General Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 18, 21 April - 8 May 1918, Part 11

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of a further remittance of £23: which has come in from Sydney.

I have also received £1: from an appreciative friend in London,

and a cheque for £10: from a New Zealand soldier prior to his

departure for France. A copy of his covering letter is attached

hereto.

These sums are all used for the purpose stated above.

Correspondence.

This department of my work has increased enormously, and

the full time of one typist is occupied in this work.   I am

in constant communication with men throughout France and the

United Kingdom, and I find that more particularly with these

men in France it is a great source of comfort and pleasure to

them.

I still continue the practice of writing to the relatives

in Australia of all men whom I meet, and keep them advised from

time to time of their mens' welfare.  Apart from these letters

I send a Post Card after every Fellowship Meeting to Australia,

indicating that I have just seen their son, husband, brother or

friend as the case may be.   Sample of card attached hereto.

I also write letters of condolence to the relatives of

those men who have died or been killed.

Enquiries.

I am constantly attending to enquiries from all quarters,

Australian relatives, as well as men in France and England,

respecting innumber innumerable points of information.

These cover the interviewing of boys as ^to why they have

not written home, the whereabouts and condition of men in

France and England, the ascertaining of the position and securing

photographs of graves in France, the appeal for assistance of mom

mothers desiring to prevent hasty and ill-considered marriages,

etc, etc.

This office has become a Central Bureau of general Jewish

information and redirection office for correspondence and

 

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parcels, and in fact now it has become quite a medium between

Australian Jewry and the men, and between the men in England

and in France.

When time allows, full statistics of this work will be

compiled.

Statistics.

These are still being recorded, but no time has been left

me for tabulation.  Roughly there are always on the Plain

comprising English and Colonial about one thousand Jewish men,

and during the 12 months I have come into personal or indirect

contact with approximately 1000 Australian Troops.

Information is being collected which will be of importance

and value for compiling permanent records after the war.

Publication and printed matter.

Jewish publications are distributed freely amongst

troops.  These consist of, (1) An official Khaki Jewish Prayer

Book, (2) Book of Jewish Thoughts, (3) Jewish Version of the

Psalms, and (4) Paul Goodmans "History of the Jews".

I am also arranging at the present moment, to get a

supply from the Chief Rabbi of Jewish Bibles for distribution.

The Prayer Book is produced by the Jewish War Services

Committee under the authority from the War Office, and the other

publications are produced by the Chief Rabbi. All are for free

distribution, and during the period under review, I have

distributed many hundreds;  no man is left without.

"The Jewish Thoughts" is a magnificent production, and is

in itself a Chaplaincy Department.   I have found no better

department of Jewish Service that tends to sustain and exhilarate

the Jewish spirit and Pride of Faith and Race than this

publication, and am sure it has been a source of moral comfort

and strength to many thousands of Jewish troops.

These publications are produced by the Chief Rabbi from

funds privately subscribed and in view of the fact that

 

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Australian Jewish Troops have made full use of these, I submitted

to my Executive a suggestion that they might consider the

question of making a grant to the Chief Rabbi to enable him to

continue the production of this excellent work, and they graciously

responded by voting £150:  for this purpose.

I attach also copies of other printed matter issued comprising:-

Syllabus Card.

Registration Card.

Locality Card. (Jewish Naval & Military Club)

Advice Cards. (1) from France. (2) from England.

Divine Service and Fellowship Cards.

besides which, large quantities og general Y.M.C.A. printed matter

and publications.

International Jewish Hospitality League.

I have felt for a considerable time that there was need

of some London Central Bureau which would form a clearing house

of all Jewish War Services, and which would specifically deal

with the needs of Overseas Jewish troops whilst in London.

I have submitted a draft scheme of my proposal to an

influential London Jewish Committee, and the proposal has been

received with enthusiasm.   It is the intention, if formed, to

incorporate it into the International Hospitality League of the

American, English, Australian, and New Zealand Y.M.C.As.

I have also submitted the tentative scheme to Mr Bavin,

organising secretary of the above, and he has welcomed the idea

The operation is now in process of formation, and I hope to be

able to report fully a little later as to its creation and

effective operations.

I attach hereto draft of these proposed operations.

Major Freedman.

It is with extreme regret that I have to report the return

to Australia of the Anzac Jewish Chapl^ain, Major the Reverend

D.I.Freedman C.F.  His work amongst the troops during the

2½ years on active service in Egypt, Gallipoli and France had

been of such a character that he had endeared himself to all

 

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Jewish members of the Forces, and indeed had become a tower

of strength on their behalf with the Military authorities

both here and in France.

The urgent call of his congregation however, was alone

responsible for him relinquishing his task, which I know was

a labour of love.   He shirked no difficulty or danger to

minister to the needs of his men, and he has left in their

hearts an indelible love and affection, which has been to me

an inspiration in the work that I have endeavoured to carry out

in this sphere of operations.

