In both the First and Second World Wars, military chaplains—officially called Chaplains but commonly referred to as Padres—played a vital role in supporting the spiritual and emotional welfare of soldiers. The term Chaplain is the formal designation within Commonwealth militaries, while Padre became an affectionate and widely used nickname regardless of denomination.
During the First World War, chaplains accompanied units to the front lines and field hospitals, often sharing the same hardships as the men they served. They conducted religious services, offered prayers before battles, buried the dead, and wrote letters of condolence to bereaved families. Beyond formal religious duties, chaplains were a steadying presence in the trenches, offering comfort and listening to soldiers’ fears. They also helped organize recreation and reading rooms behind the lines to provide relief from combat stress. The Canadian Chaplain Service was established to oversee this work, with chaplains of various faiths assigned to units across the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
In the Second World War, the chaplain’s role expanded further. The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service formalized training and policies to prepare clergy for the unique demands of military life. Padres were embedded with combat units, medical teams, and prisoner-of-war camps. They conducted worship services in field conditions, distributed Bibles and religious materials, and helped care for morale through counseling and companionship. They also played a significant role in organizing charities and welfare services for troops. Some chaplains were decorated for bravery, as they routinely exposed themselves to danger to minister to the wounded and dying.
In both wars, while Chaplain remained the official title, Padre expressed the respect and affection soldiers felt for these clergy who shared their burdens and gave them hope amid the devastation.