Column Chaplain

[RHLV]

A friend of mine collects old postcards and he has one in German he asked me to translate. I did and have a question. I've done this before and the people here are of great help. 

The man who wrote the card (in August 1915) states he is a "Column Chaplain" (Kalonnenpfarrer). I have no idea how a column chaplain differed from a unit chaplain (say a regimental chaplain). Does anyone know? BTW he is in the VII Reserve Corps if that is of any help.

Thanks,

Rich

[FROGSMILE]

1 hour ago, RHLV said:

A friend of mine collects old postcards and he has one in German he asked me to translate. I did and have a question. I've done this before and the people here are of great help. 

The man who wrote the card (in August 1915) states he is a "Column Chaplain" (Kalonnenpfarrer). I have no idea how a column chaplain differed from a unit chaplain (say a regimental chaplain). Does anyone know? BTW he is in the VII Reserve Corps if that is of any help.

Thanks,

Rich

The word “Column” in a military context suggests a unit with a logistical function.  Perhaps he was the chaplain for a supply and transport unit (which might include munitions).  Forum member @GreyCmight well know the answer.

Edited 15 March , 2023 by FROGSMILE

[TullochArd]

3 hours ago, RHLV said:

The man who wrote the card (in August 1915) states he is a "Column Chaplain" (Kalonnenpfarrer). I have no idea how a column chaplain differed from a unit chaplain (say a regimental chaplain). Does anyone know?

I thought "column" was KOlonnen and understand KAlonnen is "Canon".  I therefore read Kalonnenpfarrer as Canon Chaplain which I suspect may be a ranked clerical grade something like the British RAChD "ranks" of CF4, CF3, etc?

I look forward to learning more ..........   

Edited 15 March , 2023 by TullochArd

[FROGSMILE]

32 minutes ago, TullochArd said:

I thought "column" was KOlonnen and understand KAlonnen is "Canon".  I therefore read Kalonnenpfarrer as Canon Chaplain which I suspect may be a ranked clerical grade something like the British RAChD "ranks" of CF4, CF3, etc?

I look forward to learning more ..........   

Sounds logical, it will be interesting to learn as you say.

[RHLV]

It does appear to be "kolonnen," making me a terrible typist. Sorry.

Rich

Edited 15 March , 2023 by RHLV

[GreyC]

There is no such word as "Kalonnen" in German. Kolonne(n) is correct. Threre were all sorts of Kolonnen, mostly supply of sorts as pointed out by Frogsmile. Proviant-, Munitions-, Kraftwagenkolonnen e.g. in the context with clergy Sanitätskolonne is most likely.

GreyC

[FROGSMILE]

8 hours ago, GreyC said:

There is no such word as "Kalonnen" in German. Kolonne(n) is correct. Threre were all sorts of Kolonnen, mostly supply of sorts as pointed out by Frogsmile. Proviant-, Munitions-, Kraftwagenkolonnen e.g. in the context with clergy Sanitätskolonne is most likely.

GreyC

Thank you GreyC, very helpful as always.

[GreyC]

My pleasure!

GreyC

[TullochArd]

......... Tragetier-Kolonnen (Mule Columns) ........ thanks GreyC ........ everyday day is indeed a school day at GWF!

[RHLV]

Thanks to all for their assistance. I'll pass this along to my friend (and return his postcard). And sorry again for the confusion caused by my inability to hit the right key on the board (and sloppy proofreading).

Rich