SERVICES IN GREECE

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23361, 21 June 1941, Page 12

SERVICES IN GREECE

LETTER FROM SENIOR

CHAPLAIN

“During the campaign all benefited by the rucksacks, primus stoves; etc., purchased by the Patriotic Funds in Egypt, and by the excellent courses of first-aid instruction arranged by medical officers when at base," wrote the Rt. Rev. Bishop Gerard, senior chaplain for the Church of England with the New Zealand Forces Overseas, in a letter dated May 27. “In the field it is not uncommon for a chaplain to see a man hit, apply dressings, help carry stretchers, assist in digg'ng graves, and conduct immediate burials before a column has to move off rapidly to a spot miles away. "Secret operations in Greece meant moves and changes at short notice. Spiritual and social work has had to follow methods adapted to the swiftly changing conditions of modern war, which seldom work out in accordance with expectation. “Devoid of all but rucksack. I spent several happy, and I hope profitable, days, in a truck with 'a small but homely group of soldiers, travelling by night, and usually- taking cover by jlay. Many Divine services were held with small groups where larger numbers could not be assembled. Holy Communion was celebrated in many places for these small numbers, especially at the Easter season, when troops were often busily engaged and services were sandwiched in between operations. Oh one occasion my altar cloth was just placed on a s'one amongst the scrub while a whole gun s crew gathered round amidst their camouflage, which was at the time most important to them and others dependent upon them, for the concealment of their post. “In Greece, I called upon, a Greek Archbishop, who stated that, by virtue of my office, no further introduction will be needed in asking leave to use parish churches. Unfortunately, the Germans bombed us _ during the afternoon, though ineffectively, and I got no chance to make further contact before we left the locality. Several clergy, however, had some beautiful services, and in one town the priest and his congregation housed a whole ambulance and its wounded in the church, bringing all kinds of gifts and comforts for the sufferers. “In Egypt we got repairs done to a reclaimed car, secured from the Australians after it had been ‘shot up’, in the Western Desert. This served a much-felt want. “The Church Army hut will be opened by the New Zealand Premier this week. I regard it as the most pleasing building in any of our camps. Thousands of soldiers have just occupied the surrounding area, and the hut is opened at exactly .the right moment. ‘ • . "Mrs Chapman has asked my adVice and that of tfce senior Presbyterian padre about an altar and sanctuary for incorporation in the ‘Lowry Hut.’ and I think we,shall have something very appropriate. This will be a fine building. in a different locality from our hut.”