Shrine Guard honoured in France
Marking their place in history
For more than 80 years, the Shrine Guard have protected the Shrine. This month, members of the Shrine Guard will travel to France to honour their own who helped liberate the small village of Montbrehain 100 years earlier during the last Australian-led action of the First World War on the Western Front. Among those valiant soldiers, drawn largely from Victoria, were original Shrine Guard’s Lieutenant George Mawby Ingram, VC, MM and Private George Blyth, MM—Ingram receiving the Victoria Cross for his bravery in the campaign.
On 5 October, five serving Shrine Guard will be part of a ceremony for the official handover of a commemorative plaque signifying the bond that endures between our two nations.
We welcome you to follow their journey with us on Facebook and invite you to delve into the history of the Shrine Guard in our image gallery.
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Services
All are welcome to attend the following commemorative services. |
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Shrine Monthly Memorial Service
Thursday 11 October, 11.30am
Wreath Laying in the Sanctuary
This month we commemorate the following important dates:
31 October 1917 – Battle of Beersheba
1 October 1918 – Capture of Damascus
23 October 1942 – Battle of El Alamein
3-8 October 1951 – Battles of Maryang San & Kowang San
Full list of Services |
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2/14 Field Regiment
Wednesday 17 October, 10am
Wreath Laying in the Sanctuary
This service commemorates the date that the unit was raised, on 17 October 1940. Students from Christ Church Grammar will be in attendance, marking the 11th year of association with the 2/14 Field Regiment as part of the Adopt an Ex-Service Organisation program.
Full list of Services |
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HMAS Lismore
Friday 19 October, 11am
Wreath Laying at Memorial Tree F01
HMAS Lismore was a Bathurst Class minesweeper commissioned in 1941 and served during the Second World War and decommissioned in 1946. In October 2007 a plaque dedicated to HMAS Lismore was unveiled at the Shrine for the inaugural annual service held to honour those who served on her.
Full list of Services |
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Remembering the Armistice of Mudros
Wednesday 31 October, 11.45am
Wreath Laying in the Sanctuary
The cessation of hostilities between the Ottoman Empire and the Allied powers took place at noon on 31 October 1918. Negotiations and the signing of the armistice occurred aboard the Royal Navy warship HMS Agamemnon anchored in Mudros Bay, Lemnos. A special centenary talk will precede this service (full details below).
Full list of Services |
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Talks and Events
Friends of the Shrine can attend public programs for free. General admission is $5 per person. Bookings essential. |
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Bomber Command to Resistance
Wednesday 10 October, midday
Auditorium
Join Melbourne author, actor and broadcaster Michael Veitch and discover the extraordinary story of young Australian airman Barney Greatrex. Shot down during his 20th mission over occupied France and rescued by the resistance, Barney seized the opportunity to continue fighting.
Book now |
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Sydney Welsh Choir
Friday 19 October, midday
Education Courtyard
Enjoy a lunchtime performance by the Sydney Welsh Choir. This special concert in the lead up to the centenary of the Armistice of the First World War will feature wartime favourites, Welsh classics and songs of peace.
Book now |
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Centenary of the Armistice of Mudros
Wednesday 31 October, 10.30am
Auditorium
Mark the centenary of the Armistice of Mudros with historian Jim Claven as he discusses the agreement which ended the fighting between the Allies and the Ottoman Empire across the eastern Mediterranean. This talk will be followed by a service in the Sanctuary.
Book now |
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Meet the Artists: Flowers of War
Thursday 1 November, midday
Auditorium
Meet the artists behind the special centenary of Armistice exhibition, Flowers of War. In conversation with the Shrine’s Director Access and Learning, Jean McAuslan, hear how this beautiful centenary of Armistice floral wreath project, comprising of hundreds of enamelled floral emblems, developed.
Book now |
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Exhibitions
Entry to exhibitions is by donation. All proceeds support the Shrine Education Program. |
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Flowers of War
Opening 22 October 2018
East Gallery
The appearance of cornflowers and poppies on battlefields at the end of the First World War symbolised for many the fragility of life and the hope of rebirth. This large sculptural steel wreath draws on stories of the First World War from local community archives and museums and considers the many ways people reflect upon the past.
More information
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Resistance
Until 4 August 2019
South Gallery
Many Australian service men and women gave aid to the resistance, other Australians owed their freedom and their lives to it. Uncover the stories of those who through accident or design found themselves battling the Axis using unconventional means.
More information |
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For Humanity
Until 24 March 2019
West Gallery
What does it mean to save lives as others are taking them? Medics on the frontline give gripping accounts of their experiences. Stories of immense trauma are offset against moments of touching humanity. Sometimes when the stakes are high it is these flashes of compassion and humanity that endure.
More information |
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The Light Horse
Closing 21 October, 2018
East Gallery
While Australian infantry served in the grim trenches of the Western Front, their comrades in the Australian Light Horse were fighting dynamic campaign of manoeuvre against the Ottoman Turks in the desert wastes of Sinai, Palestine and Syria. This is your last chance to see these historic and contemporary paintings, and memorabilia from the now legendary light horseman.
More Information |
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From the Shop
We ship worldwide. All proceeds fund the development and delivery of our education programs. |
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The Light Horse Exhibition Memorabilia
Prices from $9.00
Shop our exclusive range of memorabilia commemorating our centenary of the Battle of Beersheba (2017) special exhibition, The Light Horse, closing this month. With items featuring artworks from the collection by Sidney Nolan and Susan McMinn, there is something in this special range of products for everyone.
Visit the Shop |
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Remembrance Day Poppy Range
Prices from $5.00
As the centenary of the Armistice of the First World War draws nearer, browse our extensive range of decorative poppy items including brooches, jewelry, scarves, t-shirts and caps to celebrate this special time. Purchase now to receive your order in time for the Remembrance Day Service on Sunday 11 November.
Visit the Shop |
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Remembrance
Christopher Atkins, Geoff Hocking and Julie Millowick
Five Mile Press LTD
$49.99
Remembrance conveys the legacy of Australia’s involvement in the First World War through a photographic exploration of 100 war memorials honouring ANZAC’s across the country and internationally. Providing historical information and photographs of the most architecturally stunning memorials dedicated to the Australian War effort, Remembrance also details 100 personal stories honouring the bravery of our ANZAC’s who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Visit the Shop |
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Constable T – Shrine Guard Bear
$99.99
Limited edition bear ‘Constable T’ is smartly dressed in Shrine Guard uniform. He is dedicated to the past and present members of the Shrine Guard who play an important role in protecting Victoria’s iconic monument and the memories of those who have served, and continue to.
Visit the Shop |
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