Here's an interesting pocket Bible. It was given away to soldiers across the British Empire during World War Two by the British and Foreign Bible Society. This one to a soldier in the Australian Army.
It cannot be rare, however I am unable to find any identical in the online catalogues of the usual Australian cultural institutions. If you know of any similar examples - please let me know.
This one bears the symbol of His Majesty King George VI. It is 120mm high and 76mm wide.
Inside the front cover is a tipped in presentation page plus a stapled Bible Reading hints insert. The slightly corroded staples have created a slight brown stain. Otherwise the bible is almost unmarked after 70 years:
His Majesty's message to his loyal troops is also included. The message is dated just 2 weeks after the start of World War Two:
Interestingly it was printed at the University Press, Oxford:
i have an exact same one that was given to me by my late grandad here in Bolton, England. Always wondered how rare they would be
Posted by: Paul Allen | Tuesday, 05 October 2010 at 21:13
Thanks Paul.
Posted by: Bob Meade | Thursday, 07 October 2010 at 21:08
Two moving prayers from the navy.
The sailors prayer:
O Eternal Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens and rulest the raging of the sea; who hast compassed the waters with bounds until day and night come to an end; Be pleased to receive into thy Almighty and most gracious protection the persons of us thy servants and the Fleet in which we serve. Preserve us from the dangers of the sea and the violence of the enemy; that we many be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lord, King GEORGE and his Dominions and a security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions; that we may return in safety to enjoy the blessings of the land, with the fruits of our labours and with a thankful rememberance of thy mercies to praise and glorify thy holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Ships Prayer:
O Eternal Father, we pray for all who sail in this ship. Unite us in the spirit of service and friendship and strengthen us that we may faithfully perform our duty. We ask thy blessing on those we love and pray that we have everlasting peace through Jeasus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Posted by: Sailorsam3 | Saturday, 25 June 2011 at 20:34
I have the same bible mine is different inside and has a royal message from king george the VI i was looking around to see if anyone has any and has come across this website wasnt sure if it was rare but did the same contacted a few people and they were sure if they were rare or not
Posted by: emma mingins | Friday, 29 July 2011 at 20:58
I have also got this bible but my cover is made from wood with a cross on it. Cannot find any info on it.
Posted by: Debbie Connolly | Monday, 29 August 2011 at 18:32
this may be the same edition given by British troops to Jurgen Moltmann while he was a POW at the end of WWII. If so, it was instrumental in reviving Christian faith in Germany after the Nazi regime.
Posted by: Rod Roberts | Wednesday, 03 April 2013 at 02:23