Montrose in Yarra Ranges Shire, Victoria, Australia — Oceania
Major Charles Morris (1856-1935)
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 18, 2026
1. Major Charles Morris (1856-1935) Marker
On the morning of August 5th, 1914 a German steamer, the 'Pfalz', attempted to escape being captured and tried to flee through Port Phillip Heads.
At 12.00pm Lieutenant Morris received orders to stop the ship from proceeding any further. They signalled to the 'Pfalz' to stop but it kept on moving forward.
As no official word had been reached as to whether any declaration of war had begun, Lieutenant Morris asked for further authority to stop the ship. Soon after permission was granted from the Minister for Defence to fire upon the ship as necessary and as a result Lieutenant Morris ordered a shot to be fired across the bow of the ship as a warning. Soon after the 'Pfalz' surrendered.
As a state of war had only existed between Britain and Germany for an hour or so at that stage, and it was not even
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Charles Morris was later promoted to Major and served as the commanding officer of the 54th Siege Battery, AIF, on the Western Front during the war. He was severely wounded in action in 1917 and invalided home. In 1928 he retired to Browns Road, Montrose where he lived with his family until his passing in 1935.
This is a 'Centenary of Anzac' project by the Rotary Club of Montrose
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 5, 1914.
Location. 37° 48.612′ S, 145° 20.613′ E. Memorial is in Montrose, Victoria, in Yarra Ranges Shire. It is on Mount Dandenong Road (Victoria Route C415) 0.1 kilometers east of Leith Road ( Route C401), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 935
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 18, 2026
2. Major Charles Morris Marker along path in Montrose Town Centre Reserve
Regionally, it is in Oceania, in Australasia, in the Pacific Ocean, in South Pacific, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Montrose War Memorial (here, next to this marker); Montrose Bricks in Demand (a few steps from this marker); Australian Nurses Memorial / Local Nurses that served in War (within shouting distance of this marker); Sister Edith Wilson Yeaman (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Riddett's Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Storm Leaves (within shouting distance of this marker); The People's Garden (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The First Train (approx. 4.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montrose.
Also see . . . Morris, Charles. Virtual War Memorial Australia<blockquote>Memorials:Carlton North St. Michael's Anglican Church Great War Honour Roll, Montrose Major Charles Morris Memorial Plaque, Queenscliff Royal Australian Garrison Artillery Third Military District Honor Roll
On the 19th August, at his residence, Montrose, Major Charles Morris, loved husband of Emily Louise, and father of Gladys, Vera (deceased) and Charles.
Late A.I.F. and Permanent Artillery. (Submitted on July 22, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
