One of the fascinating side issues thrown up by the research for my book – arising from the fact that several in my subject’s circle were or became clergymen – is the role of religion in wartime.

When is a war just? Where did the truth lie when, as soon became apparent to the troops in the First World War, both Allies and Germans were taught God was on their side? In the face of such carnage and suffering sometimes not just the soldiers began to question their attitude to religion and the purpose of life. What spiritual comfort could – indeed should – a padre provide for men about to go into battle?

READ MORE from View from the Bridge