Serving with dignity: Christ Church Cathedral’s Anzac immortalisation
The last remaining silk Union Jack from the Gallipoli campaign is one of many treasures stored at Christ Church Cathedral.
The flag was presented at the Cathedral 110 years ago, on Easter Day 1916, and marks the memory of 15 officers and 385 soldiers of the 13th Battalion A.I.F. who gave their lives at Gallipoli.
Walter Dexter, an Anglican chaplain who served in Gallipoli, is being immortalised for his contributions to Gallipoli, giving soldiers dignity in death.
Dexter’s connection to the Union Jack is shared in a book – Sailor, Soldier, Vicar, Farmer – written by Professor Daniel Raynaud.
“Many Newcastle soldiers would have known him personally,” Professor Reynaud said.
“Christ Church Cathedral honours the men of the war, and Dexter was a widely known, respected, and loved chaplain who served for longer than any other chaplain, especially at the front.
“The Cathedral includes Dexter’s legacy in its memorialisation.
“At one stage, he was the only chaplain on Gallipoli serving the 1st and 2nd Divisions, so his ministry encompassed that of the 13th Battalion.
“He took services for them and buried their dead.
“Dexter was one of the last to leave the Gallipoli peninsula, and
the 13th Battalion flag was also removed during the final days there.
“The chaplains are generally underrated in the Anzac narrative, and many played important roles in maintaining morale, improving soldier welfare, and nourishing their spiritual lives.
“Dexter was at the forefront of these activities, singled out by senior generals for his work in support of the soldiers.
“He deserves to be remembered for his ministry.
“Dexter’s commitment to a rich life, his deep but unflashy faith and his capacity for connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds reminds us today of how faith can be lived and made relevant to Australians.”
Christ Church Cathedral houses Newcastle’s principal War Memorial and Memorabilia.
The Union Jack was removed from the Cathedral for the duration of the restoration, along with other priceless heritage items. Learn more about the preservation of our heritage items at the Cathedral here.