Physical description

This faded red "Active Service" 1914-1915, The Pocket Gospel of St. John is a tiny, specialized scripture booklet distributed to British and Commonwealth troops during the First World War. The title and use of the booklet is printed on the front cover in black lettering. On the back of the front cover is a formal message from Field Marshal Lord Roberts encouraging troops to put their trust in God. The title page includes the publishing details. Throughout there are prayers, The Gospel according to St. John, hymns, and coloured illustrations. Inside the back cover is a Decision Form if the owner desired further spiritual guidance from the Scripture Gift Mission in London. It is compact to fit easily into the breast pocket of a soldier's or sailor's uniform tunic. It was designed with rounded edges to prevent the corners from bending or catching while sliding in and out of pockets. Pp.92.

Publication type

non-fiction

Inscriptions & markings

On the back of the front cover written in grey pencil is: 'To Duncan Campbell From Mary Heddleston with love 3rd September 1915.' On the inside of the back cover, handwritten in black ink on the Decision Form, Name and Address lines, crossed out : Mary Heddleston 33(?) Milton St.' 'Duncan Campbell' is written above Mary's name.

Summary

The "Active Service" pocket Gospel of St. John was a tiny, specialized scripture booklet distributed to British and Commonwealth troops during the First World War by the Scripture Gift Mission (now known as SGM Lifewords).