A Presbyterian minister was at the bedside of Sidney Rachkind, first British Jewish soldier to die in France, it was revealed here today.
The minister also conducted the funeral service, using a Jewish prayer book, when it was found impossible for a rabbi to reach in time the casualty clearing station where Rachkind died. Rachkind was given a military funeral, attended by men of the Royal Army Service Corps unit.
In an interview today, Rachkind’s mother said the chaplain was Captain Kenneth Tyson. “He has sent me a letter that comforted me greatly and that has made me very grateful to him,” she said. “I am writing to thank him for all he did.” Captain Tyson’s letter said that “Sidney died in active service in the struggle against the oppressor of your people and mine.”
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