General Chat

Hello all

Another fascinating topic Cynthia. Thank you.

Blessings to all who are struggling today.

Take care and keep safe everyone.

Good morning :-)

Another brave chaplain......


Reverend J.Fraser McLuskey, a minister in the Church of Scotland and a Military Cross recipient, dropped far behind German lines with his SAS parish to work with the French Resistance. He jumped unarmed, as all chaplains did, but carried a substantial load in addition to his rations and other equipment. In his pack were prayer books, hymnals, New Testaments, an oak cross, Communion vessels, and a silk altar cloth dyed Airborne maroon.

McLuskey held regular services, although the volume of the men’s hymn-singing sometimes had to be muffled to avoid attracting the interest of a nearby enemy. Other chaplains jumped on D-Day. In a single British airborne brigade, two chaplains were killed and a third captured.

After returning to Britain Fraser McLuskey travelled throughout the country visiting the families of men killed in action with the SAS to explain the circumstances of their death. He also helped set up the Royal Army Chaplain’s Training Centre at Bagshot, Surrey

He was later called to St Columba’s, London in 1960 and remained there until his retirement in 1986. His first wife died in 1959 and he married his second wife, Ruth Briant (nee Hunter) in 1966.

He maintained links with the Army by acting as the Chaplain to the London Scottish Regiment and was also Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1983-84.

Fraser McLuskey died in 2005.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The service from the Abbey was lovely.....we certainly know how to do things well don't we. I have the decorator here at the moment and, along with my daughter, we all stood for the 2 minutes silence.

Vera, such bittersweet memories for you. In those days, ptsd was recognised as it is today and so many men suffered unimaginable agonies over there wartime experiences......OH's father was much the same. <3

Many chaplains died in the 2 wars.....

Revd Gareth Banting

Gareth B. Banting was the son of Revd Edgar Banting and Charlotte Emily Banting of Plumtree Rectory. He took holy orders after graduating from Cambridge and became the much-liked Chaplain of No. 2 Commando and served in all their campaigns of 1943-1944.

While Allied armies were fighting their way across Europe in the autumn of 1944, a small force of Royal Marine and Army commandos was preparing to capture the Albanian town of Saranda to help the Albanian partisans harass the retreating German forces.

The combined force of No 2 and No 40 Commandos battled on through atrocious terrain and monsoon-type weather conditions. After a bitterly contested battle, the town of Saranda fell on the afternoon of October 9th1944.

The next day, Gareth was attending to the burial of British Commandos and German soldiers when he stepped on an anti-personnel mine. He died while being carried to an aid post, on October 10th 1944, he was 32 years old.

An extract from the No 2 Commando War Diary reads:

"Revd. Banting takes party from 3 Tp. to bury Capt. Parsons, Lieut. Coyle, Gnr. Clarke, and Pte. Lyons. After burial he moved forward to bury German dead in the same position but is blown up on a mine. Stretcher party finds he has died of wounds - carried back to Saranda by M.O. before nightfall."

Gareth was buried the following day at 3pm. Naturally, his parents were devastated to learn of his death. His mother, Charlotte, never fully recovered from the shock.

The memorial headstone to him reads:

CHAPLAIN TO THE FORCES
THE REV. G. B. BANTING. MA.
ROYAL ARMY CHAPLAINS DEPT.
NO.2 COMMANDO
10TH OCTOBER 1944 AGE 32
BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART:
FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD



Cx :-)

Hello all

I watched the BBC1 service this morning focused around the Unknown Warrior. I stood and observed the 2 minutes silence along with the others and you could have heard a pin drop inside the Abbey.

I've missed being with my church family and villagers at the Remembrance Service and Memorial this weekend and again today.
Brave men who proudly wore their medals and berets and shed tears at the playing of the Last Post and the Reveille. Everyone deep in thought at such poignant times.

Vera, thank you for sharing your own special family memories here today.

We will remember them.

Remembering today all those who have given their lives in conflict wherever and whenever it took place and those who are still suffering physically and mentally.

