Dear Sir, - I was particularly interested to read the correspondence in your recent issue re omnipeds, and must express my admiration for the plucky way the girls overcome their handicaps in various ways. I feel, however, that something should be said for their more unfortunate sisters who suffer from injuries and deformities which the surgeons (no doubt in their wisdom) decide do not warrant amputation, with the result that, instead of being able to effectively conceal or minimise their misfortunes, as is possible with good artificial limbs, attention is drawn to the facts by a decided limp or the wearing of leg instruments.
These girls seem to fall into two classes, namely, those who have a decided inferiority complex and desire to keep in the background and the others full of personality and great courage, who are determined to live a normal life as far as is physically possible. These latter girls deserve every help and encouragement, and certainly receive my admiration. As an example, I quote the case of a girl unable to walk without instruments. When on holiday she enjoys a daily swim, at which she is an expert, although she has to be carried in and out of the sea by her sister, in sight of everyone.
There will be a great increase in the number of these cases as a result of air-raid injuries, and in my humble opinion the proper angle for us all to adopt is to encourage such girls to feel that there is no need to try and conceal their disabilities, but take a proper pride in all details of their appearance on the lines suggested by your correspondents, "Short Leg Admirer" and "C. D. B."
My own opinion is that, with a smartly-dressed girl, personality, the wearing of a high boot or leg-irons, if kept highly polished and in first-class order, adds a piquancy to her appearance.
Perhaps some other readers will give their news.
Yours truly,
Biped Minus