Day 43: Giving thanks for unsung heroes (1916)

Join with Salvationists of the Wales Division for day 43 of 150 days of prayer.

• ‘Send to me your light and your truth. Let them be my guide. They will take me back to your holy mountain and to the house where you live’ (Psalm 43:3, EasyEnglish Bible). 

1916

David Lloyd George became prime minister in December 1916. This famous Welshman was a remarkable and complex man. Unlike the stories of the Lloyd Georges of history the stories of everyday heroes are rarely recorded. Here is a brief outline of one such hero, Brother Fred Coles (Cardiff I) as told in the War Cry of 15 April 1916.

‘Many of the older generation of Salvationists in Leeds, Totton, Hove and Shoreham-on-Sea will remember Brother Coles, who, until his health gave way, was an officer. 

‘At Totton, a station near Southampton, he fought with roughs who tried to haul down his flag. For a time after he relinquished field work, Brother Coles went as mate on board the Salvation Army yacht, Vestal, and in that capacity assisted to open up a number of outposts.* 

‘Our comrade’s death was unexpected, but he always lived in readiness for the summons.’ 

*See Day 12 for information about The Salvation Navy.

Prayer

• Give thanks and pray for the unsung heroes who are known to you.