Daughter of Captain Reginald Saunders shares story of his Cretan ties at Sydney talk

·

The Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens (AAIA) held a talk at The University of Sydney on Tuesday, May 16 on Indigenous ANZAC, Captain Reginald Saunders.

The talk was given by Captain Saunders‘ daughter, Glenda Humes, about the story and life of her father, who was the first Aboriginal Australian to be commissioned as an officer in the Australian Army.

During the talk, Ms Humes shared Captain Saunders’ strong connection to the Greek island of Crete during WWII.

The Indigenous Australian fought in the Battle of Crete with the 2/7 battalion and was supported by the Tzangarakis family from the village of Labini in Rethymno prefecture. He evaded capture on Crete for almost one year until he finally escaped to Egypt.

Many people attended the event in the auditorium of the Chau Chak Wing Museum, including officials such as the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; Director of the AAIA, Dr Stavros Paspalas; the President of the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW, Emmanuel Vitetzakis; and the Secretary of the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign, Nick Andriotakis.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney unites generations at vibrant Ypapanti Dance

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney held its second inter-generational Ypapanti Dance in traditional paniyiri style at the Greek Community Club.

Greek Glendi shines at Canberra’s National Multicultural Festival

Canberra came alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of Greece over the weekend as the National Multicultural Festival took place.

Cousins Danielle and Vicki Vlahos battle over $800k loans and fashion label

Two cousins, Danielle and Vicki Vlahos, who founded the $7 million fashion label Portia & Scarlett, are embroiled in a legal battle.

David Catsoulis promotes new $477m mining venture amidst past failures

David Catsoulis, a twice-bankrupt mining promoter, is once again pursuing a new venture, despite past failures.

Sarantis Parissos faces victim impact statements over hit-and-run and police car theft

A female police officer who was dragged along the ground in a horrific hit-and-run has expressed doubts about continuing her career.

You May Also Like

Greece’s Ambassador to Australia sends joyous message on bicentenary of Greek Revolution

Greece's Ambassador to Australia, George Papacostas, has sent a message to Greek Australians to mark the bicentenary of the Greek Revolution.

Sydney actress Phaedra Nicolaidis takes on lead role in ‘Arlington’

Greek Australian actress Phaedra Nicolaidis, is currently starring in Arlington at the Seymour Centre. Read more here.

Greek Easter celebrations commence, more intimate than ever before

This year families will be celebrating Greek Easter differently, yet it doesn’t mean we can’t make it as fun and connected possible.