BATTLE AGAINST FASCIST INVADERS
The Battle of Crete, fought between May 20 and June 1, 1941 also known by the invading Germans as Operation Mercury, was the first major airborne invasion in World War II which involved over 25,000 German paratroopers.
The Germans expected the Cretans to kneel, instead they met bloody and determined resistance by Cretans and Anzacs. The invading Germans suffered heavy casualties with over 6,000 dead and wounded.
The Germans’ retaliation included massacres of civilians. The battle was a significant turning point in the war, as it marked the first time that Germany had faced significant resistance from Greeks and Allied forces. The battle was also notable for the large-scale use of airborne forces by the Germans, and the heroic resistance put up by the Anzacs, many of whom were eventually evacuated to Egypt.
The Anzacs, played a significant role in the Battle of Crete. Anzacs were tasked with defending the key airfield at Maleme, which was the main objective of the German invasion. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, the Anzacs fought with bravery and tenacity, managing to hold off the German forces for several days. However, they were eventually forced to retreat, and many of them were captured by the Germans. Those not captured were hidden by Cretan civilians or joined the Resistance.
The Cretan resistance, made up of civilians and local fighters, launched guerrilla attacks against the German forces, disrupting their supply lines and communication networks. The Cretans also provided vital intelligence to the Allied forces, helping them to better understand the German tactics and movements. The Cretan Resistance suffered heavy losses during the battle, with many civilians being executed by the Germans for their role in the resistance. Despite this, the Cretans continued to fight on, and their bravery and determination became a symbol of resistance against Nazi oppression.
82 YEARS ON A FRATERNAL BOND
Australia’s Greek communities united in remembrance as they commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Crete. From Perth to Adelaide, Canberra to Sydney, events were held to honour the sacrifices made during this pivotal moment of World War II.
Lieutenant General Georgios Kiriakou, Chief of Staff of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, attended the commemorative gatherings, and engaged with community representatives as a way of sustaining the enduring bonds between Australia and Greece.
To mark the annual celebrations Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the sacrifice of Australian, New Zealand, British and Greek soldiers that stood shoulder to shoulder with the Cretan people to defend their island from the Nazi invaders in 1941.
“Vastly outnumbered and facing an enemy buoyed by recent success, almost 800 Australians were killed or wounded, and over 3000 captured. And although the island ultimately fell, we will never forget the heroic Cretan struggle to retain control of their homeland, nor the compassion of those who sheltered Allied soldiers following defeat,” Albanese said.
“Eighty two years on, we commemorate these historic events, and honour the many civilians and soldiers who were wounded or killed in battle. We also celebrate the enduring bonds between Australia and Greece forged from out of that terrible experience.”
Echoing the sentiments of the Australian prime minister, Greece’s prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis shared a message of remembrance and “unity” stressing how this chapter of shared heritage galvanizes the present and future, “imbuing us with resolute determination in our daily struggles for solidarity, human dignity, democracy, and peace.”
“The Battle of Crete stands as a pivotal turning point in the chronicles of World War II, a resolute impediment against the invading forces that left an indelible mark on the trajectory of Axis military operations in the broader region.
The inhabitants of Crete, aware of the overwhelming odds against them, courageously fought and with limited resources, they defended their island and were propelled by unwavering self-sacrifice. For New Zealanders, Australians, British, and Greeks the Battle of Crete forged an unparalleled historical juncture. It laid the bedrock for the robust diplomatic relations we now cherish, built upon shared ideals and collective aspirations.”
Tony Tsourdalakis, the President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand noted that this anniversary will be etched in our memory forever.
“With the self-sacrifice of our ancestors as a lighthouse, and the fight they put up in Crete in 1941 against the Germans, we will keep them as shining examples for the coming generations. We have a sacred obligation to continue to celebrate. They gave their lives then so that we can live free today.
The flowers on the memorials of Australians and New Zealanders in Rethymno andSouda but also those of our grandfathers all over Crete, send an ancestral message. That freedom cannot be bought but is won through struggle and sacrifice. Lest we forget.”
BATTLE OF CRETE HOUNOURED IN PERTH, ADELAIDE, CANBERRA AND SYDNEY
In Perth, Lieutenant General Kiriakou embarked on a series of encounters and delivered a presentation on Greece and the Battle of Crete to the students at St Andrew’s Grammar. The lieutenant general also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the State War Memorial and received updates on the progress of the Battle of Crete Memorial Committee’s project on his visit to the Consulate of Greece. The presence of the new Governor of WA, Chris Dawson AC APM, marked Australia’s shared commitment to honouring the fallen Anzac and Greek warriors.
Meanwhile, the Cretan Association of South Australia, with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in the Adelaide District, held a doxology and church service at the Greek Orthodox Parish Agia Sofia in Brompton. A wreath-laying ceremony followed at the Adelaide State War Memorial, organised with the Greek Consulate General of Greece, who payed homage to the courage of those who fought and fell in Crete.
Canberra, also joined in honouring the fallen of Crete. The Hellenic Club of Woden hosted a welcome luncheon, followed by a meeting with Royal Australian Navy Vice Chief of Defence, Admiral David Johnston AC.
The visit continued at the Embassy of Greece in Australia, in the presence of Ambassador H.E. Georgios Papakostas. On May 17, the Cretan Association of Canberra and Districts hosted a commemorative service and wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian Hellenic Memorial, followed by tributes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a VIP Tour of the Australian War Museum.
