Jim Claven
News –
Recalling Arthur Leggett’s Greek Campaign in celebration of his 103rd birthday
I had the pleasure of speaking with Greek campaign veteran Arthur Leggett on 8 September 2021, on the occasion of his 103rd birthday. Arthur is a legend amongst Australia’s Cretan …
Life –
Anders Lassen – Special Forces Hero and his part in Greece’s WW2 story
I have been following the trail of Major Anders Lassen and his part of the Greece’s WW2 story for some time. Readers of Neos Kosmos may have read my articles …
Features –
A Sydneysiders 1915 guide to Lemnos – Walking Lemnos with Private Henry Gissing
Recently I talked with Peter Gissing from Wagga Wagga. Peter’s grandfather Henry – or Harry as he was known – was one of those veterans who not only served on …
Features –
The Taste of Freedom – Melbourne’s Pammesinians celebrate 1821 with a showcase of Peloponnesian food, wine and philotimo!
We all know that food, drink and hospitality are an essential element of Hellenic culture. History tells us that this is as much a facet of Greek life today as …
Features –
Escaping the Mani – The WWII Odyssey of Camberwell’s Captain Robert Vial
I have written previously about some of the Allied escapes from the coastal villages of the Mani following the German capture of Kalamata in late April 1941, including that of …
Features –
New WW1 photographs of Lemnos discovered
You would think that after more than a century that there wouldn’t be much new to discover about the Gallipoli campaign – and particularly the Greek Aegean Island of Lemnos’ …
Features –
Celebrating the Greek Revolution: A Grecian guide to Edinburgh, the Athens of the North
Classical Greece’s impact on civilisation was immense, its influence stretching far and wide. And when communities throughout the western world experienced their own period of greatness, they reached back to …
Features –
‘Po Atarau’ or ‘Now is the Hour’ – The Lost Song of Sfakia
Music and song is an important element of human endeavor and interaction. Whether at times of celebration or times of sadness, we all can be touched by an appropriate tune …
Life –
The Art of Sacrifice: A new book celebrates George Petrou’s commemorative art
Many readers will be aware of Melbourne artist and graphic designer, George Petrou OAM and his paintings of individual Anzacs and celebrated Australians. His distinctive paintings which vividly bring to …
Features –
Celebrating the Greek Revolution: An American photographer in 19th century Athens
One of the scenes that comes to mind when we think of our next trip to Greece is the view as we look up to the Acropolis from its surrounds. …