Army Chaplaincy.

[Guest Adrian44]

In DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge. Belgium, there is the grave of one,

The Rev Simon S Knapp DSO. MC.

Chaplain. 3rd Class

att Irish Guards

1/ Aug/1917.

Can anyone help me with information as to the "Classification" inscribed on this headstone.

Also did this classification within the Army Chaplaincy apply to all denominations, who served

the Armed Forces. Any information on the Chaplaincy in the Great War, is welcome, in

particular Roman Catholic. Grateful thanks, adrian44.

[Bob Coulson]

Adrian,

This was asked a while back and I happen to have the classifications.

4th class = Captain

3rd class = Major

2nd class = Lt Colonel

1st class = also Lt Colonel

Principle Chaplains = Brig General/Major General

Bob.

[charlesmessenger]

To extend what Bob has said, Church of England Chaplains 2nd Class were called Deputy Assistant Chaplain-Generals and those of other denominations Deputy Assistant Principal Chaplains. First class chaplains were respectivey Assistant Chaplain-Generals and Assistant Principal Chaplains. The Deputy Chaplain-General was the senior chaplain in a theatre and ranked as a major-general. At the War Office the Chaplain-General was the figurehead when it came to the Church of England, but other denominations had to make do with a civil servant to look after their interests.

It all reflected the fact that the Church of England, as the established church, had to be dominant.

Charles M

[Guest Adrian44]

Dear Bob, and Charles M, Thank you both very much, the information provided is exactly what

I required. Adrian.