Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"Lieut. Munro. 

The late Lieut. Munro was born at Kilkenny 21 years ago. He was educated at the Woodville Public School, and was subsequently at Alberton as a training teacher. After that he spent three years at the Adelaide High School, and then returned to Alberton for another 12 months. The deceased officer took a most creditable course at the University of Adelaide. He passed the Higher Public with credit, and was about to study for the B.A. degree when the war broke out, and he enthusiastically volunteered his services. Lieut. Munro was Assistant Secretary and Librarian at the Kilkenny Congregational Sunday School, and was a member of the tennis club." - from the Adelaide Observer 08 May 1915 (nla.gov.au)

From Adelaide High School Magazine, Michaelmas, 1914, p 7-9

Lieut. Gordon Munro was a pupil teacher at the School for 1909-1912. He was this
year a student at the University Training College. He has taken great interest in his military
work, and has been appointed to one of the Tasmanian companies under a fellow teacher,
Capt. J. A. Kayser.

From Adelaide High School Magazine, Michaelmas, Christmas, 1914, page 28-29. Letters from the Front

“November 14, 1914.
“Mr. W. J. Adey, Adelaide High School, Grote Street, Adelaide -
“Just a line to let you know that although far away I have not forgotten the old A.H.S.
So far I have had no opportunity of seeing any of the South Australian Infantry. We have had
Major Fulton, Lieut. Viney, and several other Light Horse officers on board. When in
Pontville Camp in Tasmania a copy of the September MAGAZINE was forwarded from
home and it was fully appreciated here. I am in the best of health, although the climate is
fairly warm at present .“With kind regards from
“G. A. MUNRO.”

From Adelaide High School Magazine, Easter 1915, p 24-25

Several letters were also received from old scholars of the School, and Gordon Munro,
writing from Mena Camp, gives an excellent description of the historical Pyramids of Egypt.
The following is an extract from his letter :-
“The Pyramids chiefly attracted us, and we have been all over the largest one. They
are bare and rugged, as they have been stripped of their brilliant white, smooth casing. Here
we have the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the Pyramid of Khephien, and that of Myceriness. The
Great Pyramid is 451 ft. high, its sides 750 ft. long at base, and the whole structure covers
thirteen acres. The second is 447 ft., and the third 203 ft.high. It is quite an experience to
climb the large Pyramid, but requires much effort. The view from the top is very good,
though many are disappointed with it. We also went inside the Pyramid, and would not have
missed the trip for anything. The entrance is about forty feet up the side. An upward passage
leads towards the centre, and brings us to the Queen’s Chamber. The Great Gallery is about
150 ft. long and 7 ft. wide, and leads to the King’s Chamber. In this lies the remains of a red
granite sarcophagus. We had two guides apiece to help us along the slippery passage ways.
The guides always say, ‘Pay what you please; if you no satisfied, pay nothing.’ However, you
always give them something, and they want more. About two hours’ ride from here by
donkey are the ruins of Sakkara (relics of Memphis). Here are the colossi of Rameses and the
remains of many pyramids, some still being of considerable height. The Sphinx did not
impress me as much as the Great Pyramid, but it has a defaced and mutilated face, and the
whole structure is weatherworn. Nearby is a granite temple, known as the ‘Temple of the
Sphinx,’ and is of considerable interest. Some of the granite blocks are very large, and still
retain their polished surfaces.
It is remarkable to see, alongside this ancient work, the ruins of a Roman city, whose
walls consisted of mud bricks.”

From Adelaide High School Magazine, Midwinter 1915, p 7-8

Lieut. Gordon A. Munro was a student here in the years 1910-12. As a student he had
a fine record in Junior, Senior, and Higher Public work; as a sportsman he was held in high
esteem, and the School elected him as one of the first ten prefects on the establishment of the
prefect system. His memory will be cherished along with many other gallant lads who have
given their lives for Britain’s cause.