Subject

Christ, Our Saviour

Text

n/a

Inscription

In memory of Sgt. C.R. Grenfell Killed in Action Gallipoli August 1915

Description & History

A memorial to Sergeant Clifton Grenfell was first mooted at a service held in his honour at St. Stephen's, a short time after he was killed in action at Gallipoli in 1915. Melbourne stained glass artist, William Montgomery, sent a sketch of a three-light window to St. Stephen's, Belmont on 5 February 1916, which depicted Our Saviour in the tall central light with St. Stephen and St. Paul on either side. Only the central light was commissioned at that time, but Montgomery anticipated that the other windows would be completed at a later date. The price for the centre panel was �14, including wire guard, F.O.B. [forward on board] Melbourne. Montgomery confirmed instructions to proceed on 21 March 1916 but noted, -'[a]fraid I cannot have it done in two months-', however the order was completed and invoiced on 26 May 1916. The payment of �14 was duly paid by postal order. All three windows were dedicated in 1920 (see later entry). The window is signed -'W. Montgomery-'.

Clifton Grenfell, son of Richard and Catherine Grenfell of Belmont, was working as a grocer when he enlisted in the 8 Light Horse Regiment AIF in Deniliquin NSW on 16 September 1914. He was promoted to Sergeant in October and took part in the landing at Gallipoli. His actions in the campaign warranted a Special Mention in Despatches from Sir Ian Hamilton, which was not gazetted in London until 5 November 1915, some months after Grenfell was killed in action on Gallipoli on 7 August 1915, aged 24. He is buried at Lone Pine, Turkey.

References & Acknowledgements

AWM Roll of Honour; NAA: B2455, Grenfell C; Church of England Messenger, 24 September 1915;9 February 1917; 2 May 1919; 16 April 1920;11 June 1920; Letterbooks 1/569-70, 1/574, 1/585 National Gallery of Australia Research Collection, Canberra ACT; Folio 92, Montgomery ledger William Montgomery Collection, State Library of Victoria.