As early as 1916, the vestry of St. Paul's was planning to place a 'lasting memorial' in the church in commemoration of those soldiers who enlisted for active service. The single light soldiers memorial window was shipped from stained glass artist, William Montgomery's Melbourne studio on the morning of the 16 April 1924, consigned to Mr. RJ Moser, secretary of St. Paul's vestry. On 20 June, the window was unveiled by former Rector, the Reverend Frank Grist, and dedicated by Chaplain, the Venerable Archdeacon Carter. Montgomery departed from his usual depiction of St. Alban in armour, but the introduction of second figure does not make a satisfactory composition. The figure seems misshapen, possibly to indicate his sinful act, but the result appears badly proportioned and drawn. Moser was invoiced 40 guineas for the window on 16 April 1924 and another 16/6d for a wire guard on 1 May. The account for £42.17.0 was paid on 8 August 1924.
The soldiers commemorated by the window were Cpl. N. Blackie; Sgt. H. Charman; Pte. R. Charlton; Pte. J. Cornish; Pte. V.V. Godden; Pte. E. Hanley; L-Cpl. A. Johnston; Capt. J. Maxfield; Lieut. F.J. Sanderson; Pte. W. Rigg; Pte. J. Brodin; Pte. F. Charlton; L-Sgt. A.J. Collins; Pte. P. Cornish; Pte. N. Dargatz; Pte. F. Hartley; Sgt. E. Kerslake; Pte. A. McKernan; Pte. H.G. Savage.
References & Acknowledgements
Church of England Messenger,17 July 1924, p.347; Letterbooks 5/237, 5/239 NGA Research Collection; Folio 191, Montgomery ledger WMP.
