James, I am not aware of the precise circumstances of your death, nor what caused it, but, as a former soldier in the 1st and 7th Battalions, Royal Warwickshire Regiment and the 1st Battalion Royal Lincolnshire Regiment myself, doing my National Service in 1950-51, while sad to read of your sacrifice, I am pleased to be given this opportunity to salute you as a brave Chaplain who lost his life in the Pas de Calais while in the service of his King and Country, and in the service of his Lord in Heaven.  I trust that the Guard of Honour at your graveside at Bethune fired the traditional salute to a fallen comrade.

When I was in the army, I was very happy indeed to join in voluntary Church Parades when the service was conducted by one of your colleagues, especially so when I was in a military hospital, and the service was held in the hospital chapel.

My friend Alison joins me in commemorating you ~ indeed, she has provided the following contributions, since her father had served in the Royal Chaplains’ Department.

Heavenly Father, you must be so sad to see nations and peoples still at war ~ did we ever learn our lessons after the First World War, and then the Second?   Thank you that there were Chaplains/Padres to listen, pray and lead Church Services regularly, some in tents, some outside, but faithful men serving You.

You, Father God, will still come to minister your grace, love and healing.   May we, your Church, not forget the men who fought on our behalf, brave and courageous men, many so young, yet so willing to fight.   In Your Name.   Amen.

Henry Harrison