The Pan Macedonian Association of NSW will be commemorating the Battle of Vevi on Sunday, April 21 at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park from 3pm.
Craig Collie will be the keynote speaker at the event. With a background in documentary filmmaking, Mr Collie brings a vivid narrative to the stories of the past, including in his book about the 1941 Greek Campaign Where the Flaming Hell are we?
The Battle of Vevi is an often-forgotten page demonstrating the bravery and resilience of the Australian forces in Greece in World War II, reflecting the spirit of resilience and heroism that characterises the shared history of Hellenes and Australians in peace and in war. It also marked the first time the ANZACs faced the Nazis in Europe in battle.
The Battle of Vevi was fought in April 1941 around the village of Vevi in northern Greece. Around 1,700 Australian troops from the 2/4th and 2/8th Battalions were deployed in strategic defensive positions, protecting the flank of the Hellenic forces fighting the fascists of Mussolini in Albania. Despite their valiant efforts, the overwhelming strength of the Nazis forced their retreat.
An estimated 25 ANZACs remain officially ‘Missing-In-Action’ from the Battle of Vevi, probably killed in action and buried by the Nazis on the battlefield. Their graves have yet to be located.
Confirm your attendance at the event on Sunday, April 21 by contacting the secretary of the Pan Macedonian Association of NSW Costa Dantos on 0451 416 191 or email at coostad@gmail.com by Friday, April 15.
