Lauded Legacy

On 8 October 1931, after months of failing health, General Sir John Monash died from coronary vascular disease in his home, "Iona", in Toorak, Melbourne. He was 66. Three days later, an estimated 300,000 people assembled under a calm grey Melbourne sky to honour the late general in a state funeral. Monashs body had lain in state for two and a half days in Queens Hall in Victorias Parliament House before being escorted in a funeral procession past the Shrine of Remembrance, where a special ceremony was held, to Brighton Cemetery. Monash was buried with full military honours in a Jewish service on 11 October. Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, General Sir Harry Chauvel described Monash as one of the countrys most eminent citizens and servants: "We mourn Sir John Monash as a great soldier and a great citizen."