[The funeral of Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey]

This film contains documentary footage of the state funeral of Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey, which took place on 30 May, 1951 in Melbourne, Victoria.

The film captures the funeral cortege as it proceeds along Swanston Street, with crowds of people lining the streets and buildings. The flag-covered casket is accompanied by a military band, soldiers and dignitaries. Significant public figures marching in the cortege include Prime Minister Robert Menzies, Governor-General William McKell, Governor of Victoria Sir Dallas Brooks and Chief Justice of the High Court Sir John Latham.

The film includes wonderful footage of Swanston Street from a high vantage point with the Shrine of Remembrance in the distance. There are also great shots of soldiers marching together, military horses, people gathered in front of the Melbourne City Baths and a couple watching on atop the facade of the ‘W.H. Terry Memorial Hall’.

An estimated 300,000 people turned out to watch the funeral procession, which travelled from the Shrine of Remembrance, along St Kilda Road, and up Swanston Street to College Crescent, before proceeding by car to Fawkner Crematorium.

Sir Thomas Blamey (24 Jan 1884 – 27 May 1951) was a General in the Australian army and the only Australian to have achieved the rank of Field Marshal.