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During June 1916, the British army was preparing for its great offensive to be mounted around the River Somme. Gwynne referred to the artillery barrage that was to lead up to the assault. That would eventually take place on 1 July 1916. The elaborate planning detailed the rôle of all arms and services during the battle. Gwynne was concerned that the planning of the rôle of the chaplains was taking place without the agreement of the AChD chain of command. That was a direct challenge to the system that he had created. He was also concerned about the oversight of chaplains serving with the Dominion forces. He referred to meetings with Australian, Canadian and New Zealand (NZ) chaplains.
June 1
Ascension Day – I attended and celebrated Holy Communion at our Small Garrison Church at 8 am and held a confirmation at Merville CC Station for about 40 candidates. Some of them were of the Welsh Division. I heard a quite delightful story from the Canadian Division a few days ago. One of the Presbyterian chaplains is a dear old boy but very long and prozy in prayer at the Parade Services. The Senior Corps Chaplain chatting with some of the men of his flock asked how they liked their chaplain, ‘a very nice old boy,’ said one of them, but he prays too long – he asks for the King, country, Empire, the Allies, victory by land and sea, the breaking up of the Turkish Empire, the entire destruction of the German Army and fleet – the speaker was continuing his list, but was interrupted by a pal who said quite seriously, ‘In fact Sir he indents for too much.’
June 2
I made a mistake today and was late for my confirmation at Ballieul because I got out of my car to eat my lunch and take a little exercise – but missed the lane and fetched up far from my rendezvous. I had good exercise but was late for the Confirmation. Mellish* the chaplain VC was at the service and brought some of his men to be confirmed. I saw my old friend Potter after the service and had a long talk with him. He gave me a very interesting account of the attack his Brigade made on the German trenches at S. Eloi.
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