Communion set used by Captain (Reverend 4th Class) V G Ballance, Army Chaplains Department, in Mesopotamia, 1917 (c)

During World War One (1914-1918) over 4,500 chaplains served with the British Army to provide for the spiritual and moral well-being of the soldiers. Many gained the respect of ordinary soldiers by serving alongside them in the trenches. Three chaplains won Victoria Crosses during the war. Many others were decorated, often for bringing in wounded men. The Department lost 179 chaplains during the conflict. To mark its contribution, King George V granted it the prefix 'Royal' in 1919.