At 11 am I took a couple of quiet minutes out of the day but found that, instead of thinking of those who didn't come back from the wars, I was thinking of my late father-in-law. He was in Germany and came home after the war ended but it wasn't until the last year or so of his life that he ever talked about his experiences and then only to OH, his eldest son. It was clear that he had a pretty horrific time and must have carried the scars with him throughout his life. When the medals were being handed out he refused to take his. He was patriotic and prepared to fight for his country but he felt that having medals was almost like glorifying the experience and there was no glory in war. He was an ordinary man of quiet courage and I respected him enormously.

Good morning :-)

Remembrance Day.

Another inspiring chaplain......


The Revd. George Kendall, who was pivotal in choosing the body that would become known as the ‘Unknown Warrior’ - an idea which came from Revd. David Railton.

George Kendall was born in Yorkshire and trained as a Methodist Minister. When the First World War broke out, he volunteered to go to France as chaplain with the local regiment. He survived malaria in the Dardanelles and being gassed at the Somme and eventually became the leading chaplain in Belgium and France.

After 1918 he took on the grim task of exhuming all the bodies buried where they fell in Belgium, from fields, ditches, and the ruins of buildings, and moving them to the new war grave cemeteries. He was, therefore, uniquely qualified when charged with finding, exhuming, and bringing to St Pol near Arras the bodies from whom the Unknown Warrior was chosen and transferred to Dover on HMS Verdun.

He selected six corpses without identification marks. He made sure all the coffins looked exactly the same and that there was no evidence of where the bodies came from. The six coffins were placed in a hut and each was covered with a Union Jack. All night they rested on trestles, with nothing to distinguish one from the other. 'The door of the hut was locked, and sentries posted outside. In the morning, a general entered the hut, placed his hand on one of the flag-shrouded coffins and the body therein became the Unknown Warrior.

The Unknown Warrior’s body, that George Kendall, helped to choose, was brought to London and buried on November 11, 1920 in Westminster Abbey. Watching, as the coffin was buried with 100 sandbags of soil brought from the battlefields, were 100 women who had lost their husbands and all their sons in the war, It is now one of the world’s most famous war graves.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


That's odd, I distinctly remember posting here yesterday....! Mind you, my internet was coming and going so maybe I posted when I wasn't on line and didn't realise. Apologies for that.

Yes a different Remembrance Sunday - but at least it was still remembered ....the Saturday night Remembrance Service was good - small in numbers but very well produced as was Sunday from the Cenotaph. Lots of churches did online services - which were mixed. Some of the services online are good, whilst others are dire I have found.

Anyway......taking a look at some brave chaplains through the wars...

Woodbine Willie was one of the best-loved chaplains of WW1. His real name was Father Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy. In 1914 he was vicar of St Paul’s Church in Worcester. He was known as a high churchman who ‘loved ritual as an aid to worship’. He also had a real way with people, and it is said that ‘scores of worshippers would queue to speak with him about what he had been saying’.

This ability to communicate with people was to stand him in good stead during the War. He had no time for conscientious objectors writing that ‘every able-bodied man ought to volunteer for service anywhere’ and on 21 December 1915, he was among them.

Four days later he was conducting a Christmas Day service in a village square in France. In Rouen he spent time seeing troops off to the front, giving them New Testaments from one bag and Woodbine cigarettes from another. That’s how he got his nickname of Woodbine Willie.

In 1916 he was at the Somme among the troops on a day when 21,000 were killed and 35,000 injured. In his diary, he wrote about accompanying the men digging trenches into No Man’s Land. He wrote,

‘Fear came. There was a pain underneath my belt. Of course, I had to go. It was the parish. We crept out. We could not get out into the two-foot ditch that they had made, it was crowded with men. We went along the edge. I whispered some inane remark as I passed by and was rewarded with a grin which even darkness could not hide and often when I passed with the muttered comment, “Gaw blyme if it ain’t the padre!” Vaguely I felt that this journey was worthwhile.’

As well as being with the troops at the front line, he marched with them, dug tunnels and trenches, shared jokes, led singing and held services. He sought out the wounded and dying in No Man’s Land, often dragging them back to the trenches for treatment and prayer. He spent time at makeshift hospitals and often went for 24 hours without sleep.

