John Macpherson Almond (military chaplain, South Africa)

John Macpherson Almond (military chaplain, South Africa)

The work that Almond did in South Africa was the first of many actions taken to help restore the tarnished reputation of the Canadian chaplaincy. These actions also gained him the respect of Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur William Currie, who “appreciated his no-nonsense attitude and his dedication”. When discussing World War One and Canada’s role, one can often forget the work that Canadian soldiers did in South Africa, including religious work as did Almond.

1914-1915

Person

South Africa

Duff W. Crerar, “ALMOND, JOHN MACPHERSON,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 16, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed May 31, 2021, https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/almond_john_macpherson_16E.html.

1871

Shigawake, Que., Canada

1939

Montreal, Que., Canada

Church of England clergyman; military chaplain

English.

John Macpherson Almond began his work as a military Chaplin for South African affairs before the war even began in 1914. In 1908, he became the president of the South African Veterans Association where he assisted with the impoverished veterans with a funeral and burial. Yet, for his work during the war, Almond was one of the first chaplains accepted into the training camp in Valcartier. During his time in South Africa, he was the Chaplain of the 19th Brigade and took part in twenty-seven engagements. He would later be promoted to honorary major in 1915 and the both lieutenant-colonel and assistant director of the Canadian Chaplain Service in the same year. Almond was a key leader in South Africa, mending the religious revival had broken out among the troops. As stated in the DCB, “Almond’s diplomatic management of interdenominational religious work at the front won over many chaplains alienated by Steacy’s maladministration, sectarian anti-Catholicism, and indifference to front-line shortages.”

N/A

Dell, Jessica Elizabeth. “Bay Chaleur Military Museum.” A, 2008. https://www.chaleurmilitarymuseum.com/memories/a.htm.

Quebec Since 1800 (Carleton, HIST 3301A)

Emma Jeapes