The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, has presented a Commemorative Medallion of the Hellenic Republic to Alison Pearson in recognition of the military service of her grandfather, Private William Allen John Woods, during the Second World War.
The medal honours Woods’ role in defending Greece during the German invasion in 1941. According to family accounts shared by Pearson, the Australian soldier was captured by German forces in June 1941 while fighting in Crete.
Following his capture, Woods was held as a prisoner of war in Poland for several years before being liberated at the end of the war in 1945, when he returned to Australia.
Presenting the medallion, Mr Skemperis acknowledged the sacrifice and courage of Allied soldiers who fought alongside the Greek people during the war.
The recognition forms part of Greece’s ongoing efforts to honour foreign servicemen who supported the country during one of the most difficult chapters in its modern history.
“Greece never forgets those who fought by its side,” the Consulate said on social media.
