The Presidential Guard of the Hellenic Republic, known as the ‘Evzones’, is the elite ceremonial division of the Hellenic Armed Forces. With the approval of Greece’s President and support from the Foundation for Hellenic Studies, the Evzones participated prominently in this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations.
The presence of the Evzones at the parade symbolised the deep historical ties and mateship between Hellenic and ANZAC forces, forged through shared history, particularly during the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War and the Axis invasion of Greece in World War II, notably the Battle of Crete.
During a Dawn Service at the West Torrens Memorial Gardens on Friday, April 25, the Evzones stood guard alongside Australian army battalion in remembrance.
Reflections at the Dawn Service recounted the tragic fate of over 2,400 Australian and British POWs at Sandakan, Borneo during WWII, where only six survived. Prisoners suffered brutal treatment, starvation, and forced death marches. A planned rescue failed due to poor intelligence and leadership, and the truth was later suppressed.
South Australia’s Minister for Transport, the Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, speaking at the event, emphasised the historical significance and symbolic unity represented by the Evzones’ participation.
“[You might be asking] Why are soldiers of the Hellenic Republic present at the West Torrens Dawn Service to honour our Australian forefathers and veterans? Many South Australians may not be aware that the Anzacs [were] staged on the Greek island of Lemnos before embarking on the landings at Gallipoli. Indeed, one of the first Commonwealth cemeteries established abroad was on that Greek island,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“Lemnos served as a crucial staging post, fielded hospital, and the place to which the Anzacs withdrew after the evacuation of Gallipoli.”
Mr Koutsantonis further highlighted Greece’s ties with ANZACS in World War II.
“In October 1940, Greece became the first country to repel an Axis invasion, marking the first successful Allied land campaign against the Axis in Europe. The victory boosted morale across the British Empire and here in Australia,” the Minister explained.
“Prime Minister Churchill immediately dispatched British and Anzac forces to assist the Helene army and defending against a subsequent German invasion. Over 17,000 Australian troops served in the Greek campaign of 1941. They fought alongside Greek forces [including Evzones] across the mainland and Crete.”
Minister Koutsantonis concluded by recalling the evacuation efforts from the Peloponnese to Crete and Egypt, comparing them to the evacuation at Dunkirk. He noted the staggering human cost.
“The heroism of the Battle of Crete was legendary. The bond they shared with their Greek comrades-in-arms was deep and enduring, and their affection for the civilians who aided them was unique,” he said.
“More than 17,000 Australians served in Greece during World War II; of them, 646 died, and over 8,000 were captured. The Hellenic army suffered 13,000 dead and 42,000 wounded.”
Following the Dawn Service, the Evzones commenced their march through the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, beginning on Rundle Street, passing through Rundle Mall, and joining the official ANZAC march along North Terrace.
Positioned between the French and Polish delegations, the Evzones marched past the South Australian Parliament and continued along King William Road, where Her Excellency Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and other distinguished guests and officers presided over the commemorative parade.
Many parade attendees gazed at the Evzones with wonder, fascination and intrigue at the uniqueness of their uniforms and marching techniques.
The participation of the Evzones in the ANZAC Day parade symbolised an enduring acknowledgment of courage, bravery, and the ideals and values shared between Australia and Greece, reminding all present of the profound historical connection between these two nations through hardships, struggle and sacrifice.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