In 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross, and by the end of that year, he had visited and preached at all the British bases in France. His ability to get alongside ordinary soldiers was frowned upon by many of the senior ranks in the Army, but his biographer says ‘the ordinary soldiers heard him gladly.’

In 1929 'Woodbine Willie' was taken ill at a vicarage in Liverpool whilst he was delivering some Lenten addresses. He died at the age of 45 and his body was taken back to Worcester. His body lay in state and thousands came to pay homage - old soldiers kept a vigil. Many packets of Woodbines were placed on his coffin and in his grave.

o Archbishop William Temple, Studdert Kennedy was “One of God’s greatest gifts to our generation”, and, quite simply, “the finest priest I have ever known”. T

We give thanks for this extraordinary man.

Cx :-)

Yes, a very different Remembrance Day all over the world.

Today, churches held small services, those that have been able to re-open or to stay open. November 11 is still the day that Canada celebrates and remembers .............. the day for all parades and services at Cenotaphs across the country, free travel on transit and free parking for veterans from about 9 am to 6 or 8 pm in many places, and a Statutory Holiday, with many people getting the day off.

Places where people are working, stores, shops, etc etc usually stop for 2 minutes at 11 am.

Much will not happen this year .............. no large services at the Cenotaphs, no parades to and from the Cenotaphs, although many Legion Halls will be open for spacially distanced and no more than the maximum number of attendees allowed for that venue (usually 50, but can be smaller or larger depending on the size of the inside space).


Yesterday, we had a crack down in BC on some of our "freedom" as a result of record numbers of positive covid cases. Two adjoining health regions in southern BC, including the one where I live, have had to close large halls, only the residents of the house allowed (no visitors, even of family), immediate cancelling of limousines and party buses. This was announced at 3:00 pm yesterday and took effect at 10 pm last night ............ so immediately, no dallying round. The bans will last for 2 weeks, until November 23, and can be extended.

Churches are still allowed to have services as long as attendees can maintain spatial distancing of 6'or more and there are fewer than 50 inside the church.

OH went to church this morning, he said there were about 22 people at the Anglican church. No-one attended to Baptist church across the street, although the Filipeno members have been attending for several weeks.

No veterans, Scouts/Guides. or Cadets have been out selling poppies as they usually do, but boxes of poppies have been put near the check-outs of places that have been willing to have them previously.

OH bought 2 from the box at our coffee shop when he went down there this afternoon, as we have for the last 3 or 4 years


Stay safe

Hello all

A very different Remembrance Day this year, but still as emotional and humbling as ever.

"When you go home
Tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow
We gave our today."

We will remember them.

Go0d morning :-D



We remember today O Lord all those who have died in any kind of war throughout your world,
soldiers who perished in the horror of battle,
innocent people buried beneath the rubble from bomb attacks, men women and children brutally attacked and murdered in their homes, towns and villages.

Today we remember especially those victims of the two world wars including those close to us, or to our family, parents and grandparents and for all service men and women who have died in the violence of war.

We remember and pray for those who came home with terrible injuries, both physical and psychological and those whose loved ones never returned.

May God give Peace
God give Peace.


Amen.



Cx

Hello all

Another foggy and damp start to the morning again.

Remembrance weekend and so very different now.

Church is closed yet again and so our village Service of Remembrance and laying of wreaths won't take place. Such a sad state of affairs imho.

I plan to watch tonight's Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on TV and tomorrow the Remembrance Service from the Cenotaph and the Songs of Praise Remembrance Day special later.

Great respect and admiration for all taking part.

Good morning :-)

As we remember the gallant men who fought in the wars....we also remember the clergy.

Clergy have also been involved in serving in warfare as chaplains, and from before 1066 armies have taken clergy with them to war. The roles of chaplains within the military have changed significantly but their presence has remained as important as ever.

Priests exchanged their normal routine for theatres of war. All chaplains lived in the same conditions, experienced the same dangers, and witnessed the same carnage as the men they served.

Chaplains celebrated Mass, administered the sacraments, tended the wounded, buried the dead and brought spiritual comfort to men in need. Chaplains were also charged with strengthening regimental unity, maintaining high morale, encouraging and assisting soldiers to write to their families, censoring letters, actively participating in mess duties.

