‘An honour’: 105-year-old ANZAC Alf Carpenter awarded life membership of Cretan Association NSW

·

As I walk into a newly-renovated room at Maroba aged care home in Newcastle, Sydney on Thursday, July 21, I was instantly greeted by the huge and cheeky smile of 105-year-old ANZAC and Battle of Crete veteran, Alf Carpenter.

“Lovely to finally meet you,” Alf said softly, while firmly shaking my hand and maintaining eye contact.

For me, the moment was a poignant one.

Having previously spoken with Alf over the phone for an interview to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete last year, I jumped at the chance to meet him in person and join the President of the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW, Terry Saviolakis, and Vice President, Emmanuel Vitetzakis, on their trip to Newcastle to present Alf with the award of Honorary Life Membership of the Cretan Association.

Members of the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW meet with Alf Carpenter. Photos: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

The award ceremony itself took place at Maroba with Alf surrounded by his care staff and closest friends.

Mr Saviolakis approached the front of the room first and gave a small speech explaining how at the Cretan Association’s last Annual General Meeting (AGM), members unanimously voted to award Alf with honorary life membership “on behalf of the Greek Australian community and the Cretan people for his service in the Battle of Crete and Greek Campaign in 1941.”

After Mr Saviolakis presented Alf with the honorary award, Mr Vitetzakis gave Alf a white sariki (Cretan head scarf) on behalf of the Vice Governors of the Region of Crete, Mary Lioni and Kosta Fasoulakis, who visited Australia earlier this year for the Battle of Crete commemorations but were unable to visit Alf due to COVID-19 restrictions.

During his speech, Mr Vitetzakis explained to the residents the significance of the sariki and how it is worn to remember the tears and mourning of war.

The sariki offered by the Cretan Association to Alf.

At the conclusion of these official proceedings, Alf cheekily piped up and asked “may I say something?”, drawing loud applause and laughter from everyone in attendance.

“Ladies and gentleman, this is indeed an honour. Thank you for anointing me as a life member of the wonderful Greeks,” Alf said, before describing what it was like fighting in the Battle of Crete as a Regimental Sergeant Major of the 2/4th Australian Infantry Battalion.

Alf Carpenter.

The 105-year-old later continued this reminiscing over morning tea as myself, Mr Saviolakis and Mr Vitetzakis listened to him share memories from his childhood and the war.

At one stage, Alf was enjoying a lamington, an Australian staple, and even shared how “that was exactly how my mum made them.”

All in all, it was a fantastic day of nostalgia and pride, something which Mr Saviolakis summed up nicely as we said our goodbyes to Alf and I asked him how he felt.

“It was truly an honour and privilege to formally recognise 105-year-old ANZAC, Alf Carpenter, as a life member of the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW today,” Terry answered.

“It was an unforgettable experience to visit Alf.”

Indeed it was.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

IHO NYX brings Greek Rock to centre stage in Sydney this weekend

As Sunday, April 6 approaches, all eyes are on IHO NYX, the band ready to electrify Sydney with a concert dedicated entirely to Greek Rock.

Party for a purpose: Support the Pontian House at the Winter Wonderland Gala 2025

The Pontian Association of NSW Pontoxeniteas will host its highly anticipated Winter Wonderland Gala 2025 on Saturday, May 31, at 6.30 PM.

‘Comedy Cartel’: A night of laughter at the Hellenic Club of Canberra

Get ready for a night of laughter and cultural celebration as Comedy Cartel makes its debut at the Hellenic Club of Canberra this June.

Cypriot courage remembered: Join the ANZAC Day March, keep their legacy alive 

On Anzac Day we commemorate the bravery and good deeds of Australian, New Zealand and Allied forces over many conflicts.

Orthodox Mission in Madagascar uplifted by Australian generosity

As Bishop Theophilos prepares to return to Madagascar, he issued a statement expressing his deep gratitude for the support and affection.

You May Also Like

Greek Australian students in NSW excel in 2022 HSC results

Greek Australian students from Greek Orthodox schools in Sydney, New South Wales excel in 2022 HSC results.

Greece climbs to top 10 in medal rankings at European Championships

Following on Antigoni Ntrismpioti and Miltiadis Tentoglou, Greece has continued to climb in the rankings at the European Championships

Irene Pnevmatikos resigns from South Australia’s Legislative Council

Irene Pnevmatikos MLC has informed the SA Premier of her intention to resign from the Legislative Council due to ongoing health issues.