Chaplains

The first chaplain to be appointed to the 29th was Padre H. A. M. Mitchell, who went over with the original battalion to Fiji. He is remembered mainly for his straight speaking at church parades. His stay with the unit was short, and in 1941 he was transferred to the Middle East forces, where he was later taken prisoner of war. His successor was Padre H. W. West, who remained until September, 1941. He quickly became a popular figure in the battalion before' he also was transferred to the Middle East, where at the time of writing he was still doing good work.

Padre W. E. Ryan, a Roman Catholic, then became attached to the unit and was liked and respected by all ranks. Another Roman Catholic padre who was not actually attached but became a frequent visitor was Father J. C. Pierce.

In January, 1942, Padre Ryan was succeeded by Padre O. T. Baragwanath, popularly known as 'Bags', who-became quite an in-page 98stitution and remained with the battalion for more than two years.He carried with his great size a genial disposition and was highly popular both in the battalion and elsewhere. In June, 1943, he was promoted to senior Presbyterian Chaplain. 'Bags' entered into all sports and other activities. He was a special adept at water polo and at brigade swimming sports, in their competitive excitement, supporters of other units would accuse him of having one foot on the bottom. This he stoutly denied and, of course, as he was a padre, his word was meekly accepted.

Padre Baragwanath (18st.) was succeeded in February, 1944, by Padre E. O. Shield (gst.) who came to the unit from the 7th Field Ambulance. He was the first Church of England padre to be attached to the unit but was not a stranger as, while he was with the ambulance, he paid frequent visits to the battalion for Church of England services. In those days he and 'Bags' were often to be seen in each other's company and presented a comic contrast in size. On one occasion they were billed to give an exhibition of blindfold boxing, but one of them 'piked' at the last moment!