The creation of a memorial on the site of the famous ‘charge at 42nd Street’ by ANZAC troops during the Battle of Crete is a step closer, thanks to the efforts of the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW.
The site of the charge near Souda, where Australian and Kiwi troops pushed back the German advance on 27 May 1941, (one of the few occasions the Germans were pushed into retreat during the whole of the Battle of Crete), has never had even the most simple signage to mark it.
Nick Janes, president of the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW told Neos Kosmos: “It’s a worthy cause. We’re not a particularly wealthy organisation, but we were just waiting for the opportunity to do something to help.
“Glenda’s a very capable person and I’m sure she can realise what she and the trust have set out to do. This particular battle is something people should know about. It’s an important project and long overdue.”
Last year Glenda Humes – the eldest daughter of Aboriginal ANZAC Reg Saunders, who took part in the 42nd Street action – set up a charitable trust ‘The Friends of 42nd Street’ as the legal entity to manage donations to the $30,000 project.
Glenda and her two sisters Judith and Dorothy flew to Sydney from their home in Queensland for the fundraiser and said they were “bowled over” by the evening, which was attended by 270 people.
“It was a wonderful night and we’re very grateful for the generosity shown by the Cretan Association of Sydney and New South Wales, the Cretan Federation and the Australian Hellenic Council, and their members,” said Glenda.
“My dad’s battalion – the 2/7th – that fought at 42nd Street were of course from Victoria, so we hope Victorians and those of Cretan and Greek heritage in Melbourne will also be able to get behind the project.”
A major hurdle to be overcome she says, is the need for confirmation of the site for the memorial by the Chania Municipality.
“They told us last year that they support the memorial being erected, but we need help in getting them to confirm the specific site.
“I appeal to anyone who has connections to the Municipality to give us a hand on this.”
The Friends of 42nd Street Trust seeks the practical support of organisations and individuals who are in a position to make donations to the project or who may be able to help realise the memorial in other ways. Glenda Humes can be contacted by email at kirrin@hotmail.com