He has returned to Australia via Egypt and Palestine, and

has been granted the special privilege of visiting Jerusalem

en route.

His successor, the Reverend J.Danglow of St Kilda is

expected to arrive some time in May, and his advent is looked

forward to by myself and the men with eagerness.   The Jewish

troops have indeed been fortunate in having had the services of

two such men placed at their disposal.

I reported fully in December last on the special visit

which Chaplain Freedman paid to the troops in the United

Kingdom.   He returned to France, but prior to his departure

for Australia I was able to have him with me again on the Plain

for a week-end visitation.

On Friday, February 15th we held a service at Parkhouse

Camp in the Y.M.C.A. and on Saturday morning, service was

held at Hurdcott, and Saturday afternoon at Sutton Veny.

These were well attended, and at the conclusion of each service

a very pleasant hour was spent with the men.

I visited London on two or three occasions during his

stay there pending embarkation, and was able to discuss many

aspects of our work to the mutual advantage of myself and the

men.   One result being the closer co-operation between my

department here and the Senior Chaplain O.P.D. who is nominally

 

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the head of the Jewish Chaplains' Department. Major Miles

has been of considerable assistance and help to me in my

official connection with the military machine.   I have been

able to secure through him, the assistance of Major Freedman's

orderly, Private Laurie Isaacs, who, pending the arrival of the

new Chaplain has been placed in charge of the Jewish Records

at A.I.F. Administrative Headquarters, London. He pays

frequent visits to me at Salisbury, and is of considerable help

to me in my work.

On Major Freedman's departure from England, a farewell

letter was written by him to the Jewish troops and copy of

which is attached hereto.   I am now in the midst of sending

a copy of same to every man.

Before leaving, I was privileged to attend an offiacial

farewell gathering at the Chief Rabbis, and the Chaplains

spoke very highly of Mr Freedmans work.

On the same evening a very pleasant function of a similar

character was held in the Jewish Naval & Military Club, when

the A.I.F. Jewish boys in London Headquarters attended a supper

to extend their good wishes to Mr Freedman. The Chief Rabbi

and Mrs Hartz were present, Major and Mrs Lipson, Major and

Mrs Schonfield, Captain Hirsch, Mr Mocatta, Mrs Brighton,

Mr & Mrs Louis Jacobs, Mr Edward Michaelis, and several of her

visitors.   A very happy gathering terminated in speeches of

good will.

 

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Chaplains' Department.

For many months I have endeavoured to obtain the appointment

of a full residenty Chaplain for Salisbury Plain, and am

glad to be able to report that my efforts in this direction have

met with success, and that this appointment has been made in the

person of the Reverend Captain B.Goldston, who took up his duties

here during February.

He is stationed in Salisbury, and I have been able to be

of some assistance to him in his work amongst the troops.

This has relieved me of the care of the British troops

on the Plain numbering about 700, and has also enabled me to hand

over the conduct of services to Mr Goldston, as I feel that it is

not my function to continue these whilst there is a qualified and

official Chaplain within the district.   In consequence I have

been able to devote a great deal moer time to the personal side

of my work.

During this period also we have had several visits from

the Senior Jewish Chaplain in the United Kingdom, Major the Revd

S.Lipson.   At his invitation I was able to attend an important

conference of Jewish Chaplains, held at Birmingham on March 1st,

attended by the Chaplains and officiating clergymen operating in

the United Kingdom.

It was an inspiring and instructive conference presided

over by the Senior Chaplain, and I considered it a distinct

privilege to be present.  All aspects of the Jewish Chaplains

work amongst troops were discussed and papers were read dealing

with:-

(1)    Religious work amongst troops.

(2)   Comforts and requirements.

(3)   Inter-relations of Chaplains.

(4)   "Moral Cowardice".

The full Press account of this conference is attached

hereto.

Jewish War Services Committee.

I still co-operate fully with this committee through the

 

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Senior Chaplain, although my direct contact with them now is

not so close, ^as prior to the appointment of their own Chaplain

in this area.

During this period Major Schonfield, the Officer in

charge of Administration was transferred to control the

London Depot of the Jewish Regiment, and Lieutenant Price has

taken his place.

I have been in communication with Major Adler, Senior

Jewish Chaplain in France on matters affecting the troops in

France.

I am also in constant touch with Captain D.Hirsch who

has temporarily taken on the control of Australian interests

in France pending the arrival of the Reverend Mr Danglow.

Jewish Naval & Military Association.

This club is gaining in popularity amongst Australian

troops, and is rendering splendid xx service within its

limited capacity, particularly to Overseas Troops.

I have been able to do a fair amount of publicity work

for it and have produced the attached locality card for 
circulation.

