AN exhibition about the life of Rev Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, affectionately known as Woodbine Willie, will be held in Worcester Cathedral next year to coincide with the 80th anniversary of his death.

The organiser Canon Paul Tongue is now appealing for help in collecting photographs and other memorabilia relating to the former vicar of St Paul’s Church, Worcester, who became a First World War hero.

Rev Studdert Kennedy became known as Woodbine Willie because of his practice of handing out Woodbine cigarettes at troop bases and railway terminals behind the frontline in France.

However, the army chaplain went on to join soldiers at the battlefront and in 1917 was awarded the Military Cross for “gallantry and devotion to duty”. Despite heavy fire, he rescued wounded British and enemy soldiers.

Canon Tongue, whose father Sam knew Rev Studdert Kennedy, said the exhibition will be held in the Dean’s Chapel at the cathedral from Wednesday, February 25, until Sunday, March 8 – the date of his death – when it will conclude with a commemoration service.

His son, retired clergyman Canon Christopher Studdert Kennedy, and grandson, Rev Andrew Studdert Kennedy, have been invited to attend the service.

“I am drawing together portraits, vestments that were made for him that he wore in church, photographs of his funeral and many of the things he used in St Paul’s. One board will hopefully display how he won the Military Cross. I am hoping to present different aspects of his life.”

One of the rarely seen portraits of Woodbine Willie kept in the parlour at the cathedral will also be on display.

“He is wearing the royal cassock. He preached at least once a year in Buckingham Palace after the war. That shows the stature of the man,” said Canon Tongue.

He is asking people with photographs, memorabilia or memories of Rev Studdert Kennedy to contact him.

Anyone who can help contribute to the exhibition can ring 01905 352052 or e-mail fatherpaul@freeuk.com.