Their commitment earned them respect and admiration. Some chaplains were killed, others were wounded, gassed or died of natural causes. Many were decorated for bravery - it was not a ministry for the faint hearted. 179 chaplains died in WW1 and 134 in WW2.

The conflicts may change but the call, care, compassion and prayer remains constant.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Lord God, we pray for the leaders of the nations at this time and especially for the United States. Give them a longing to bring freedom from fear and freedom from want for all peoples.
Give strength and courage to those who bear heavy responsibilities for the peace of the world. We pray also for the Christian Church, called to witness to your love in this generation.
May Christians work with all men of goodwill to break down the barriers which divide people. May those who profess one faith respect those who sincerely hold another faith and build a community where there is harmony and understanding.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Remembering....


As with our Roman Catholic friends, many Anglican churches have an aumbry. This is a small cupboard where the ‘reserved Sacrament’ is kept – wafers and wine which have been consecrated and are ready to take out to those who are housebound, sick or near death. The ancient custom of Christians has been to keep a lamp burning in front of the aumbry to mark it out, to give honour to the Sacrament and to remind us of the Presence of Christ.

This little story is very relevant …..

In 1995, on the last day of his visit to the US, Pope John Paul II was due to visit a Seminary in Baltimore. His schedule was tight so the plan was for him to greet the seminarians outside on the steps. Instead, he made his way through their ranks and into the building. He wanted to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.

When his wishes were made known, security flew into action. They swept the building paying close attention to the chapel where the Pope would be praying. For this purpose, highly trained dogs were used to detect any person who might be present.

The dogs are trained to locate survivors in collapsed buildings after earthquakes and other disasters. These highly intelligent and eager dogs quickly went through the halls, offices and classrooms and were then sent to the chapel. They went up and down the aisle, past the pews and finally into the side chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.

Upon reaching the tabernacle, the dogs sniffed, whined, pointed, and refused to leave, their attention riveted on the tabernacle, until called by their handlers. They were convinced that they discovered someone there.

Of course, they were right — they found a real, living Person in the tabernacle!”
— Fr. Arthur Byrne

Cx :-)

Hello all

Thoughts and prayers for Jane's family and friends as they have said their goodbye to this lovely lady.

Remembering David and his wife Ellen coping now without him.

Four members of my own family have died since March. Life throws daily challenges but God is good
and provides strength to get through each new day.

Stay safe everyone.

Good morning :-)

I don't know Jane as I rarely move around the boards these days but it sounds as though she was a lovely person who will be much missed. Praying all goes well for her funeral and for her family at this sad time. <3


As we approach Remembrance Day.......

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Eternal+Father+Strong+to+Save+Hymn&&view=detail&mid=
779B2140B59F52AFE4C5779B2140B59F52AFE4C5&&FORM=VRDGAR

Cx :-)

Praying for Jane's family and friends for tomorrow. May God keep them strong as they say their farewells to this lovely brave lady. May she rest in peace in the arms of our Lord <3

Thank you Cynthia for your words of remembrance this week. I am sure we all have lost loved ones who somehow remain a part of us.

My thoughts are with all those who are newly grieving, particularly the family of our lovely GR friend Jane, whose funeral is tomorrow (4th) <3

Good morning :-)

As we near Remembrance Day ..


O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you the men and women
who have died in active service throughout the world.
As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,
may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life and hope,
now and for ever.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Another lockdown yes kandj, hopefully it will help. We are in this together and must keep our spirits up albeit that this week is quite a sombre week given Remembrance Sunday is looming.

Yesterday we celebrated All Saints’ Day and gave thanks for those in whose lives, the Church as a whole, has seen the grace of God powerfully at work.

Today is All Souls’ Day which celebrates the saints in a more local and intimate key. It allows us to remember with thanksgiving before God those whom we have known more directly: those who gave us life, or who nurtured us in faith.

‘A Time to Remember Those we Love but See no Longer’.

You are very welcome to add names on this post……

Rest eternal grant to them O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them:
May their souls, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen


Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us everyday,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Remembering :

My husband and all family members who have gone before.

Our friend David

Cx :-)