on one side at the centre of the slit, and a tab with a buttonhole on the other side, so as to close the hole when not in use. Some of the Southerners added a small slit or a piece of tape in which they carried a toothbrush instead of a flower.

Previous to the Civil War I had seen this plan adopted by some of my shipmates when forming part of naval brigades landed on active service.

Yours faithfully,

ELLENBOROUGH, Commander, R.N., (Retired)