An Imperial Memorial Scheme
An Imperial Memorial Scheme is a petition signed by Arthur Conan Doyle first published in The Spectator No. 4718, on 30 november 1918.
An Imperial Memorial Scheme
[To the Editor of the "Spectator."]
Sir, — The Veterans' Association venture to ask not -, only the courtesy of your columns, but also your cordial co-operation in bringing more prominently before the public a scheme for the promotion of which the Association was formed. By means of this scheme the Empire will prove itself not unmindful of its duty by brightening and, in a large measure, securing the future of those who in fighting for us have handicapped themselves in the battle of life. The Veterans' Association is becoming, gradually recognized as the central organization of the Veterans of the Empire, but in order to meet the far-reaching needs of the future its scope must be widely extended. Accordingly, under - the title of "An Imperial Memorial," this comprehensive scheme of - a sound Imperial character has been brought into being, end by its means mental and, bodily comforts will be conferred - upon each of the ex-Service men of the Empire as need a helping hand. Through it there will be provided a Veterans' headquarters and a "clearing house," and facilities for obtaining every kind of information, advice, and assistance. Especially will it afford the means of rebuilding and maintaining the health of those who should still be as capable of adding to the strength of the Empire in peace as they were of safeguarding it in war.
To carry out the project on adequate preliminary lines a sum of at least £1,000,000 will be required for purchasing a site, erecting and endowing the necessary buildings for an enlarged Veterans' Club with at least a thousand bedrooms and its own extended organizations, with special reference to representation of the Dominions and Colonies, the United States of America, and the Allies generally who have participated so gloriously in the war. This amount will also enable the Association to encourage the formation of kindred undertakings in other great cities of the Empire, and as part of the whole scheme to provide for the purchase and upkeep of a first convalescent home for men of His Majesty's Forces who have been discharged to civil life, many of whom will from time to time unhappily require treatment. From our personal experience, we confidently assert that such a convalescent home will help to fill one of the most urgent needs of the day. These discharged men cannot afford to pay medical fees, nor do they possess facilities for treatment in their own homes. The Association has secured the option of the purchase of a property in Epping Forest capable of accommodating at, least six hundred patients, and in all ways admirably suitable as a convalescent home. The Association appeals to all for help to establish this Memorial, but in particular (1) to those who have been debarred from directly assisting by fighting for the Empire; (2) to those who have lost some relatives and friends, and who would gladly see some practical memorial erected to their memory.
Donations, large or small, should be forwarded to the Treasurers or the Secretary, Veterans' Association, 47 Bedford Row, W.C. 1. Any donations can, if desired, be specially devoted to the convalescent home, in which case they should be marked "Convalescent Home." All contributions will be acknowledged in the Press. — We are, Sir, &c.,
Aga Khan; David Beatty; Lionel E. O. Charlton, Brig.-Gen. R.A.F.; R. H. Cox; Claude Champion De Crespigny; H. Bargrave Deane; Arthur Conan Doyle; Denbigh, Col.-Commdg. H.A.C.; E. R. Fremantle; Lionel Halsey; J. H. Hertz, Chief Rabbi; Arthur R. Holbrook, Colonel; W. Vansittart Howard; Louis Jackson, Major-General; Roger Keyes; Ronald B. Lane, Major-General; A. F. London; Charles F. Sebag Montefiore; Arthur Pearson; A. T. Sloggett, Lieut.- General; William R. Smith, Colonel M.D.; Mark Sykes; H. L. Tomkins, Lieut.-Colonel, Indian Army; Alfred E. Turner, Major-General; Bernard Vaughan; H. F. Wilson.
