Chatting with Shrine of Remembrance Volunteer Bob Seers

Bob Seers is passionate about history especially the Great War. He indulges this love in the role of volunteer tour guide at the Shrine of Remembrance.

With a strong knowledge of military history, it’s a treat to listen to stories about the Second World War to the architects who created the Shine of Remembrance.

Bob says when the opportunity to volunteer arose he was quick to put his hand up.

“My knowledge of the Great War has enhanced considerably since I’ve been here,” he says. “For every five that went to the Great War two were killed never to return, two were severely wounded left incapacitated one way or another, maybe loss of limbs, fingers, eye sight, hearing and very bad lungs because of gassing.”

Bob says building the Shine of Remembrance was the effect of the Great War. “There wasn’t a town or city that wasn’t effected by the war, there was a great feeling they had to do something about it so those who were lost were never forgotten,” he says.

Bob says in early 1919 a committee was formed in Melbourne with Lieutenant John Monash coming up with the idea of a project to commemorate the loss of the Great War.

“The competition was open to Australia, New Zealand and British born architects, the winning entry was submitted by two young Melbourne architects Philip Hudson and James Wardrop, who are survivors of the Great War.”