A CHAPLIN'S LETTER

Grey River Argus, 29 December 1915, Page 5

A CHAPLIN'S LETTER

REV. T. TAYLOR'S "EXPERIENCE/ Rev. T. F. Taylor, who was formerly ministering on the West Coast, writes from Lemnos as follows: — It is a long time since I wrote any notes for publication. This is due for the most part to my heavy correspondence. I receive such a lot of letters from those who are anxious about their sons and, of course, these come first in one's order of business. Here I am on the Island of. Lemnos forced, to stay in bed through a slight indisposition and, having actually completed my correspondence, I continue my narrative for the public benefit. On the 11th August, 1915, I was in our old camp at Zeitoun in Egypt and received a cable recalling me to the Dardanelles. We obey orders quickly, so after getting together certain necessary gear on August 12th I left Cairo by train at 4 p.m., reaching Alexandria at 7.30 p.m. The rail journey takes me over a flat country highly cultivated, with here and thei:e a native village. The railway service is of the best. I even got afternoon tea for 6d, a luxury unobtainable on many a longer journey I have been on. In Alexandria I stayed at the Windsor Ho.tel, run by English people and most comfortable and moderate in its terms. I revelled in the bed and meals. There I stayed till 14th August, being unable to get a boat earlier. I easily put in the time visiting wounded men, whonrl was very glad to be able to see. On the 14th I embarked . on a boat. I found she was full of passengers, both officers and men. Here I met a Captain Campbell, brother of the famous R. T Campbell, of City Tabernacle fame. I later had the privilege of . long and interesting chats with this gentlemen. We reached Anzac at midnight, getting ashore. The Army Service Corps took care of me, providing me with supper and bivouac. I slept the sleep of the just till 7 a.m.. I later rejoined my regiment which I found in a gully some distance from the firing line. I remained at the Dardanelles till 15th September, when we were all withdrawn for a rest. I am now a brigade chaplain and conduct services every Sunday with each battalion. At Anzac this involves many services on the same morning, as, of course, the whole brigade cannot sit in one -spot. The attendance at all services is purely voluntary, but was excellent,* especially the attendance at Holy Communion. During the week I visited the men of each unit wherever they are, and I may say this involves a great deal of hill climbing. Every now and then one conducts the burial of some lad who has been killed. These burials are very solemn and are carried out with every possible solemnity ; one does not seem to bother about the presence of danger. Of course I duck when I hear shrapnel coming and take to the sap when it would be dangerous to do otherwise. These weeks at Anzac were quiet, their was no actual fighting, just artillery duels and the exchange of bombs and* bullets. Our casualties were slight, though Jorge enough to remind us very forcibly of war. I met the Rev. C. Dobson, who landed to be with the Mounteds, but who unfortunately had very soon to go away sick and I have not met him since. On September 15th we sailed for Lemnos, which we reached the sanie day and where we have been ever since till the date of writing (31st October). We came here a worn-out looking crowd, but on the whole have rapidly improved with the quieter life and the easier conditions. This ' ; s an island of hills, valleys and villages. The natives are Greeks and are most picturesque, but they are a people with a great sense of money-making and have made a lot out of us. Fancy tinned butter at 2s 9d per half-pound tin ! They are ancient in their methods and slow in their ways. A Greek church is in every village and priests abound. The children have learned to ask for "backsheesh. " The last six weeks have been to me a great opportunity. Here we can gather in a crowd without fear of shrapnel.' We have had one' church parade, one celebration of Holy Communion, one weekly Bible Class and one weekly prayer meeting. Imagine to-day a celebration of Holy Communion with an attendance of over 100. Imagine our Bible Class this afternoon with over 30 keen men there, all eager, to get more men, and you see some of the joy of the chaplain's life. These are the personal, quiet talks with men which one feels counts for so much. So the past six weeks have passed all too quickly, and we are on the eve of return to the danger zone. I am better and stronger physically and spiritually. Of this I am sure : the spiritual life of the men is on the whole deeper than formerly. We miss many well-known dear faces, we mourn the loss of many a comrade. We are not in love with war— it is a dirty business; We' know how uncomfortable we shiiir-be, but we are prepared to stick to it because of what I hope to be able to do for my fellows. We desire a speedy but honourable peace." Will my readers keep up earnest pmyer for this and for us. i

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