Reminder - Commemorating the Centenary of the Armistice of Mudros at Melbourne's Shrine 31st October 2018

Melbourne's Classically-inspired Shrine of Remembrance. Photo Jim Claven

As far as my research can tell the Armistice of Mudros of October 1918 has never been commemorated – in Australia or in Greece. This year our Committee will correct this oversight with a major new commemoration to be held in the Sanctuary of Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance.
It’s signing was no doubt over-shadowed by that of 11th November, which has has been a part of the annual commemorative calendar ever since as Remembrance Day. As we come to the conclusion of the commemoration of the First World War, 1th November will be the focus of many commemorative services throughout the world.
Yet this Armistice was preceded by many others as the various Central powers made their own separate Armistice agreements - Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire.
However this year our Committee has been successful in ensuring that the Armistice of Mudros is not forgotten and is commemorated. And we will do so every year from now on.
Please join us in commemorating this important occasion in the Hellenic link to Anzac and the First World War. 
The Armistice of Mudros
This Armistice was negotiated between the Entente or Allied Powers and the Ottoman Empire aboard the British warship HMAS Agamemnon anchored in Lemnos’ Mudros Bay. The Armistice was signed on 30th October and came into effect at 12 noon the following day.
This Armistice brought to an end the First World War across the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean and the Salonika Front.
For hundreds of thousands of Allied soldiers – including Australians troops – the war was now over. Thousands of Allied POW’s were released.
The war that for Australia began at Gallipoli, ended on Lemnos, in the great harbor that had been the base for the Gallipoli campaign.
To read more about the Armistice of Mudros (and the role of Lemnos in the Gallipoli campaign, read my article in the Shrine's magazine Remembrance by clicking here.
You can also read my article on the Armistice and its commemoration in Neos Kosmos by clicking here.

HMS Agamemnon

As far as we have been able to ascertain, the Armistice of Mudros has never been commemorated – either in Greece or in Australia. For many months our Committee has been in discussions with the authorities on Lemnos to hold a commemoration of the Armistice of Mudros on Lemnos. These will now be held on 2nd-4th November 2018, coinciding with the visit of a Victorian delegation, including a special tour by former Victorian Premiers Anzac Student Prize Winners. This delegation will then proceed to the centenary services to be held in France. For details on the Victorian delegation, read more here.
Details of the commemorative event to be held on Lemnos in early November 2018 can be found by clicking here.

Mudros Bay, Lemnos. Photo Jim Claven 2018

Earlier this year our Committee put a proposal to Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance to hold a wreath laying commemorative service in the Shrine Sanctuary marking the centenary of the coming into effect of the Armistice and for this to be an annual service. The Shrine has now approved our proposal. Future annual services will be held at the same time and date consistent with the coming into effect of the Armistice in 1918.
This event has been listed on the Shrine’s schedule of commemorations, see here.
Details of the Armistice of Mudros commemorations at Melbourne's Shrine are as follows:

• 10.30 "Commemorating the Armistice of Mudros" - A presentation by historian Jim Claven MA, Secretary of the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee. Those wishing to attend this presentation are advised to make a booking
• 11.30 Armistice of Mudros Commemorative Service in the Sanctuary of the Shrine of Remembrance - assembly for the service
• 11.45 Armistice of Mudros Commemorative Service in the Sanctuary of the Shrine of Remembrance - commencement of the service
• 12.00 Conclusion of the Armistice of Mudros Commemorative Service in the Sanctuary.
• The conclusion of the service will be followed by refreshments in the Western Gallery of the Shrine.

A copy of the Order of Service booklet can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here.
These commemorative events are open to the public and all members and supporters are welcomed to attend.
Those wishing to attend the Armistice of Mudros presentation should book through the Shrine. A small fee is payable. To make a booking call 03 9661 8100 or book online at https://www.shrine.org.au/Visit-the-Shrine/Talks-and-Events/Centenary-of-the-Armistice-of-Mudros.
Those wishing to attend the commemorative service at the Shrine are advised to assemble at the Shrine Sanctuary at 11.30.  

Shrine Sanctuary. Photo Jim Claven

Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee