The Regional Government Authorities on Lemnos have advised Melbourne’s Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee of their plans for this year’s commemorations of the Gallipoli campaign on Lemnos.
Each year the authorities on Lemnos hold an annual commemoration of the role of the island in the Gallipoli campaign, with formal services being held at the two Commonwealth War Cemeteries where there are 148 Australians amongst over 1,300 Allied service personnel buried there. The services include the participation of Australian and other diplomatic representatives, along with representatives of the Hellenic armed forces and Greek Orthodox Church.
As well as participating in these services, Melbourne’s Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee has assisted in their organisation in recent years. Last year saw the installation of the new Australian Pier memorial, which was initiated by the Committee and supported by both the Victorian Government and Lemnos’ government authorities.
Commemorations in 2019 will take place on Saturday 20 April, with services commencing at Portianos Military Cemetery at 10.30 am. The service at Portianos will include a memorial and wreath laying service and will conclude at approximately 11.00 am. These will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial to Brigadier Stephen Saunders and a visit to the Portianou Folklore Museum.
Services will re-commence at Mudros at 4.00 pm with a flower laying ceremony at the Australian Pier memorial, north of Mudros. There may also be a short service at the Memorial at Mudros Pier. These will be followed by a memorial and wreath laying service at East Mudros Military Cemetery commencing at 4.30 pm, followed by a presentation and music program at the Moudros Cultural Centre commencing at 5.30 pm.
The annual services will conclude with a tour and presentation on Lemnos and the Hellenic Air Force operations in the First World War by retired Major General Diogenes Tsipouridis.
Taking part in these events on behalf of the Committee will be President Lee Tarlamis OAM. While there, he will take the opportunity to further discussions with local Lemnian authorities for the creation of the Committee’s proposed Lemnos Anzac Commemorative Trail across the island.
Note that the Australian Embassy will also hold its annual Anzac Day commemorative service at Phaleron War Cemetery in Athens on 25 April, with details to be announced.
These commemorative services are open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. It is always encouraging to see Australians participating in these services alongside the local Lemnian community.
Anyone seeking further information regarding the Gallipoli commemorative services on Lemnos can contact Jim Claven directly at jimclaven@yahoo.com