THE LATE CHAPLAIN-MAJOR McMENAMIM

New Zealand Tablet, 2 August 1917, Page 23

THE LATE CHAPLAIN-MAJOR McMENAMIM

Writing on the death of Chaplain-Major ! McMenamin to the Rev. Father Liston, Holy Cross College, under date June 11, Chaplain-Captain Skinner says; “What a loss we have all suffered in the death of Father McMenamin! He met his death by shell-fire whilst burying the dead on Messines Ridge, June 9. He was killed instantaneously and several of the party were wounded. He was buried that same evening by Chaplain-Captain O’Neill (Dunedin) in a little cemetery at the back of Hill 63, a historic spot in this war. General Braithwaite attended the funeral.

“For a month before Father McMenamin went to God, he and I were working together getting the men ready for the fray, and they were ready, I can assure you : every man had been to confession and Communion, some several times. Father Mac. was a saint and died a hero. - May God be good to his soul.”

Further details are given in the following letter from Chaplain-Captain Skinner to Mrs. McMenamin, mother of the late Chaplain-Major McMenamin, under date June 11 :

“You will long ago have been notified of the death of your brave son,’’ writes Father Skinner. “I am sure you are resigned to the thought that your son was a model priest, and a brave, heroic chaplain, who spent his strength and gave his life in the interests of his men. lie was the most loved and respected man I know, and personally I have lost my dearest friend. I sincerely sympathise with you all, and you especially ; but bear in mind your son was a saint and a hero. For the past five weeks we had worked together, and I know his great zeal. I served his first Mass, and assisted him with his last. The night before the advance we talked late into the night, and went to confession to each other before we parted. We arranged to meet on Messines Ridge, but when I went up I could not find him ;he had moved elsewhere. On Saturday, the 9th inst. , he as out with a burying party, and while saying the prayers over a number of dead soldiers he was struck by a shell. Death was instantaneous. Several of the party were wounded. Father McMenamin’s body was brought back to the little military cemetery, where he was buried by Father O’Neill. General Braithwaite attended the funeral, as did also Colonel Chaytor. His own colonel (Stewart) had been previously wounded. The cure of the place is most anxious to have the body disinterred, and have it given all honor and buried in a vault reserved for priests here. This may be done, but in this crisis it is difficult to do anything. The cure was extremely fond of Father McMenamin. All ranks who knew your priest son join me in tendering you their sincere sympathy. May God bless you and yours, and enable you to bear up in your great loss.”