"Queen Alexandra has ever been practical in acts of mercy and graciousness. Nurses at the front in France could tell many tales of little thoughtful provisions for their comfort.

"I heard from a sister on active service a couple of mails ago. Her pen fairly danced along with exclamations of excitement and delight. Six nurses had a short leave of absence, enjoying a brief respite from duty, in London, just prior to going back to the front. On their return to Calais and duty, packages were found awaiting them. These were gifts to each nurse from Queen Alexandra herself – and such gifts!

"A wonderful fur-lined coat, a cosy fur cap, and delicious fur muff. You can imagine how such handsome gifts are treasured by these poor things amidst their hospital's rigours and discomforts.

"And a little practice of gracious kindness on the part of the King does not seem to be generally known throughout the Empire, and I think it really should be.

"It is arranged that every widow of a fallen soldier during the present war shall receive a letter from Lord Kitchener, conveying the true sympathy of the King and Queen with her, in her great sorrow.

"The thought must be vastly appreciated by the bereaved sorrower who has given her dear one to the nation's service."