Victorian Battle of Crete veteran ‘Norm’ William Maddock tragically dies aged 97

·

Yesterday it was announced that Battle of Crete veteran Norman “Norm“ William Maddock OAM passed away peacefully at the age of 97.

Norman was part of a special military division in the Australian Imperial Forces, who are particularly noted for their service and sacrifice on the Island of Crete in 1941.

Norm was involved in a series of actions aimed at delaying the German advance, as well as in rearguard positions that enabled the successful withdrawal of thousands of allied troops.

VALE NORMAN WILLIAM MADDOCK We sadly inform the Cretan Community of Australia that yesterday our dear friend and…

Posted by Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand on Friday, 19 June 2020

Norm managed to reach the port of Kalamata in the southern Peloponnese and was evacuated on the Costa Rica. He fought in Georgioupolis, Chania and the Battle of 42nd Street. Norm was captured in Crete but escaped and reached the North African coast by sea.

In 2007 Norm was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for ‘service to the Victorian tramways’, particularly through the Malvern Tramways Museum and as a union official.

Norm has been honoured by prestigious Greek military officials, including the Governor of Crete Mr. Stavros Arnaoutakis in 2010 and the Head of the Hellenic Defence Forces Mr. Konstantinos Floros in 2016.

Norman Maddock was the last surviving Victorian veteran, yet is always remembered for being present at commemorative events for the Battle of Crete in Melbourne every year.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Back to Greece: Four journeys, one shared return

As the Back to Greece series closes, what remains is more than a collection of travel diaries - it’s a mosaic of memory and identity.

Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney to hold memorial marking 113 years since Lesvos’ liberation

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney will honour the 113th anniversary of the Liberation of Lesvos with a series of commemorative events.

Film Review: ‘Athens Midnight Radio’ is Haralambidis’ nocturnal love letter to Athens

The 30th Greek Film Festival opened last week and featured a screening of Renos Haralambidis’ Athens Midnight Radio (2024).

Elena Pappas honoured with the 2025 Stephen Myall Award

At the Law Institute of Victoria’s annual awards ceremony in October 2025, Elena Pappas was recognised with the Stephen Myall Award.

‘Fertility and Filoxenia’: Empowering conversations on fertility and IVF options

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia and Greek Community of Melbourne invite everyone to attend a free educational event on fertility.

You May Also Like

Anastacia Patsolaridis’ traditional Greek lentil soup recipe

Greek lentil soup (or fakes) is a staple in the Greek kitchen. Anastacia Patsolaridis from Anastacia's Kitchen shares her recipe with us.

Greece can become one of Europe’s “green champions”: EU Commissioner for Economy

Greece is in a position to take the lead among European Union (EU) members in sustainable policies and investments, European Commissioner for Economy Paolo...

Greek teacher, Petros Damianos, creates TV classes for inmates

Petros Damianos, Director of the school at Greece’s Avlona Special Youth Detention Center, has created TV classes for inmates.