World War I
From Sawiki
The First World War, (1914-1918) known at the time as 'The Great War' first defined, and tested, the Internationalism and neutrality of the Salvation Army.
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Neutrality
The outbreak of WWI came barely two years after Bramwell Booth succeeded his father as the second General of the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army was active within all of the warring parties, and attempted to take a position of neutrality, as exemplified in Bramwell Booth's 1915 Christmas address, where he stated:
- "Every land is my fatherland, for all lands are my Father's".
This even-handed approach to the 'enemies of the crown' drew criticism in Britain as being unpatriotic.
However, the general was acutely aware that he had under his command soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
This position is exemplified by the story which is told of a Salvationist, who was fighting as a member of the British Army. He was advancing with his unit, when he came upon the body of a German soldier. As was common practice, he began to search the body for any papers or other materials which might be of use to military intelligence - only to find to his horror that his adversary was wearing beneath his uniform a Salvation Army guernsey, the same as his own.
Military Welfare Services
However, despite not taking sides, the Salvation Army was not slow in providing support for the troops.
Many Salvationists - such as Ada Le Poidevin - went to France in support of the troops.
Salvation Army Ambulance Crews
A number of Salvationists served as ambulance drivers. there was even a Salvation Army Ambulance Drivers Band.
The Doughnut Girls
When the United States entered the war on the allied side Evangeline Booth, territorial commander in America summoned a Salvation Army National War Council and created a National War Board to meet the needs of American soldiers. She appointed national, territorial, and provincial war secretaries so that the entire Salvation Army was placed on a war-service basis. Lt. Colonel William S. Barker was sent to France to assess the needs of the American troops. Concerned by the poor morale he found he famously telegraphed back to New York "Send over some Lassies".
So it was that in August 1917, despite differences between Commander Eva and US General George Pershing, the first of 250 Salvationists left New York for the front line of the Great War in France.
The Salvationists followed the troops right up to the front line improvising rest rooms, and providing any kind of service to ease the plight of ths soldiers; but it was Ensign Helen Purviance who, making the best use of the remaining supplies, first started cooking and serving doughnuts to the soldiers.
Among those who served as Doughnut Girls were Ensigns Stella Young and Margaret Sheldon.
This work featured prominently in a Salvation Army poster campaign, and the American public responded by subscribing an unprecedented $13 million to clear debts incurred by The Army, through its provision of canteens, hostels, rest rooms during the war, and afterwards on the provision of care and accommodation for the returning forces.
Military Chaplains
Salvation Army Chaplains accompanied the Canadian, Australian, and British troops.
'Fighting Mac'
Appointed military chaplin in 1914 after 25 years as a Salvation Army Officer, William McKenzie, MC, OF forged an enduring reputation for his close support of the Australian & New Zealand forces at Gallipoli.
Salvationist Combatants
The (salvationist officer) father of Arnold Brown fought in the British Army, and was wounded at the Battle of Cambrai.
Victoria Cross Recipients
Many Salvationists served in the armed forces with distinction. Several being awarded the Victoria Cross.
Frederick Coutts
Shortly after becoming a Salvation Army soldier Frederick Coutts was commissioned into the newly formed Royal Flying Corps and posted to Farnborough, Hampshire for training. Shortly after, he volunteered to transfer to the Royal Naval Air Service and was sent to Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppy where he secured his wings and commission.
Intenal Links
External Links
- Ada's War The story of Ada Le Poidevin.
- World War I A page from the Heilsarmee Museum, Basel, Switzerland.
