MONASH COLLECTIONS

Drawing of Coat of Arms [Note on reverse initialled by Sir John Monash, dated 18 May 1930]

ITEM DETAILS

Item identifier1984/76 Item 9Item descriptionDrawing of Coat of Arms [Note on reverse initialled by Sir John Monash, dated 18 May 1930]

COAT-OF-ARMS
DESCRIPTION AND MEANING
For the Heraldic description of the component parts of the Coat-of-Arms, see the original Deeds of Grant (on parchment) issued to me by the College of Arms, as contained in the blue and red caskets.

The full Emblazonment, as framed, is known as the "Achievment",
It consists of the following component parts; viz
The Shield - containing the essential symbols describing the holder’s ancestry, and characteristics - (see below).
The Helmet - which, in the case of a Knight, is viewed from the front, but, in the case of an Esquire, is viewed from the side.
The Mantling - being the decorative scrolls on each side of the helmet, and symbolic of the cloth veil to protect the Knight from the sun.
The Crest - which was originally worn by the Knight surmounting the Helmet and part of it, enabling him to be recognized in battle.
The Scroll - containing the Motto.
The Motto - symbolic of the Knight's battle-cry and familty motto.
The Supporters - to which only Knights Grand Cross are entitled.
The Band or Garter: This surrounds the Shield, and is indicative of the gold Collar worn by Knights Grand Cross of all Orders on State occasions. In my case it is the gold Collar of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.-—
The Badges: The various decorations granted to the Knight are represented as hanging from the Scroll of the Motto, and are, respectively, from left to right: The French Croix de Guerre; The Legion of Honour; The Belgian Order of the Crown; The Badge of a Knight Grand Cross of Ste Michael & St. George; The Badge of a Knight Commander of the Bath; The American Medal for Distinguished Service, and the Belgian Croix de Guerre.

The Shield:-
The five stars are a conventional representation of the Southern Cross, indicating Australian nativity. The broad gold band across the centre of the Shield is, in Heraldry, a "Fess", and represents a Bridge, symbolic of Engineering. The sword represents War, and means that the original holder was a soldier. The Laurel Wreath represents Learning or Academic Rank. It is also the Laurel Wreath of the Victor.

The Crest:-
The Lion is the Lion of Judah and denotes Jewish origin. The Lion is holding the Compasses of Solomon, which represent a Builder.

The Motto:— Is in Latin to indicate Learning. It means "For War and Art", indicating that the holder of the Grant has devoted his life to the Arts both of War and Peace,

The Supporters: - are an Artilleryman and an Infantryman of the A.I.F., denoting that the honour of Knighthood was granted to me as the leader and representative of the soldiers of Australia.

The Grant is exclusive to me and my descendents, and may be used by none other:- The colours shown are an essential part of the Grant—of—Arms.
Item date1930SeriesMON258: Sir John Monash Memorabilia

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Drawing of Coat of Arms [Note on reverse initialled by Sir John Monash, dated 18 May 1930]