Redemptorists and World War One

Redemptorists and World War One...

This has been a sad time to remember the reality that was WWI.

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A confrere was recenly at an exhibition in Perth, Scotland, that was remebering the impact the War had on that city. Also included in the exhibition were the men from our monastery, St. Mary's Kinnoull, who did their bit in the World War. He sent the following pieces, so we'll let the articles speak for themselves...

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Perth Roman Catholic Chaplains for the Territorials

The following clergymen have been selected for appointment as acting chaplains (R.C.) to the Territorial Forces, and have been posted for Service with the formations etc shown against their names -

Rev J J Watt, Highland Division

Rev Joh Evans CSsR, Perth Lowland Division,

Revs Henry Campbell CSsR Perth and James Stack CSsR Perth, Scottish Coast Defences,

Rev Stephen Thornton, Renton and General Hospital,

Rev John Drescher, 4th General Hospital

(Perthshire Constitutional & Journal, September 14th, 1914, p7.)

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Perth Priests Bravery

Action which won the Military Cross

Among the recipients of military honours on the occasion of the Royal visit to Glasgow was the well known Catholic priest of Perth, the Rev John Howard of St Mary’s Monastery, Kinnoull. Father Howard was gazetted chaplain to the Forces in February last year, and for about twelve months has been attached to the Second Scottish Rifles. Between August 5th and 17th, this battalion was engaged with the enemy somewhere on the Western front. Father Howard, according to his wont, was in attendance upon the wounded in the advance dressing post. The dug-out which was honoured by this title, became flooded, its occupants were compelled to continue their service in the open. Being thus exposed, they were in terrible danger, and casualties soon numbered. The RC chaplain was among the number, a bullet passing through his thigh.

It was in consideration of this courage and perseverance under fire that the King on Tuesday conferred the honour of Military Cross upon Father Howard.

The latter is the third of present or past members of St Mary’s community who have received the same or similar honours. The first was the Rev James Stack, the second the Rev David Ahearne, recently decorated with the D.S.O.

(Perthshire Advertiser, September 19th 1917)

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Allenby’s Only RC Chaplain

Herioc Death of Rev Bernard Kavanagh CSsR

There is a touch of religious mysticism about the death of the distinguished member of the Redemptorist Order, Captain the Rev Bernard Kavanagh, St Mary’s Monastery, Kinnoull, Perth, who died of wounds outside Jerusalem on December 21st.

Early in the war Father Kavanagh volunteered as a Roman Catholic chaplain for the front. He was rejected many times owing to his poor Physique, but he practically sat upon the War Office til at least his importunity obtained him an appointment on a hospital ship. This took him to Egypt, where he managed to get a transfer to our army in that country. Sp that when the expedition was sent to Palestine he obtained the greatest desire of his heart - to enter the Holy Land and help its delivery from the Infidel. But like Moses, he did not get all that he wished. He lived long enough to hear of the delivery of Jerusalem and the Holy Places, the wounds received in administering to his “boys” on the battlefield prevented his visits to the Holy Sepulchre.

Father Kavanagh was the only Roman Catholic chaplain in Allenby’s army, and his death will be a great loss to those whom he encouraged and stimulated by his noble courage and spiritual ministrations.

(Perthshire Advertiser, January 8th 1918, p.2)

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Death of Father Watson CF

Intimation has been received by St Mary’s Kinnoull of the death in active service in Mesopotamia of the Rev Charles Watson CSsR Chaplain to the Forces. Father Watson was 50 years of age. He was born in Belgium to Scottish parentage, and like many famous Catholic dignitaries, as well the poet Francis Thompson, and the prose-painter, Lefcadio, from the noviciate of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. He was ordained in 1897, and was long attached to St. Mary’s. At his own request, he was allowed in 1916 to offer himself as a chaplain. After a year in France he went to Egypt, and went through the campaign in Palestine. Two months ago he was transferred to Mesopotamia, where he has now died.

(Perthshire Advertiser, August 7th, 1918, p7)