IN THIS SIGN: An Historical Novel
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Lyman R. Coleman is a retired chaplain with the Canadian Armed Forces. Based on true events, In This Sign weaves a story of faith, gallantry, and obstacles overcome that will both inspire and engage.
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By Lt Col (ret) the Reverend Lyman R. Coleman
ISBN#1-897113-11-0
ISBN#9781897113110
It's 1939, and war has been declared. Excitement to fight Hitler has reached a fever pitch, even in the remote Ottawa Valley parish where Ralph Russell, a newly ordained Anglican priest, has recently begun serving God.
However, like many of his flock, Ralph joins the local regiment and is among the first Canadian troops to be shipped overseas. But the initial excitement of fighting the good fight is eventually dulled by months, then years, of training. Maintaining morale becomes one of Padre Russell's biggest challenges, a burden eased when he meets the Vicar of Bewdleigh and his daughter Erin, who invite him to make St. Tristan's the regiment's spiritual home. The vicar is not a well man, and Ralph soon earns Erin's gratitude (and dare he hope affection?), when he offers to assist the older priest.
Then, in 1943, the lads from the Valley are finally called to serve—as part of the First Canadian Division's slow, bloody march across Sicily and up Italy to Ortona. Nothing could have prepared either Ralph or his men for this. Fighting the foe within becomes as much of a contest as fighting the foe without, and Ralph soon discovers that he is as much a follower in the quest for God's understanding, as he is a leader.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
While many characters in this novel are fictitious, the events and circumstances are real. During World War II, 465 Protestant chaplains served in the Canadian Armed Forces; nine of these were killed in action and many others were wounded—several taken as prisoners of war. Eighty-six chaplains were granted military awards and honours ranging from the highest recognition, the Victoria Cross, down through the various medals conferred. Commanders at all levels recognized the role of the chaplain as indispensable, most notably, Field Marshall Montgomery, who did in fact say, "I'd rather have my chaplains with me in battle, rather than my artillery."
