Preaching in the Trenches

The recent deaths of Henry Allingham and Harry Patch, the last surviving First World War veterans in Britain, marked the end of an era. Their passing reminded the present generations of the sacrifice and horrors of the Great War. Their deaths have an added significance, as the British armed forces have recently and currently been involved in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The English Dominican Province has two military chaplains serving at the moment.

This interview with Fr. Henry Bonniwell OP, produced by our brothers in the Washington Dominican House of Studies in 1982, provides a fascinating and inspiring account of his experiences as a US Army chaplain during the First World War.

H/T to McNamara's Blog

Henry William Allingham (1896-2009)

Henry John Patch (1898-2009)

Father William Bonniwell OP (1886-1984)

Eternal rest grant unto them , O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.