November 11 is also the Feast Day of St Martin of Tours, one of the recognised patron saints of soldiers. St Martin’s story is a fascinating one, as he was a 4th-century conscientious objector forced into military service. During his service, St Martin came across a near-naked beggar who was suffering on a freezing winter’s day outside the city of Amiens, France (notably, a site of major battles during WWI). Moved with compassion, he cut his military cloak in two with his sword, giving half to the beggar. That night Martin had a vision of Jesus wearing the half of the cloak that he had given away, effectively fulfilling Jesus' challenge in The Last Judgement: “I was naked and you gave me clothing” (Matthew 25:31-46).