The Rev. James May discussed the possiblility of a commemorative window with stained glass artist, William Montgomery in May 1917. At that time the figure of St. Mark was mooted, however it was not until the following year that prominent churchman and local councillor, George Crocker, offered to fill the west window in memory of his two sons, Sergeants Gordon and Eustace Crocker, killed in Gallipoli and France respectively. St. Martin and St. George, selected to represent the embodiment of the best qualities of the Australian soldier, were to be placed at either side of St. Peter, patron saint of the church. The dedication took place on Easter Sunday, 31 March 1918. The large ornamental window cost £195, a price that included fixing all three lights in place in the west wall.
Gordon Crocker enlisted on 14 August 1914, and embarked with 8 Battalion to take part in the landing at Gallipoli. He was promoted to Sergeant on 5 May 1915, however he was wounded at Gaba Tepe and died on MS Somali on 28 July 1915, aged 28, and was buried at the south end of Anzac Cove. The Australian War Memorial holds a photograph of the grave. His brother, Frederick Eustace Crocker, a draper as was his father, enlisted as a private at Liverpool, NSW on 1 April 1915. He too was headed to Gallipoli with 17 Battalion but was diverted to serve in France. Eustace Crocker received facial wounds on 12 August 1916, and was transferred to England for treatment and recovery. He returned to France three months later to be taken on strength in 53 Battalion in October, but was back with his old outfit,17 Battalion, a month later. He was soon promoted to Lance Corporal, and then Sergeant only a few days before he was wounded for a second time. He was killed in action on 3 May 1917 and was buried at Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France.
References & Acknowledgements
Argus, 30 August 1915, p.11; 1 April 1918, p.6; Ballarat Courier, 16 June 1917, p.7; AWM Roll of Honour; AWM Photograph H03479; NAA B2455, Crocker FE; NAA B2455, Crocker G; Letterbooks 1/677, 1/699, 1/733 NGA Research Collection, Canberra; Folio 114, Montgomery ledger William Montgomery Collection State Library of Victoria.
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