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CAPTAIN-CHAPLAIN GALLOP.
Rochester, 18th August.
Captain-Chaplain Alfred Gallop, an old Rochester boy, son of Mr. A. Gallop, of Rochester East, is paying a short visit to his home, preparatory to leaving with troops for the front. Captain-Chaplain Gallop was stationed some years ago at Castlemaine and Pryerstown, in the Bendigo Anglican diocese, prior to leaving for the Anglican College in Sydney, where he graduated in his theological studies with marked credit, as a recruit to the rank, of native-born churchmen, in response to the appeal of the late Bishop of Bendigo. More recently the young clergyman has been stationed at Kiama, N.S.W., where a military camp is located. Captain-Chaplain Gallop expects to leave Rochester on Saturday morning, and to embark next
week, if the latest itinerary, ordered by his military superiors, is adhered to. Prior to his departure from Kiama the members of the congregation presented their pastor with a splendid pocket camera. Captain-Chaplain Gallop, who is an ardent photographer, expects to follow his hobby when -time permits, amidst the battle scenes in France. A legion of friends join in wishing the young chaplain a safe journey and a speedy return to sunny Australia.

Bendigonian Thursday 24 August 1916 page 12

CAPTAIN-CHAPLAIN GALLOP.
Rochester, 18th August.
Captain-Chaplain Alfred Gallop, an old Rochester boy, son of Mr. A. Gallop, of Rochester East, is paying a short visit to his home, preparatory to leaving with troops for the front. Captain-Chaplain Gallop was stationed some years ago at Castlemaine and Pryerstown, in the Bendigo Anglican diocese, prior to leaving for the Anglican College in Sydney, where he graduated in his theological studies with marked credit, as a recruit to the rank, of native-born churchmen, in response to the appeal of the late Bishop of Bendigo. More recently the young clergyman has been stationed at Kiama, N.S.W., where a military camp is located. Captain-Chaplain Gallop expects to leave Rochester on Saturday morning, and to embark next
week, if the latest itinerary, ordered by his military superiors, is adhered to. Prior to his departure from Kiama the members of the congregation presented their pastor with a splendid pocket camera. Captain-Chaplain Gallop, who is an ardent photographer, expects to follow his hobby when -time permits, amidst the battle scenes in France. A legion of friends join in wishing the young chaplain a safe journey and a speedy return to sunny Australia.

Bendigonian Thursday 24 August 1916 page 12

From the Front.
Mr Alf. Gallop, of Rochester
East, hears regularly from his son, Chaplain Captain Alfred Gallop, at the front. The following lately came to hand dated from France 23rd March:—We did not have much rest siuce my last letter, for our brigade is again in the line. The first day's inarch was a very long one as the roads were frequently blocked with transports. It was raining, and the ground floor of our tents was none too pleasant. Our valises had not arrived, and we
were huddled together, but got very little sleep. We made a fire, in a biscuit tin, of grass, paper and candles, and as this did not last long I finally burnt my cane. Next day we continued our march, and I dropped out here, in a town which we have recently taken, hoping to start a soup kitchen, but the brigade said it would not be possible owing to difficulties of transport. The town has been frightfully smashed up, and scarcely a room remains entire. They have fallen just like a card house would, and places are still burning. Light, my batman, and I wandered round the town and finding a room took possession of it. A terrace of houses was in ruins, but we found the gardener's lodge belonging to one with only the
door and window gone. These we have replaced and, with a big fire place, we are comfortable. We have plenty of firewood of course, most of which has been brought from the drawing room of the next house, where it was piled In a heap under the staircase, and covered with tar, ready to be set alight. We sweep the floor with a garden hoe, stoke the fire with a gardener's trowel, break wood with a sledge hammer head and split it with a spade! We have picked up a couple of plates out of the debris, and we drink from German glasses.
Our cooking is done in picked-up vessels of various kinds. Snow drops are blooming just outside the door and there are strawberry plants in the garden. I am sending specimens to prove my words.
We had to clean up our room very cautiously as the Boche has been laying traps for us. He has also poisoned the water. It Is simply wanton destruction and spiteful savagery. On Sunday I hope to get hold of some ruin and hold a service there. The church is wholly destroyed. The days are getting brighter, though we are still having snow, but I understand that May is the first decent month here. I am still feeling very well and am
certainly heavier. I am told that I am getting fat and have plenty of color in my face. I hope it has come to stay. Probably I shall not be able to post this for a while, so any further news I can send later.
Best love to all.

Rochester Express Friday 01 June 1917 page 2