In New South Wales, the Cretan Association held a cocktail party at the Cyprus Club in Stanmore which brought together community members, officials, and a younger generation of Cretans who all payed tribute to the defenders of Crete. Dignitaries from both Australia and Greece, included Consul General Yiannis Mallikourtis and Lieutenant General Georgios Kiriakou, and both delivered poignant speeches, emphasising the bond between the two nations forged in that watershed battle.
JOIN THE NATIONWIDE BATTLE OF CRETE COMMEMOTIVE EVENTS
NSW
Sunday 21 May
The Cretan Association of New South Wales, in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, will co-host a solemn Church Service & Doxology to mark the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Crete. The service will commence at 9am at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of our Lady, located at 242 Cleveland Street Redfern. This event serves as a poignant tribute to the brave individuals who fought in Crete.
VIC
Friday 19 May
The Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council of Victoria, alongside the City of Merri-bek, will unveil the ANZAC Greece Commemorative Plaque at 2pm. This ceremony will be a significant moment to honor the memory and sacrifice of those who participated in the Battle of Crete.
Saturday 20 May
The Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council will hold the Official Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony to commemorate the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Crete. The ceremony will take place at 12pm at the eternal Flame of the forecourt, located at the Shrine of Remembrance. Additionally, the Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation will host a commemorative ceremony at 1pm, held at the Australian Hellenic Memorial in the Domain Gardens. These events will pay tribute to the heroic actions of the soldiers who fought in Crete.
The Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, under the auspices of the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand, will celebrate the Battle of Crete through a Traditional Cretan Glendi at 7pm. Held at the Cretan House, 148 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East, the event will feature captivating performances by the Association’s Dancing Groups and live Cretan music.
Sunday 21 May
The Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council, in conjunction with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – Melbourne District, will host a Church Service and a Doxology in the presence of Bishop of Sozopoleos Kyriakos. The ceremony will begin at 10am at St. Constantine & Helen, situated at 35 Barry Street, South Yarra. Furthermore, the Pancretan Association of Melbourne and the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne, in collaboration with the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand and the Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council, will host the Official Commemorative ANZAC Luncheon at 2.00pm. This luncheon will pay tribute to the last surviving ANZAC Crete Veteran and their descendants, honoring the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Crete. The venue for the luncheon will be the Cretan Village, located at 90 Cathies Lane, Wantirna South.
NZ
Monday 22 May
The City of Wellington will host a dignified Cocktail Reception at 6pm to mark the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Crete. This event will also celebrate the Wellington-Chania Sister City Program and will take place at Wellington City Hall.
Tuesday 23 May
Lieutenant General Georgios Kiriakou, Chief of Staff of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, will visit the Holy Metropolis of New Zealand, where he will meet with Metropolitan Myron. A Luncheon will follow at Oikos Greek Restaurant, hosted by the Honorary Consul of Wellington, Mr.
Wednesday 24 May
The Cretan Association of New Zealand in conjunction with the Returned Services Association of New Zealand are hosting a wreath laying ceremony at the Pukeahu National War Memorial, at 12pm followed by a meeting with the Minister for Veteran Affairs Meka Whaitiri at the Wellington State Parliament. There will also be a meeting and morning tea with Vice Chief of New Zealand Defence Forces, Air Vice Marshal Tony Davies.
Thursday 25 May
In collaboration with the Metropolis of New Zealand a doxology and church service will be held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral “Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (3 Chania Street Wellington) at 9am.
NT
Saturday 27 May
The Cretan Association of Northern Territory will hold its Annual Dinner Dance, dedicated to commemorating the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Crete. This event will take place at the Greek Community Centre, situated at Cavanagh Street, Darwin, starting at 7pm. Attendees will be treated to captivating live Cretan music performed by Anastasios Bouhlis (Lute & Vocals), Antonis Kourakis (Lyra & Vocals), and Anastasios Georgakakis (Lute).
Sunday 4 June
In collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese- Adelaide District, the Cretan Association of Northern Territory will host a Doxology and Church Service to mark the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Crete. The solemn ceremony will take place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral St. Nicholas, situated at Cavanagh Street, Darwin. Additionally, a Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor the memory of those who fought in Crete will be held at the Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial, located in Bicentennial Park, Esplanade, Darwin City, at 1pm.
TAS
Sunday 28 May
The Cretan Association of Tasmania, in conjunction with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – District of Tasmania, will host a Church Service & Doxology. This solemn ceremony will serve as a moment of reflection and remembrance.
Furthermore, the Cretan Association of Tasmania will organise a requiem and wreath laying ceremony at 1pm. The ceremony will take place at the Domain Cenotaph, situated in Queens Park on Anzac Avenue. It will be a poignant tribute to honor the sacrifices made during the Battle of Crete.
To conclude the commemorations, the Cretan Association of Tasmania will host a Formal Reception at 2pm. The reception will be held at the Hellenic Hall (67 Federal Street), North Hobart. The event will see the presence of esteemed representatives from Parliament, the Governor of Tasmania, the Australian Armed Forces, the Tasmanian Returned Services League and its sub-branches, Australian Army Cadets, Pipe and Drum Bands, local schools, and the Hellenic Community. It will be an occasion to come together and pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice displayed during the Battle of Crete.
