ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses three important obstructions of the work of the chaplains in the army. The first problem was that the chaplain was often posted at some distance from the men he served. The second question was his position within the ranks. His social and cultural background could cause problems of communication with his flock, and his officer status could cause a rift between him and the soldiers. Third, chaplains were non-combatants, as was most of the clergy – at least in the British and German armies, although in the German armies there were special military services for clergymen. In the British and German armies, the physical position of the chaplain at or behind the front line was debated, especially in the first years of the war. Regarding the discussion on the physical position of the chaplains in the lines, the situation in Britain, Germany and France shows some clear similarities.
