Brisbane marked the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete with the unveiling of the first plaque in Queensland dedicated to the historic Second World War campaign, alongside memorial services and wreath laying ceremonies honouring those who fought and sacrificed during the battle.
The commemorative programme began at the RSL Sub-Branch Memorial in Holland Park, where community members, dignitaries and military representatives gathered for the official unveiling of the plaque — a milestone moment for Queensland’s Cretan community.
His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane conducted a memorial service, offering prayers for the eternal repose of the heroic men and women who lost their lives during the Battle of Crete. This was followed by a wreath laying ceremony.
Addressing attendees, Lieutenant General Konstantinos Bouzos, Chief of Staff of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), reflected on the enduring bonds between Greece and Australia forged through shared sacrifice during wartime.
He said the legacy of the Battle of Crete continues to strengthen ties between the two nations across generations.
Antonios Katsanevas, President of the Cretan Association of Queensland, also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of preserving the memory of the battle and ensuring younger generations understand the values of courage, resistance and freedom embodied by those who fought.
Following the unveiling ceremony, the delegation travelled to the Shrine of Remembrance at Anzac Square in central Brisbane, where a second memorial service was held by Bishop Bartholomew in the presence of Deputy Speaker of the Queensland Parliament Jon Krause.
Wreaths were once again laid in honour of those who fought and fell for faith, freedom and homeland during the Battle of Crete, one of the defining campaigns of the Second World War.
Distinguished guests in attendance included the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Brisbane, George Mastrocostas, Squadron Leader Eleni Theodorou, Head of the External Section of the Public Relations Directorate of the HNDGS, and Lambrini Kokkori, Staff Officer for Middle East affairs at the International Relations Directorate.
