Charles Douglas Symons, CB, MC (13 October 1885 – 15 October 1949) was an[1] Anglican priest.[2]
He was born on 13 October 1885[3] and was educated at Kelly College, now known as Mount Kelly, Tavistock and Trinity College, Cambridge. He graduated from the University of Cambridge with a second class Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree; as per tradition, this was later promoted to a Master of Arts (MA (Cantab)) degree. He awarded a Lambeth Doctor of Divinity (DD) degree in 1939.[4]
Symons was ordained a deacon in 1908.[5] His first post was as chaplain to Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Cranbrook, Kent. He was ordained a priest by Randall Davidson, the Archbishop of Canterbury, on Trinity Sunday 1911.[6] He undertook two curacies; at Biddenden and at Walmer in the Diocese of Canterbury.
Symons served in the ranks of the Royal Army Medical Corps from 1915 to 1916.[7] He served with the Royal Army Chaplains Department from 1916 to 1944. From 1939 to 1944, he served as Chaplain-General to the Forces.
An Honorary Chaplain to the King[8] and a Chaplain of the Order of St John of Jerusalem,[9] he died on 15 October 1949.[10]