Today, several religious denominations in the USA commemorate the day as "Four Chaplains Day"

Indeed, the US Senate proclaimed February 3, 1998 as Four Chaplains Day, and it is celebrated in the liturgy of the US Episcopal Church as a feast day. But what's the deal?

Well, the four chaplains have names, which I will come to. On 23 January 1943, an American passenger ship, the SS Dorchester, left New York, in Convoy SG19, escorted by three US Coast Guard cutters. Bound for Greenland.

There were about 900 passengers and crew, including approx 750 US Army soldiers.

On 3 February (this was a very slow convoy), the SS Dorchester was torpedoed by German U-boat U-223

Today is Remembrance Day/Veterans Day/Armistice Day, called varying things in different countries. In some places it is an official holiday. But 11th of November has an older meaning that pre-dates the end of the First World War.

The 11th of November is Martinmas, the Feast Day of St Martin of Tours.

I am informed that some of the Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate this feast day on the 12th rather than the 11th. But in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions he is celebrated on the 11th, as the anniversary of his burial in 397 AD

St Martin is close to my heart for a few reasons. Principal of which is that my church @smitf_london , where I am a member, employee (til 1 Jan), and council member for (post 1 Jan).

St Martin has no real connection to London, but many churches around the world have been named for him. Heck, our church isn't even the only St Martin in London.