An open seminar is taking place at the Greek Centre, titled Pineios Gorge, 18 April 1941: The story of a battle, and a search for the fallen. Dr Peter Ewer and Dina Gerolymou will present the talk at 7pm on Thursday, 2 May.
The talk focuses on the goings-on at Pineios Gorge on 18 April 1941, when three Anzac infantry battalions fought to prevent the whole of the ANZAC Corps from being cut off by a German flank attack. They took their turn to be smashed into pieces by German armour. Knowing full well what was to come, the men of these battalions stood their ground until the units of which they were a part were broken into fragments by the weight of panzer fire.
Dr Ewer and Ms Gerolymou have been collaborating on research that aims to promote the bravery of the men who died fighting Nazism. Based on oral histories from the residents of Ampelakia, they have sent out to find the Anzac soldiers buried by local villagers immediately after the battle. This is a fascinating story, in a history that continues to bind together the peoples of Greece, Australia and New Zealand.
The lecture takes place at the Delphi Bank Mezzanine of the Greek Centre (168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne). The lecture is part of a series of free seminars, however individuals or organisations are welcome to donate against a lecture of their choice. Email info@greekcommunity.com.au or call 03 9662 2722.