John Monash (Monasch) born
in Melbourne, Australia on 27 June 1865, the son of
German Polish Jewish migrants, can be researched in any
military history encyclopaedia or in fact by just
‘Googling’ his name on the internet. His history
and list of achievements are long and far too many to detail
in this brief summary. However, might I say that reading his
history is well worth the effort and I can assure you that
his deeds will amaze you. I have found that the deeds are
better labelled on more than one man and in more than one
lifetime.
An
announcement was made in the weeks leading up to the
Centenary of ANZAC by Judy Landau, President VAJEX Aust.
She stated that it gave her great delight to announce
that VAJEX Aust (Victorian Association of Jewish Ex
& Servicemen & Women Australia Inc) has
successfully raised the required funds to build a new
Victorian Jewish Memorial after the style of the
historic Memorial located in the Jewish section of the
Melbourne General Cemetery. After an extensive two year
process, Judy has single-handedly sought letters of
support, raised the funds, and obtained approval from
the City of Port Phillip.
by Ryan Erskine CUO Scotch College Army Cadet Unit
As the CUO of the Scotch College Army Cadet Unit I was given the privilege of attending the commemorative service held to mark the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the passing of one of this nation’s finest, Sir John Monash.
On a cold, wet and windy Sunday morning a large group of people braved the Melbourne weather to honour the memory of General Sir John Monash GCMG KCB VD. Monash had been a former student of Scotch College, having attended the school in 1880, where he excelled as dux of the school. As students we are humbled by this connection; indeed the famous gates that mark entry to the school, along with one of the school’s twelve houses, are named in his honour.
As cadets we take pride in the fact that one of the greatest Australian soldiers came from our ranks. The accounts of Monash’s bravery, leadership, loyalty and tactical ability in the face of great adversity are still to this day acknowledged as being a clinical display of strategy, and have helped shape modern day warfare. Indeed hearing Major General McLachlen AO’s account of how Monash, at the end of the First World War, refused to leave Europe until all of the men under his command had been repatriated home to Australia, reinforced to me the outstanding and selfless character of Sir John Monash.
Not only was Sir John a great scholar and soldier, he also enjoyed a rich and successful career following the war. Many of his legacies in planning and architecture are proudly on display throughout Melbourne. We heard at the commemorative service how, during his time at the State Electricity Commission, Monash’s vision brought electricity to rural Victoria. It is no wonder, given his significant contributions to our nation, that major freeways and universities today carry his name.
As I finish my final years of secondary schooling and prepare for my Year 12 examinations, I take with me that much of Monash’s success was due to his meticulous planning of each day and his attention to detail, accepting nothing but giving his best.