Special mention should be made of Mr Mocatta, Chairman

and Mrs Brighton, Leader of the Lady Workers, for their whole

hearted devotion to this particular Jewish service.

A.I.F.

I have received from every department kindly courtesy

and consideration, which has enabled me to conduct my work

with facility and ease, and has in consequence, been to the

advantage of the men concerned.

I am keeping the Senior Chaplain O.P.D., Major Miles

advised of my work, and use his office for a great deal of 

official correspondence work that is required.

Private L.Isaacs who is attached thereto for Jewish

Records is at my disposal as required.

 

 

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N.Z.E.F.

The whole of my services are devoted to the members of

the New Zealand Forces in the same way as they applied to

Australians, and I have received from New Zealand authorities

and their Y.M.C.A. all the assistance and consideration that I

should desire.

English National Council.

I have been able to receive continued sympathy and

assistance from the E.N.C. and have had the whole of their

organisation assisting me in every direction when I have desired

their co-operation.

General Y.M.C.A. Services.

In January last I felt that there was a call to give a 

hand in the enormous work which was being formed by the Association

on Salisbury Plain.

I knew that the question of Man Power was an important 

factor in the developement of our work, and after mature consideration 
as to whether my offer would affect my particular departmental 
work, I submitted to London Headquarters the suggestion that

I should be used for general services as well as specific Jewish

work.

The London Executive excepted this offer and appointed me

as Headquarters Secretary of the administration work on Salisbury

Plain, A The position which I ^have since occupied.   This has necessitated 
constant application, but I am glad to be able to report

that it has in no way interfered with the effectiveness of my

Jewish work.

I shall report separately respecting this new office.

Conclusion.

 

 

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CONCLUSION.     In conclusion I beg to offer my gratitude and thanks

for your continued confidence, and to extend to you my cordial

and fraternal greetings. 

I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen,

Faithfully yours,

Australian Y.M.C.A. Officer,

FM/HBM

 

 

 

CHAPLAINS IN COUNCIL

CONFERENCE AT BIRMINGHAM

                     ——————

IMPORTANT ADDRESSES.

On the suggestion of the Rev. Vivian Simmons, C.F., and seconded and
carried into effect by the Senior Chaplain for the Home Forces, the Rev. S.
Lipson, a Conference was convened of all the clergy engaged in military work,
who in this country alone number twenty-six. The meeting was held on
Wednesday week at the Imperial Hotel, Birmingham, where, through the
good offices of the Rev. A. Cohen, the visitors enjoyed the hospitality
of the Congregation.   The Rev. Walter Levin acted as Secretary to the Conference.
Four short papers were read as bases of discussion, and every clergyman
present took part in the discussion that ensued.
The following members were present :-
Rabbi B. I. Cohen, the Revs. S. Lipson, S.C.F., Home Forces, N. Goldston, C.F.,
M. Abrahams, S. Frampton, J. Phillips, A. Cohen, M. Wolfe, H. Jerevitch, H. Shandel,
and D. Wasserzug, and Mr. Boas, Australian Y.M.C.A. Representative.
The Chief Rabbi sent a telegram in which he said :-
Be assured of my best wishes success of Conference.   Under your energetic guidance
it must lead to greater efficiency in the important n tional work which is performed
by Chaplains and officiating clergymen.   May God bless the labours of
Conference and all the loyal labourers.
Letters were also received from the Revs. A. A. Green and E. P. Phillips,
and Major Schonfield.
RELIGIOUS WORK AMONG THE TROOPS.

