Woodbine Willie: The Revd G.A. Studdert Kennedy, M.C.

This presentation, which was delivered 'live' to an online audience by Linda Parker about the famous First World War Army Chaplain known to the troops as 'Woodbine Willie'.

The Revd G.A. Studdert Kennedy. M.C. was one of the most well known and popular army chaplains on the Western Front. His nickname Woodbine Willie was gained by his habit of giving out cigarettes, but there was much more to him than this.

He became a role model for Army chaplains, insisting that the best place for a padre was in the front line. He won his M.C. at Messines in 1917 for bringing in wounded under fire. During his war time service he became well known for his popular trench poetry and his engaging talks and sermons.

After the war he fought for peace and justice, wrote more poems and books, some controversial, and became a well respected preacher and speaker. His early death in 1929 was considered a loss to the Anglican Church and the nation. In the 21st century he remains probably one of the most famous padres of the Great War.