Battle of Crete commemorated at the Royal Australian Air Force Base

·

The 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete was commemorated with plenty of fanfare at the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Richmond on June 5.

Members of the Cretan Association of Sydney and New South Wales performed a series of traditional Cretan dances on the day in front of a No. 37 Squadron C-130J Hercules transport aircraft at the base.

The aircraft is similar to what was used by the German Forces in the Battle of Crete in 1941.

Members of the Cretan Association of Sydney and New South Wales. Photo: Facebook.

Leading Aircraftman Yianni Skoulakis, an avionics technician with No. 37 Squadron, organised the visit and played the Cretan laouto during the performance. He was accompanied by the Iho Nyx Band.

“The group thought it was a great honour to come to Richmond and perform their dances in front of the Hercules,” Leading Aircraftman Skoulakis said in a press release.

“A lot of the dancers said it was surreal – they were still on a high after the performance.” 

Leading Aircraftman Yianni Skoulakis plays the laouto. Photo: Corporal David Said.

The performance celebrated the ties forged in 1941 between Australian Diggers and Cretan villagers, who fought alongside one another during the World War II battle.

The visit also commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Greek Independence and the 100th anniversary of the Air Force.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Loverdos strengthens ties with Greek community during Queensland visit

Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos visited Brisbane and the Gold Coast, meeting Greek community leaders.

Heartbreak as Greek duo Anne and Maree eliminated from My Kitchen Rules

My Kitchen Rules viewers were left emotional on Monday night as Greek Australian mother-and-daughter duo Anne and Maree were eliminated.

Antetokounmpo trio make NBA history as Alex joins brothers at the Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed Alex Antetokounmpo, uniting him with brothers Giannis and Thanasis to make NBA history.

Mitsotakis hails ‘historic day’ as he joins Trump at Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis briefly met with US President Donald Trump ahead of the global summit on Gaza’s future

‘A Holy Land at peace’: Trump declares end to two-year Gaza war

Hamas has released the final surviving Israeli hostages from Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal, while Israel freed Palestinian detainees.

You May Also Like

Greece ranks among top three global shipping powers

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, the global shipping industry remains resilient.

Women’s justice champ unveils the untold story of WWII ANZACs from Brunswick to Greece

Phil Cleary's latest project, “Gladys and the Brunswick Boys,” delves into the experiences of World War II ANZACs who fought in Greece.

Late goal sees Xanthi FC settle with draw in first match after Australian takeover

A disappointing late own-goal has seen Xanthi FC settle with a draw against Apollon Larissa, with Australian Joshua Brillante making an impressive debut for the Greek side.