The proceedings were opened with a prayer spoken by the Rev. S. Lipson,
and the Conference was addressed by theRev. M. Abrahams, of Leeds.   The
Rev. S. FRAMPTON presided.   He read a paper in which he dealt with the question
of "Religious Work Among the Troops."   The soldiers' services, he said,
should partake as much as possible of the character of a home service.   The
lads they ministered to were extremely susceptible to home influences, and whatsoever
reminded them of the old fire-side greatly appealed to them.   Nothing gratified
them more than the old traditional melodies, which awoke memories of their
early family life; the Reader, therefore, could not chant too many of these inspiring
hymns.   Surrounded by so many influences which were calculated to make
them forget their Jewish origin, it was necessary to keep alive in these lads their
Jewish consciousness.   For this purpose there was no better agent than their
history - both Biblical and post-Biblical.   A most anxious question was how to
deal with the soldier when demobilised.   He had no fear as to the moral effects
of the war on the future. In the discussion which followed, considerable
attention was given to the question of compulsory as against voluntary
attendance at the services, the general consensus of opinion being in favour of
compulsory attendance in the interests of the soldiers themselves.
At this stage of proceedings the Rev. S. LIPSON announced that, with the
approval of the meeting, he proposed sending telegrams in answer to the greetings
and friendly messages which he had received from the Chief Rabbi, the Senior
Chaplain in France, and from the local Y.M.C.A.
COMFORTS AND REQUIREMENTS.
The Rev. A. COHEN dealt with the subject of "Comforts and Requirements
of the Troops."   Regarding the question of "Kashruth," an extremely vexed question
in view of the large number of orthodox young men who had been conscripted,
he was not sure that all had been done in this matter that was possible.
He suggested that greater facilities should be obtained by the Jewish War Services
Committee from the War Office for transfers to the "Judeans."   In big Jewish
centres such as Clipstone, Jewish huts might with advantage be erected.   He
recognised the danger of segregation, but that was a danger which with time and
proper management would right itself.   With regard to the literature that was
being distributed, he was of opinion that though very valuable, it ran the risk of
being too academic.   What was required was some form of literature that would
especially appeal to young men cut off from the main current of communal life.
He, therefore, advocated the publication and distribution of a sheet containing
the latest news as well as periodically a popular article.   Such a sheet would be
of the greatest service in keeping Jewish lads in touch with their people.
INTER-RELATIONS OF CHAPLAINS.
At this stage the Conference was interrupted for luncheon, when the members
were introduced to the Warden and Treasurer of the Congregation, Messrs. I. I.
Jacobs and A. A. Jacobs, to whom and to the Congregation suitable recognition was
paid after the repast for their generous and characteristic hospitality.   After the
resumption of the Conference, the next subject was initiated by the Rev. V. Simmons,
who spoke on "Officiating Clergymen and their Relations to the Troops and other
Denominations."   In respect of Hospital visiting, he advocated enlisting the
services of local effort, such as the officers or N.C.O.'s stationed in the Camp.   A
union of such workers might eventually lead to the formation of what he would
like to call a "Jewish Pals' Visiting League."   He quite appreciated the value of
the Jewish literature which had been published; but what was needed in addition
were lectures and recreation providers.   While the clergy were giving unstintingly
of their time and effort for the welfare of the lads in camp, he felt that the
parents of these lads were not doing as much as they might in support of the
work.  Their labours were greatly handicapped for want of money.   With more
money they could carry out many schemes for the religious and material good of
the soldiers which at present had to be left in abeyance.  In some camps the
Jewish units were so widely scattered that it was impossible to organise services
without local aid.  In these circumstances he had found the comradeship and
goodfellowship of the Christian clergy of the utmost use.   It was of paramount
importance to cultivate the friendship of non-Jews, for only by a more intimate
acquaintance could the false views entertained respecting Jews be removed.
Addresses ought to be given to soldiers of all denominations.   A lecture delivered
in a breezy popular style to an audience of non-Jewish soldiers would do more to
dispel prejudice than hundreds of protests and tons of leaflets.
"MORAL COWARDICE."    AMONG JEWISH SOLDIERS.
The last paper was by the Rev. WALTER LEVIN, setting forth an officiating
clergyman's experiences and the problems arising therefrom.   He complained of
the lack of support which he had received from Jewish officers, a want of communal
spirit which was in most cases prompted by pure moral cowardice.  To
disguise his Judaism the Jewish officer frequently marched with his men to church,
or where he did not do lip service to the church he declared himself a "Fire
worshipper."   Saturday services had proved unsuccessful, as they caused resentment
among soldiers of other denominations who thought that the Jews were
receiving more privileges than they.   The services were unsuccessful, too, because
the Jewish boys unfortunately often abused their privileges.   The most important
question which faced them was that of reconstruction after the war.   There were
many questions hitherto held sacrosanct which were now under suspicion.   The
ministery must take the initiative in heightening and deepening the Jewish spirit,
in emphasising the things in religion that matter, even though some of their most
deeply cherished beliefs had to suffer.   The question they had to consider was,
after the war, what would there be for Jewry? and what should we get from
Jewry ?   The fate of Judaism in England was trembling in the balance.   What
was needed was a courageous statesmanship that would be directed by a higher
conception of what Judaism meant to the world than had hitherto been the case,
The Rev. H. SHANDEL presented a report of his work since his appointment
as an assistant chaplain in 1915. 
The Rev. S. LIPSON summed up the labours of the Conference.   He said
that he would take note of the many useful suggestions that had been made.   It
would have been impossible for him to carry on his work without the help of his
colleagues.   He would endeavour to see that more literature in the shape of
special leaflets and a regular journal were published, that a Special Committee
on reconstruction after the war should be formed, and, if possible, insist that a
Congress of the Jewries of the world be called to go into all the questions which
most affect us as Jews after the war was over. This must be done at once.   It was
no use waiting till it was "too late."   The question of the supply of special Jewish
huts was a difficult one, and he quite understood the difficulties which were
pointed out by the Rev. S. Frampton.