Shrine Stories: Tony Gaze
Shrine of Remembrance
If you’ve ever heard a story and thought, “this should be a movie", then this episode is for you. From flying as a fighter pilot, to being shot down and escaping over the Pyrenees on foot, to later racing in the Grand Prix, Squadron Leader Tony Gaze’s life reads like a Hollywood script. Listen as we uncover Tony's fascinating story and legacy.
info_outline
Shrine Stories: Peter Isaacson
Shrine of Remembrance
Bomber Command pilots in the Second World War faced horrible odds. With more than half never returning, survival alone was remarkable, but Wing Commander Peter Isaacson’s story goes far beyond that. In this episode of Shrine Stories, we follow Isaacson’s journey of earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses, leading the first Lancaster flight from England to Australia, and even making headlines by flying under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Later, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Shrine of Remembrance into the place we know today.
info_outline
Shrine Stories: The Invisible Enemy
Shrine of Remembrance
When we think of war, we often picture the biggest danger being the guns, bombs, and bullets. But until the early 20th century, disease was actually the greatest killer on the battlefield. In several campaigns, illness claimed twice as many lives as enemy fire. During the Second World War, Major Henry Shannon played a critical role in the fight against this hidden enemy. Through innovative inventions and educational posters, he worked to protect Australian troops from the devastating impacts of disease. In this episode, Major Shannon’s granddaughter, Gabby Walters, explores his...
info_outline
Shrine Stories: Night Flyers
Shrine of Remembrance
Renowned for his bright, whimsical style, artist Dean Bowen is best known for works that bring joy to audiences. But in this episode, we explore a surprising shift. Inside the Shrine’s Galleries hangs Night Flyers, a powerful departure from Bowen’s usual tone. Join us as Dean shares the story behind this work and why he felt compelled to create it.
info_outline
Behind Eucalypts of Hodogaya: A Landscape of Reconciliation
Shrine of Remembrance
Nestled in the quiet hills of Yokohama lies a place few Australians know about, yet its story binds us to an important chapter of our past.Yokohama War Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 1,500 Commonwealth service personnel who lost their lives during the Second World War. But this cemetery tells more than a story of loss. It speaks to reconciliation not only between former enemies, but between the very nations that shaped its creation. The story of the cemetery is shared in the Shrine’s special exhibit Eucalypts of Hodogaya. Join two of the exhibition curators,...
info_outline
Shrine Stories: The Lone Pine
Shrine of Remembrance
You've probably heard of the Lone Pine Tree. It's one of the most iconic symbols in the world of military botanicals. But how much do you know about its origins? And how can you tell if a Lone Pine is actually the real deal? In this episode, we're diving deep into the roots (pun intended!) of this living memorial with Shrine volunteer Mary Ward.
info_outline
Shrine Stories: The Saddle
Shrine of Remembrance
Discover the unlikely, and at times almost unbelievable story behind a horse saddle on display in the Shrine's Galleries of Remembrance. Former Warrant Officer Leon Dimmack joins us to uncover the tale and how the saddle went from almost being thrown in the trash to an invaluable treasure.
info_outline
Hide and Seek: The History of Camouflage
Shrine of Remembrance
Uncover the world of camouflage with author and academic Professor Ann Elias. Explore the artists, creatives, and naturalists who shaped camouflage techniques during conflict, the challenges they faced, and how their creative contributions influenced the Australian military. From face paint to full scale deception, you’ll discover there’s more to camouflage than meets they eye.
info_outline
Shrine Stories: The Lotus Shoes
Shrine of Remembrance
These detailed, intricate shoes may look beautiful, but they have a horrific history. In this episode of Shrine Stories, join Exhibitions Coordinator Katrina Nicolson as she uncovers the story behind a pair of Lotus shoes on display in our galleries, and their unlikely link to stories of service. WARNING: This episode contains themes that may be distressing for some audience. Listener discretion is advised.
info_outline
Shrine Stories: The Shrine Guard
Shrine of Remembrance
If you've been to a service at the Shrine, you will have seen our Shrine Guard dressed in their distinct uniform. And this year marks 90 years of their service to the Shrine. In this episode you'll uncover how the Shrine Guard were formed, what their role looks like today, and importantly, how long it takes to shine their shoes with Senior Protective Services Officer David Rose'Meyer.
info_outlineHow does a window go from being boxed up in a shed to on display at the Shrine?
In this episode of Shrine Stories, you'll learn the story of the John Charlton Memorial Window, and it's rather tumultuous journey over the last century.
Listen as art historian and author Dr Bronwyn Hughes OAM unpacks the window's history, significance and journey to the Shrine.
Music:
Across the Line - Lone Canyon
Special thanks to the generous support of The Copland Foundation towards the design and installation of the window