Anglican Church Army Touring Caravan

In the 1930s the Anglican Church Army Caravan visited Tasmania. In 1932 it was in the north west coast region under Captain A.H. Thompson, who explained his work as follows:

There is no doubt the usefulness of the caravan. It is not some stunt foisted on a long suffering public, which is in then expected to support it. Sheffield, Ulverstone and Devonport have already been visited, and judging by the packed churches in these and other towns, the caravan is wanted by the people.

Just a few words about the daily routine of caravan life. Each van is 'managed' by a fully-licensed and commissioned evangelist, being assisted by a cadet. During the rigors of an English winter van life becomes difficult, but at all times and in all places it provides ample opportunity for young men to rough it for the sake of the Gospel. Not only are services to be conducted, but very often housework and cooking fitted in. An average day is as follows: Rise 6-6.30. proceed with housework, brasses are rubbed up, floor swept and scrubbed, cooking range blackened and polished and a dozen jobs. Personal toilet is next, then breakfast. Morning is set aside for study, etc., afternoons for visiting, and the evening is well filled with various meetings ...

Chaplain A.H. Thompson (A.I.F.) died while a prisoner of war on the march from Sandakan on the 19th June 1945. His obituary relates his experience in the Church Army in England and Tasmania.

In 1934-5 under the command of Captain Frank W. Jameson the caravan was touring the Derwent Valley and New Norfolk regions. Records indicate that it was visiting in the 1950s.