The design of the memorial encompassed the initials 'AIF" within a laurel wreath at the head of the lancet, above a shield containing the names of the twelve men of Scots' Church, Heidelberg, who died in the First World War. A representation of the Australian Military Forces badge was set into the hopper vent in the base of the window.
The stained glass honour roll was unveiled by Brigadier-General Robert Smith at a service conducted by Chaplain the Reverend Hay Hunter on Sunday 14 September 1919 at which returned servicemen were invited to attend wearing full uniform.
Among the young men commemorated on the honour roll was Norman Archibald Hardie, only son of the Reverend Alexander Hardie, Minister at Scots' Church 1907-1925. ReverendHardie, among his many community services, served as a Chaplain to the Soldiers' Rest Home, Macleod. Norman Hardie was a 21 year old clerk when he enlisted om 13 August 1915. He was with 4 Training Battalion in Egypt before he proceeded to France with the British Expeditionary Forces. He disembarked at Marseilles on 14 June 1916, joining 46 Battalion soon after. He received a gunshot wound to his left hand on 1 July, which necessitated hospitalisation at Rouen, and then Etaples before he re-joined the battalion on 30 October 1916 and was appointed Lance Corporal one month later. He was killed in action on 11 April 1917 but his body was never recovered. He is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France.
References & Acknowledgements
AWM Roll of Honour; NAA:B2455, Hardie NA; Argus, 13 September 1919, p.22; Kilmore Free Press, 10 January 1935, p.2; Heidelberg News and Greensborough, Eltham and Diamond Creek Chronicle, 11 November, 1916, p.4; Preston Leader, 19 May 1917, p.2; Weekly Times, 19 May 1917, p.8; Authentic Heritage Services Pty. Ltd. Survey.
With thanks to Rev. Beth Hancock and staff at Heidelberg Uniting Church.
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