Chaplains at WarThe Role of Clergymen During World War II

Patriotism and religious belief were defining characteristics of both public and private life during the 20th century. British army chaplains were shaped by these powerful sentiments and in turn shaped and interpreted them to understand their own roles and to provide a message and ministry to soldiers and officers. Focusing on World War II, "Chaplains at War" reveals how the army, the government and the churches responded to the challenges of war, leading to innovation that was unknown in peace time such as the appointing women as Chaplains' Assistants. Alan Robinson uses interviews with former chaplains, officers and soldiers and extensive archive research in military, government and church archives to draw together personal experience and official policy. His book will be essential reading for anyone interested in British military history, church history and religious studies.

Alan Robinson

Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1 The Great War Chapter 2 The Interwar Years Chapter 3 'Be ye therefore wise as serpents': RAChD Politics During World War Two Chapter 4 Clergy and Chaplains Chapter 5 'Those inglorious, but all-important directions': Chaplaincy work in bases and lines-of-communication Chapter 6 'I would as soon think of going into battle without my artillery as without my Chaplains': Chaplains at the front Chapter 7 'I was in Prison, and ye came unto me': The work of captured chaplains Conclusion