To commemorate 100 years since the Armistice, we would like to introduce you to 100 members of Caulfield RSL over the next 100 days
James Hastie Wardrop MM
James was nearly 25 years old when he enlisted in May 1916, having completed Architectural and structural Engineering Studies under the architect Charles D ’Ebro, designer of Princes Bridge (1879), (Foundations designed by a young John Monash). In September He sailed to France and served with the 6th Field Artillery Brigade. He was awarded a Military Medal for Bravery in 1917.
He returned to Australia 21 December 1918 and commenced practice with Lieut. Philip Burgoyne Hudson (who he had studied with before the war) as Hudson and Wardrop- Architects. In August 1921, a competition was held to design a WW1 memorial. Sir John Monash was part of the selection process.
A sub-committee, selected a site known as “The Grange” in Domain Park.
After much bickering and posturing a decision was made on the 13 December 1923 it was announced that “The Shrine of Remembrance” submitted by Hudson and Wardrop was the winner. The decision to build was put off due to political and media pressure. Finally at a dinner held on ANZAC eve 1927, Sir John Monash spoke forcefully for the original Shrine proposal. His numerous supporters including 32 Victoria Cross winners rose in support of his speech. Within days his powerful speech and a follow up statement turned the tide.
Monash described the Shrine design as "a beautiful conception, dignified, noble, appealing, and eminently suited as a memorial of great service and sacrifice, without that ridiculous note of victory and conquest which characterised the memorials of the barbarian past. . .. There are no structures in the world more impressive than Napoleon's tomb in Paris, and Grant's tomb on the Hudson, and the same note is struck by the Shrine. Added to all this, it is a magnificent piece of architectural design, which will constitute one of the most beautiful buildings in the world."
After much ongoing controversy and dissension, the Executive National War Memorial Committee, on the 20th May, 1927, adopted the report for the building of the Shrine. It was now a matter of convincing the State Labour government, which took office that day, to agree. Premier Hogan and his party were inclined to favour a hospital as a war memorial, but eventually gave way in view of the commitments made by previous governments.
Finally, on 17 August 1927, the Government granted the "Grange" site for the erection of the Shrine.
On Remembrance Day, the 11th November 1934, The National War Memorial of Victoria - The Shrine of Remembrance, was dedicated "To the Glory of God and in grateful memory of those who served this State in the Great War" ... by His Royal Highness, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, before a gathering of some 300,000 people. This represented about one third of Melbourne's population at the time.
James Hastie Wardrop died in July 1975.
Lest we forget