Subject

St. George

Text

n/a

Inscription

To the Glory of God in loving memory of Major Ernest Albert Edward Gregory Second in Command of the 8th Regiment Australian Light Horse Killed in Action at Anzac, Gallipoli, on 27th June, 1915 And his sister Muriel who died at Murchison on 16th September, 1915

Description & History

This is one of two windows in Christ Church Anglican that werededicated to the Gregory family of Murchison, and designed as a pair. The first to be installed was The Light of the World a memorial to Elizabeth Gregory who died in 1910. Major Gregory had served as honorary secretary of the church for many years and was a well-respected member of the Murchison community. The window to Major Gregory and his sister Muriel was unveiled on 26 December 1915 by Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Wray, who had only recently returned on sick leave from duty at Gallipoli. The subject of St. George was popular for commemorative stained glass, as the saint represented the chivalry and valour of the soldier combined with his role as patron saint of England. This example made by Brooks, Robinson & Co. from a design by William Wheildon (1873-1941), drawn up to full scale cartoon by George Dancey (1865-1922). The image of thesaint in profile and looking upwards was re-used on several occasions, including St. John's Anglican Church, Orange (NSW) and St. Paul's, Myrtleford (Vic.) however this is the earliest example recorded thus far.

Ernest AE Gregory was born 27 May 1882 to Murchison draper, Edward J and Mary Elizabeth Gregory. He was aged 32 at the time of his enlistment in the Australian Light Horse; he was promoted to Captain on 21 September 1914 and to Major on 1 January 1915. He embarked at Alexandria for Gallipoli on 16 May 1915, only to be killed by a shell at Walker's Ridge, little more than one month later. The burial service appears to have been conducted by the Reverend E Merlington, although, in the contemporary press accounts, Chaplain Wray officiated at the graveside burial at Gallipoli, now Ari Burnu Cemetery.

References & Acknowledgements

AWM Roll of Honour; NAA: B2455, Gregory EAE; Argus, 29 December 1915, p.6; Church of England Messenger, 14 January 1916, p.5.