Much has been written about the Battle of Crete and the Battle of Greece, and more is to be written about the time when Greeks and Australians fought bravely and sacrificed their lives for freedom. Years later, both Australian and Greek veterans met, time and time again, after the elements had washed away the blood-soaked fields of valour.

Many battlefields are known to the few, but all shed tears for comrades left behind. Thus, the battles for Greece and the Isle of Crete continued throughout history.I remember the time in 1991 when the Telamon Force flew to Greece to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the battles between Greece and Crete. We were approximately 120 (Australian Defence Force) strong, not including civilians who were journalists and had volunteered to observe and record the commemoration.

Representatives from all sides were invited to remember the carnage of battles long ago. Veterans of both sides embraced each other, and there was no animosity toward each other, despite Australian media’s hunger for sensationalism publishing stories about veterans clashing.

The Australian Contingent had been selected from across Australia and from those soldiers whose fathers had fought during the Battles of Greece and Crete. The Contingent also had five Australian soldiers of Greek heritage, and their role was to assist the Force Commander in liaising with their Greek Defence Force counterparts.

The Australian Contingent were well disciplined and professional, and their behaviour was exemplary. Everywhere Australian and New Zealanders went, they were very well received. Lieutenant Gullet – an ex-soldier, politician, and ambassador to Greece post WWII – remarked when strategically retreating that “the Greek people made them feel like their own”.

The story of Telemon Force has yet to be crafted, and it should be written for the Contingent, which lost a number of its members once they returned to Australia and continued with their regular duties. Sad indeed, and apart from those who fought and died during WWII, we must not forget those who died later from their wounds and battle scars of their youth.

I am happy to note that the Battles of Greece and Crete have not been forgotten by the people of Greece or those who have embraced other nations like Australia and New Zealand and call them home.

I know that the Battles of Greece and Crete are commemorated in Australia.As for this little bloke, I pay my silent tribute to all those of yesteryear and the names of all the ANZACS who gave their lives, etched onto marble stele, at the Hellenic ANZAC Memorial in Pellana, Laconia, Greece.May current generations not forget their sacrifice and that their memories live long after we have all gone. May all those who now lie buried on Greek soil embrace one another as companions in the afterlife?