Since 1935 the Shrine Guard have carried the responsibility of guarding the Shrine of Remembrance on behalf of Victorians.
The first Shrine Guard
After the opening of the Shrine in 1934, the then Chief Commissioner of Police, Thomas Blamey appointed a select group of men to look after the site.
From the 250 Victoria Police who applied, 14 highly decorated veterans of the First World War were chosen.
Lieutenant George Ingram became the unofficial leader of the Shrine Guard. He was the most highly decorated member, having received the Victoria Cross. Two senior constables were appointed as officers in charge.
The original Shrine Guard were:
- Albert Horace Bennett, MM, 8986
- George Blyth, MM, 8979
- Archibald Boadle, MM, 8983
- Francis Douglas Burrell, DCM, MM, 8980
- George Dickson Cooke, DCM, 8988
- Robert Bruce Forsyth, MC, 8977
- Lindsay George Good, DCM, 8975
- Henry Thomas Gosbell, MM, 8978
- Thomas Henry Griffith, MC, 8981
- Patrick Darcy Hayes, DCM, 8985
- Simeon George Horsey, MM, 8982
- George Mawby Ingram, VC, MM, 8987
- Henry Hatherell Jones, MC, 8976
- Herbert Frank Parker, MM & Bar, 8984
Note:
- DCM means Distinguished Conduct Medal
- MM means Military Medal
- VC means Victoria Cross
- 'and Bar' means the award has been bestowed multiple times.
- The numbers after the names are service numbers, given as identification when a person enlisted in the Australian armed services.
Roles of the Shrine Guard
The role of the Shrine Guard has not changed much since 1935.
Trained in military drill, Guards provide security and ceremonial support. The Shrine Guards proudly wear the uniform of the Light Horse at services.
Recent appointments to the Shrine Guard
Until 1970, all appointments to the Shrine Guard had seen active service.
In 1990 we stopped recruiting from the Victoria Police. We started using people from the Victoria Police Protective Services Unit.
The first female Shrine Guard was appointed in 1995.
Updated