Crypt

The Shrine of Remembrance crypt was built in 1934 as a room in which to place memorials to each unit of the AIF. In 1940 the Shrine Trustees proposed that the Crypt would be an appropriate place in which to lay up the Colours of disbanded Victorian regiments. This idea came to fruition on 4 October 1953, when the 24 Battalion Colours were the first to be laid up. The Colours that are on display originate from 27 Victorian units of the Australian Army and represent some 25 per cent of all Victorian Regimental Colours. The Colours and Guidons have been given into the custody of the Shrine Trustees at solemn ceremonies conducted in accordance with long established traditions.