Flying the flag: The Greek flag was flying high above the Shepparton cenotaph for the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Crete commemorations.
Photo by
Murray Silby
“A sickly, sweet smell drifted through the area getting stronger until one could taste it in the mouth. The smell was of the dead. I can still taste it. Once it is with you, you never forget it!" — Ted Randolf 2/7th Field Ambulance Australian Imperial Force.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
As the war in Ukraine is reminding us, war never leaves those who live through it. The quote above was recorded 40 years after the Battle of Crete.
On Friday, May 20 at the Shepparton cenotaph, 81 years to the day after the start of one of the key conflicts of World War II, members of Australia’s Greek community, along with visitors from the Mediterranean island of Crete, gathered to show the sacrifices of the Australian, New Zealand and British soldiers, and the people of Greece, had not been forgotten.
Wreaths were laid, a ceremonial tree planted and a plaque commemorating the event unveiled.
Battle of Crete Commemorative Council of Victoria chairman Jim Papadimitriou said it was important to hold the ceremony in Shepparton because of the city’s strong Greek population.
Remembering: Chairman of the Battle of Crete and Greece Commemorative Council of Victoria Jim Papadimitriou lays a wreath during the commemoration.
Photo by
Murray Silby
“The significance of today is that we’re essentially recognising the Shepparton-based veterans who made their sacrifices in Crete and Greece, and we’re increasing and broadening our horizons by including the Shepparton community into the commemorations, and the unveiling of the plaque and the planting of the tree are symbols of that and has reinforced that today,” he said.
Mr Papadimitriou said the Battle of Crete, although not a victory for the Allies, had not been given enough recognition for how it slowed the advance of the Germans during World War II.
“It’s very underrated,” he said.
“In terms of the whole context of World Word II and Hitler’s advance during that period, they thought they were going to overtake Crete in a day and it took them 12 days and I think that severely hampered their progress to the east, towards Russia and I think from a military perspective it was significant, but from a human, bravery and resolve perspective, I think it’s just as significant, if not more.”
Digging in:Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis and City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O'Keefe during the ceremonial planting at the Shepparton cenotaph.
Photo by
Murray Silby
Municipality of Malevizi Mayor Menelaos Bokeas said Greek soldiers from the island of Crete were on the mainland of Greece fighting the Germans there when their homeland was invaded.
“Only civilians, women and children and elders remained, so it was an act of heroism,” he said.
“With the help of the Australians, British people and New Zealanders they didn’t win, but of course they delayed Nazism and caused much damage to the German army, so it was a great action of World War II.”
Mr Bokeas said the ceremony in Shepparton recognised the great sacrifices made by soldiers from Shepparton buried in Cretan soil and the villagers who fought alongside them.
“We continue to remember this great action, these great people fought for freedom,” he said.
