The Australian Embassy in Greece presented a photo exhibition entitled “Mates and Allies- A tribute to the bonds forged between Australians and Greeks during the Battle of Crete” at the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, paying tribute to the bonds between Australians and Greeks.
Historian and Neos Kosmos contributor Jim Claven also helped realise the exhibition.
READ MORE: Leaders and officials send messages to commemorate 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete
Through 59 unique photographic items from the Australian War Museum, the exhibition attempts a historical look at the participation of Australian soldiers in the Allied campaign in Greece, starting in March 1941 and ending at the Battle of Crete (May 20 – June 1, 1941).
The Greek Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Ioannis Kefalogiannis and the Ambassador of Australia Arthur Spyrou inaugurated the exhibition together with the Director of Marketing and Communication of Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos.
The exhibition pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Australians and other allied soldiers in Crete and to the strength and generosity of the Cretan people who not only fought valiantly to defend their island, but also sacrificed, protected and helped the troops escape.
“We thank them and we will never forget them,” the organisers noted.
The exhibition will be open to the intra-Schengen arrivals area of the airport until October 31, 2021.
