Padres

[spider]

People have different opinions on Padres/Chaplains.

Some regard them as odd, and don't take them seriously.

But when the chips are down, they often come up with the goods.

Check these two out -

http://www.lancastria.org.uk/Lancast...s_heroism.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Cecil_Pugh

I first heard about Pugh on the BBC Sunday TV program 'Songs of Praise'. The presenter claimed that as the ship began to sink, Pugh and the airmen trapped inside could be heard singing 'Rock of Ages'.

Both brave men.

[rod and serpent]

The story of Fr Willie Doyle is an excellent example of what should be an army padre should be. He should have got the VC,but fot some reason it was denied him. http://www.ireland.com/focus/thesomme/p6sideR.htm
and
http://freespace.virgin.net/sh.k/frwdoyle.html

[rod and serpent]

I read a fantstic but some what short book on the role of the army padre. The Cross and the Sword: Catholic Chaplains in the forces by Francis Walmsley, Tom Johnstone and James Hagerty.

[spider]

Rod,

Thanks for that.

Padres do their duty for God in the most dangerous of situations. No-one could fail to be moved by Doyle's devotion to his men, and to his God.

And I must get that book.

[WES]

Something that I came across a few years ago for my collection. Also if you ever visit Poperinge go to Toc H, the story of Tubby Clayton is fascinating.

[spider]

WES,

Thanks for that.

I'm hoping to go to France next year to visit the WW1 battlefields, and hopefully Normandy.

I was'nt aware of Clayton or Toc H, but I'll make a point of checking that out.

This is another well known WW1 Padre -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffre...uddert_Kennedy

Theres a link to his poetry - check out 'His Mate'.

[WES]

Just to clarify. Poperinge is in Belgium about eight miles from Ieper and about and hour and a half drive from the Somme.

[rod and serpent]

WES,

Thanks for that.

I'm hoping to go to France next year to visit the WW1 battlefields, and hopefully Normandy.

I was'nt aware of Clayton or Toc H, but I'll make a point of checking that out.

This is another well known WW1 Padre -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffre...uddert_Kennedy

Theres a link to his poetry - check out 'His Mate'.

Post some of your pics here Spider

[haribo]

Slightly of topic but a funny incident back in the late 70s invoving the 5th battallion padre (whos name escapes me ) .Several of us from the 5th batt were asked to attend the funeral at Mt Jerome cemetry of a 2nd batt privare soldier who died in tragic circumstances.On thy way into the gate of the graveyard ,the padre asked would i hold the chalice for him which i was only to glad to do .Just before the volly was to be fired over the grave of the deceased, and while holding the chalice, i had this terrible urge to scratch my head, so i removed my beret .For some reason the hundred or so soldiers standing around including the firing party saw this as part of the ceremony and on cue all removed their berets while looking at me.It was hilarious because i knew little then about graveyard protocall and i suspect they guys looking at me thought i did . LOL .

[rod and serpent]

Slightly of topic but a funny incident back in the late 70s invoving the 5th battallion padre (whos name escapes me ) .Several of us from the 5th batt were asked to attend the funeral at Mt Jerome cemetry of a 2nd batt privare soldier who died in tragic circumstances.On thy way into the gate of the graveyard ,the padre asked would i hold the chalice for him which i was only to glad to do .Just before the volly was to be fired over the grave of the deceased, and while holding the chalice, i had this terrible urge to scratch my head, so i removed my beret .For some reason the hundred or so soldiers standing around including the firing party saw this as part of the ceremony and on cue all removed their berets while looking at me.It was hilarious because i knew little then about graveyard protocall and i suspect they guys looking at me thought i did . LOL .

[Groundhog]

Slightly of topic but a funny incident back in the late 70s ....

I know a lad who's FN broke open accidentally a crucial moment in the funeral process and the mechanism fell into the grave. Ceremonial wsa suspended while the problem was solved.

[spider]

Just to clarify. Poperinge is in Belgium about eight miles from Ieper and about and hour and a half drive from the Somme.

Thanks WES.

Rod - yes I'll do that.

If its going to go wrong, it will happen at a funeral !!

[rod and serpent]

Thanks WES.

Rod - yes I'll do that.

If its going to go wrong, it will happen at a funeral !!

Spider, nice one thanks

[yooklid]

Don't forget this chap

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_T._O%27Callahan

[Curragh Plains]

Met a fascinating man in Washington DC this summer ... he had been a Catholic chaplain with the US Air Force for 20 years. Served virtually on every continent and, because of his roving commission, saw more than any single nco or officer might have. Ministered to airmen in ICBM silos, visted jungle camps in central america, flew in just about every kind of transport and liaision aircraft, experienced inflight refuellings across the atlantic ... lovely man with a great life story ...