Padres' 'classes'

[burlington]

Gravemarkers of Padres often carry a note about what class they are. eg Padre 2nd class.

I am curious, that's all, about what these classes mean. Is it experience? Length of service? or what?

Martin

[delta]

It an equivilant military rank: currently CF4 = Capts CF3 = Majs; CF2 = Lt Cols; CF1s =Col

As ever, the Mother site has details: http://www.1914-1918.net/chaplains.htm

Stephen

[burlington]

Thanks Stephen

As you say 'As ever...'!

Martin

[Kate Wills]

Nothing to do with Reverend, Very Reverend, Most Reverend then?

[Ron Clifton]

No Kate, although the more senior ecclesiastically would probably be the more experienced clergy, and hence likely to be promoted to the higher ranks.

An ordinary vicar (Rev) who was a CF 1st Class would outrank a cathedral Dean (Very Rev) who was a CF 2nd Class - though he would be wise to remember his post-war preferment prospects!

Ron

[Audax]

An interesting example is that of the Bishop of Khartoum; The Right Reverend Llewellyn Henry Gwynne D.D. Gwynne had served as an acting Chaplain to the Forces in Khartoum since 1902. On 30th August 1914 he received a commission as Temporary Chaplain to the Forces 4th Class, and saw service in France; attached to the 11th General Hospital at Bougogne. On 16th July 1915 he promoted to Temporary C.F. 1st Class and also appointed as Deputy Chaplain General to the BEF. As Deputy Chaplain General he ranked as a Major-General.

His Biography by H C Jackson 'Pastor on the Nile' was published by SPCK in 1960.