Recruiting in Eastbourne
Recruiting in Eastbourne is a letter written by Arthur Conan Doyle published in the Eastbourne Gazette on 14 october 1914.
Recruiting in Eastbourne
Letter from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
[To the Editor.]
Sir, — Each fresh event, such as the fall of Antwerp, which favours the enemy, means a prolongation of the war, and increases the need that we should be making ample preparations for the future. This means men — and always more men. Has Sussex done her duty in this respect? The verdict of those familiar with the recruiting figures is that the villages have done splendidly and the coast towns very moderately indeed. Can nothing be done to wake up Hastings, Eastbourne, and Brighton? Their contingents as compared to their population are at present far too small. I am not hopeful about public meetings. Too many ladies and too few young men are among the audience. But I think a council of employers and leading citizens will find some methods of improving recruiting. In the last resort it is a matter of public pressure, and it is high time that the young man who could go and will not should feel a cold draught wherever he turns. No day should pass which did not remind him that he was a shirker. This healthy public sentiment fearlessly expressed will do more than public meetings. There may be some cases of injustice, but the times are hard and this must be disregarded. — Yours faithfully,
ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE.
- 22, Grand Parade,
- Eastbourne.
