The annual Anniversary Commemoration Service for the Battle of Kalamata, hosted by the Society of Kalamata ’23 March,’ brought together dozens of members, and guests at the Australian Hellenic Memorial in the Domain Gardens, Melbourne.
The crowd gathered for the wreath laying ceremony at 12.30pm to honour the ANZACs and other Allied soldiers who served and those who died defending the Greek port city of Kalamata 83 years ago.
The Battle of Kalamata, which occurred on the evening of 28 April 1941, witnessed Australian, New Zealand, and British troops triumph over their German adversaries.
The commemoration service also acknowledged Kalamata’s pivotal role as a key embarkation point for Allied troops and the local community’s support for their Allied defenders. Despite the successful evacuation of thousands of soldiers, many were captured as Allied ships could no longer safely embark troops due to the advancing German forces.
“Tell them we were here” was the call that went out across Kalamata, as the last embarkation boats rowed away, leaving eight thousand allies, Australians, New Zealanders, British, Indians, Cypriots, Palestinians (Muslims and Jews), Yugoslavs & Greeks, on the beaches of Kalamata to make their own way home.
The trisagion was followed by speeches from officials and community representatives, including President of Victoria’s RSL Hellenic Sub-Branch, Steve Kyritsis and Emmanouel Kakavelakis, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne.
Dignitaries, members of the clergy and several spectators were present at the event.
More photos below:
