Rev. Edmund John Kennedy

Even among the highly-trained and professional soldiers of the B.E.F in 1914 the men of the Seventh division stood apart for their bearing and training, for the contained no reservists; all were full-time soldiers. Accompanying these uncompromising men, was Reverend Kennedy, assigned to the 20th Brigade, which was to see much action during the opening months of the First World War.

The Padré and his beloved soldiers trekked into Belgium to take part in the First Battle of Ypres, to find the local inhabitants welcoming but the atmosphere filled with apprehension. As the Seventh finally clashed with the invading Germans the author found his role turned from an observer to participant in offering comfort and even absolution to the wounded and dying. A man of committed faith he continued to minster to his men as they fought in the desperate action around Ypres.

After a year with the troops the Reverend returned to England and composed his memoirs of the period but did not survive long enough to see their publication.

Author — Rev. Edmund John Kennedy d. 1915.

Preface — Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Winchester.

Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in London, Hodder and Stoughton, 1916.

Original Page Count – x and 193 pages